BRINGING AN ORCHARD INTO PROFIT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11697, 17 October 1916, Page 4

BRINGING AN ORCHARD INTO PROFIT.

THE CAPITAL REQUIRED,

Our last article detailed how a well-kept orchard of 20 acres should produce a return ot £560 per annum net to the grower. The question follows, “What is tlfe cost of obtaining such a return, and what are the difficulties':” ’

Firstly, the cost. At a push, a man with £IOO cash, and able to save another £IOO par annum, could manage. He conld not, cf course, bring 20 acres into hearing right away, but he could purchase 30 acres, develop ten acres, erect a small dwelling at the end of five years, and out of income, plant and bring into bearing an additional ten -acres 6f orchard. A smaller amount of capital will develop a smaller area, and those able to utilise a . largercapital can develop much more speedily and come the quicker into their returns.

Space prevents our illustrating ail the calculations, but the booklet,. “The Fruit Lands of the North,” issued by the Romiti- Fruit Lands Development, Ltd., covers the ground very fully, and is obtainable free from the secretary, Box 603, Wellington.' For the convenience of local residents a supply of the books has been obtained by the Ratliff liand Agsucv, Feiliing, who will bo pleased to pest a copy to anyone interested. What are the difficulties? It is obvious that if a man is to save £IOO per annum ho cannot be working on his young, unproductive orchard until it comes into bearing. Supervision for absentees is therefore necessary. Providing the supervision is right, it will cover the question of suitable laud, suitable climate, and a good planting organisation.

The Komiti Estate. Noith Auceland forms a splendid illustration. Next the question of handling the fruit is one of co-operation, and to this end it is necessary to get into a recognised orchard area. Finally, shipping facilities should be good. But send lor the above-mentioned book, ft wiil explain the whole orcharding questioners’ fully. Our next article deals with the question ‘•How LongV The wait for Orchard Protit.”