THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6043, 17 September 1903, Page 2

THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.

(BY TELEGBAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION). WaLLINGTON, Last Night. A DEPUTATION, consisting of Messrs H. B. Williams and W. H. Smith, of Hawke's Bay, and Messrs Lowe, Dudgeon and Edwards, of Motueka, waited upon the Bon. T. Y. Duncan, Minister for Agriculture, on Tuesday evening, to represent certain matters of interest to fruitgrowers. The deputation was headed by Messrs R. McKenzie and Mr A. L. D. Eraser, M.H.R.'s. A most interesting report upon questions pertinent to the industry was presented by Mr Dudgeon, a Tasinanian expert, and now engaged at Motueka, touching upon matters material to fruitgrowers. The deputation strongly supported the Orchard and Garden Pests Bill, and urged its being placed ou the Statute Book this session. It was also suggested that another experimental orchard should be opened by the Government for the purpose of ascertaining the best meaus of dealing with the pests, and the most suitable soil for different fruits. As an incentive to the fruit canning interest, it was suggested that the Customs duties ou the machinery necessary for this work, and which could only be obtained ia America, owing to patent right, should be reduced, or for a tune done away with. The Minister expressed his pleasure at receiving a deputation that represented such an important industry. The Orchard and Garden Petts Bill mu»t, he said, become law, and the Government hal every hope of its being passed this session. The suggestion with regard to a rebate of duty on machinery would be referred to the Minister for Customs, and would receive h>s (Mr Duncan's) support.