CANTERBURY ORCHARDS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 59, 16 April 1914, Page 10

CANTERBURY ORCHARDS.

VISIT BY GROWERS.

On February 14 last, various members of the Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association journeyed to Akaroa on a tour of inspection of Akaroa orchards. Yesterday a return visit was paid _by Akaroa members of the association, when various North Canterbury orchards were visited. A party of about 25 met at Papanui and proceeded first to view the domains of the Styx Orchard Company. This company has an area of about 40 acres in trees of various descriptions, and operations are fairly extensive. What was of most interest to visitors was the packing shed, where packing operations were fully demonstrated. * The next orchard receiving attention was that of Mr G. Allington, also at Styx. In conjunction with orchard affairs,' Mr Allington is an expert grower of tomatoes and marrows, the enormous quantity'and excellence of the latter greatly impressing the visitors. Mr Allington's orchard is a young one, covering about seven acres. Mr G. Anderson, of Papanui, was next visited, the party being interested in his packing shed, after seeing which they drove round the district for some time, noticing the various orchards en route.

After lunch, which was partaken of at the Phoenix Hotel, the party visited Mr F. Sisson's cool store at Papanui, and inspected the power spray which he has, discussing various remedies for orchard evils. In his cool store Mr Sisson has at present about 5000 cases of one variety of apple —the Lord Wolseley. Mr Sisson's Stunner orchard and asparagus beds were also inspected with interest, he being the chief asparagus grower in New Zealand. Other places visited at Papanui were Mr Mehrten ? s, where the visitors were entertained at afternoon tea, Mr Terry's, Mr Lane's, and Mr E. Sissons, where the party spent an enjoyable evening, breaking up about 10 o 'clock.