MONEY IN BULBS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19131, 28 September 1936, Page 13

MONEY IN BULBS

MARKET POSSIBILITIES

NEW INDUSTRY SUGGESTED

That, authorities should explore and develop the possibilities of establishing bulb-growing as an industry in New Zealand was the opinion expressed by Mrs. Knox Gilmer, president of the Wellington "Horticultural Society, when she opened the spring show of the Karon Society. She estimated that in 10 years the Dominion, with its advantages of soil and climate, could build up a very considerable trade in biulhs. The home of ihe original narcissus from which show plants had developed was Portugal, and Southern Europe, said Mrs. Gilmer. In tho wild state, the little flowers were very sweet, but in New Zealand they had been developed to a wonderful perfection. The Government or "the powers that be" had not yet. realised the market possibilities of daffodils. As soon as they did so, growers would be rewarded for many years of effort.

It. was tlic same with lilies. There was a market for lily bulbs in Australia which New Zealand could not meet, went on Mm. Gilmer. Bulbs lived only two or three years in the Australian climate, so that there was always a demand for them. The price was slightly higher than if was in New Zealand. '

Dahlias, too. were suitable for export.. and Australia I his year was asking for more dahlias llian 'New Zealand could sent. Gladiolus from the Dominion were of verv high standard, and the variety

"Miss New Zealand" had not been beaten when it- was shown in Canada, America and Australia.

"Not enough publicity is given to these facts," concluded "Mrs. Gilmer.

"It is only by pi at form-speaking and by working among growers and talking with them that one. can make (hem known." She suggested more publicity should be given to New Zealand-grown seedlings. They should he clearly labelled, not sent away and transhipped* without identification as New Zealand products.