INTERCOLONIAL FRUIT CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2970, 12 May 1896, Page 4

INTERCOLONIAL FRUIT CONFERENCE.

"Wellington, May 8. This morning several papers were read on the subject of spraying fruit trees. The writers dwelt on the necessity of orchards beiug kept clean, and Mr Blackmoore, author of one of the papers, advocated the introduction of legislation making the spraying of infected orchards compulsory. Some of the Australian delegates left for Sydney by the Mararoa to-day. At the Intercolonial Fruit-Growers' Conference this afternoon, in the courso of the discussion on the advisability of spraying trees to eradicate pests, Mr Kirk, the New Zealand Government Biologist, said that the Government would introduce a Bill next session to compel growers to keep their orchards clean, and to regulate the transit of fruit. He Bincerely hoped that local feeling would not be allowed to interfere wiih the general principles of the Bill. Mr Ritchie said that as soon as the Bill became law, stringent steps would be taken to enforce its provisions. The Conference carried resolutions in favour of legislation making the cleansing of orchards compulsory; that a list of the best varieties of apples, pears, and plums be received from the fruit societies and published; that the Conference express their appreciation of the liberal rates for the carriage of fruit on the Now Zealand railways; that a museum as suggested in the Government Biologist's report of 1894-1895, be established ; that the fixing of the next place for the Conference bo left in the hands of the delegates from Sydney and Queensland; and that effective Bteps be taken by the various Governments to provent the introduction of insect pests by fruit or fruit trees. The question of the size of fruit cases was held over until the next Conference. A unamimous vote of thauka to the judges of fruit at the show. Mr Corrie (Queensland) said that the grading and packing were bad, and advised New Zealand to pay more attention to these important matters, especially if they intended to send exhibits to Australia. After the customary votes of thanks Iho Conference closed. The Wellington Horticultural Society has addressed a circular to kinderd societies throughout the colony, suggesting the establishment of a museum, with a view to assisting in the advancement of agriculture aud horticulture, and that the Government be asked to initiate the necessary legislation next session. May 10. The delegates to the Fruit Conference visited Mastorton yesterday, whero they were entertained by Mr Beetham. Subsequently they visited the acclimatisation ponds. They expressed themselves highly pleased with the district and at the! courtesy of the Government in arranging for the excursion. I