NEW ZEALAND FRUIT-GROWERS MEETING.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2969, 9 May 1896, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND FRUIT-GROWERS MEETING.

Wellington, May 7. Tho New Zealand delegates to the Fruit-growers Conference met yesterday to deal with a number of local matters. Tho first question dealt with was the desirability of fixing on a standard packing case for fruit. The Nelson case 28 x 14x7 inches, and half case 28 x 7 x 7, the Auckland case 20 x 12 x 11 (inside), aud tho Californian case [dimensions not telegraphed] were proposed. After a luuj: discussion tho meeting by a large majority voted for the adoption of the Nelson case. Mr Avery stated that these cases are made of white pine, and cost 8d each. Several delegates condemned the practice of using the cases a second time, as they are tho means of disseminating codliu moth aud other pests. It was proposed that it should bo made compulsory to steam cases that had been used, but finally it was carried by a largo majority that tho Government bo requested to make tho use of new cases compulsory. Mr Barker (Geraldine) moved that, to prevent tho spread of posts, tho Government bo asked not to return empty cases free, but this was not seconded. Resolutions wore carried in favor of annual conferences in the various fruit-growing centres in turn, tho conferences to bo convened by the Department of Agriculture; and the establishment of State experimental fruit stations, near tho chief centres. A motion in favor of the State establishing a model fruit preserving factory was lost. A motion advocating tho establishment of wholesale fruit markets in each c .nitre was ruled out of order, as a matter for each centre to decide for itself. !t was resolved to recommend tho Government to take stops to ensure tho stowage of fruit cases on the flat, and their careful handling otherwise during carriage to market. The resolutions passed will bo handed to the secretary to the Department of Agriculture.

A deputation of Auckland fruit-growers wailed on tho Hon. Mr Sodden, and asked that the Government should establish au experimental fruit station near Auckland. They p in ted out that owing to tho great variety of soils in tho district it was dillicnlt to decide as to tho best trees to plant, and an experimental farm would bo valuable in this connection. Tho .Premier sympathised with tho deputation, and said that he recognised that the Government in the past had done practically nothing to foster the fruit industry. Ho would consult tho Minister of Lands, who was anxious to assist settlers in those matters, and he had no doubt tho request of the deputation would receive the best attention from bis colleague.