FRUIT GROWING IN AUCKLAND.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12484, 10 March 1909, Page 1

FRUIT GROWING IN AUCKLAND.

"Rata" writes in the "New Zealand Herald" : — Henderson in the past was looked upon as a real "hungry" district,: and those who knew it only by repute: were under the impression that even the homely cabbage could not be grown, and it was bpeply' stated that there was not enough feed in the district to carry "a wooden hen to the square mile." Certainly the approach, either .by road or rail, is not remarkable for scenic beauties or rich cultivations, and visitors are invariably surprised when they see the invariably fine orchards which, now exist, even quite close to- the railway line, but are.hidden by belts of shelter trees which surround them. The soil and climate seem to be suitable for most varieties of fruity J but peaches, plums, nectar•ines, apples/ pears, lemons, oranges and grapes,- are generally looked upon as being the most profitable. At the present time over 20 tons of fruit are "sent away from Henderson station each, week, arid the- bulk of it is for -distribution in Auckland. A considerable quantity is sent to Wellington 1 , but. until the new train service has settled down into regularity there is a great risk of delay, and those f rowers who are sending their fruit South' prefer steamer transit, on account _of its certainty. No doubt by next season things will be different, and ' growers are anticipating that a good train servic-3 will make a great . difference in their favour, for a sure and rapid transit .of fruit to a good, market like Wellington must relieve the congested markets here, and better prices will be realised in Auckland, while the-low-er cost of the freight by rail jyill allow of a slight reduction in prices obtained at Wellington, and still leave a fair profit. . . 1 This has been a record season for most fjaiits, though pears and English plums sire a light crop.

There are in London 1700 to 1800 charitable institutions and - agencies, dispensing funds amounting to more than £10,000,000 annually. ' The Nantes municipality has.decided to allow all municipal employees whose salary is not. more than £80 a j : year, an annual gvatuity of '£2 for; each of their children. Those who will benefit by the municipal li_berali-| ty have amongst them 457 children, ' and the town will be called upon to provide £000 a year for this purpose 1 .- As an to marriage. ■the municipality will also give £4 to any employee of the description named who will engage in matrimony.