The Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5991, 28 July 1887, Page 3

The Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association.

A meeting of this Association was held last evening, when amongst those present were Messrs F. Wilding (Chairman), Sisson, Marsh, Guntrip, Elliott, So liter, Nancarrow, Wickens, Hill, I^unweek, Gimblett, Sandtord, Stuart, Woolridge, and F. H. D. Jones, Hon. Sec.

The meeting was held to consider the attitude the Association should take up in the approaching elections'. The meeting was unanimously of opinion that the fruit growers as a body should support en masse candidates pledged to further tbeir interests by the encouragement, in every legitimate way, o£ the fruit industry, by the levying of a moderate Customs duty on such fruits as are adapted to the climate of New Zealand ; by fair concessions to the encouragement of the trade, by fair adjustment of the railway tariff, and by such legislation as may be necessary to prevent the introduction and spread of the various pests, blight, and codling moth, which now handicap the efforts of the producers. A strong expression- was also given that the present Government, particularly the Colonial Treasurer, Sir Julius Yogel, had acted fairly in the interests of the indußtry. The meeting also pledged itself to support Sir Julius Yogel for Chnstchurch North, Mr Frederick Jones for Heatheote, Mr Taylor for Sydenham, Mr Loughrey for Linwood, and Mr Joyce as against Mr Allwright for Lyttelton. A strong wish was expressed that Mr W. P. Reeves would contest the St Albans seat in opposition to Mr Garrick. The services of the Lyttelton Times in the cause of fruit growing were referred to in grateful terms by several of those present. A strong feeling was also expressed that no candidate should have the Association's support unless he pledges himself to advocate in Parliament the establishment of a moderate Customs duty on fruit.