CONFERENCE OF FRUIT-GROWERS

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3123, 21 July 1892, Page 2

CONFERENCE OF FRUIT-GROWERS

A representative meeting of fruit growers was held in the lecture room of the National Association Mercantile Chambers, Auckland, on Tuesday last, to consider the question of obtaining legislative measures for dealing with the codlin moth and other insect pests. The following were the delegates present, together with an approximate estimate of the orchard acreage and members represented by them Whangarei, Messrs Dobbie and Macky, 500 acres, 30 members ; Northcote, Messrs Flewellyn and Thompson, 150 acres, 70 members; Onehnnga, Captain Daveney and Mr Roberts, 150 acres, 90 members ; Papakura, Messrs Fulton and Watkinson, 70 acres, 38 members; Waikato, Mr George Edgecumbe. 1205 acres, 120 members ; Wade, Mr Vickers, 70 acres, 20 members ; Otahuhu, Messrs Lippiatt, Foster, and Hutton. 250 acres, 21 members ; Port Albert, Mr Browne, 50 acres, 20 members. In addition to the above, there were several fruit-growers present, and although the meeting had been convened for delegates only, it waa decided that each society or association should exercise three votes, and each individual fruit-grower one vote.

Mr Edgecumbe said the first question to decide was, whether it was desirable that legislative measures should be resorted to for the suppression of the codlin moth and other insect pests. In 1880 the society which he represented had drafted a Bill with this object in view, but on its being submitted to a meeting of fruitgrowers in Auckland at that date, it met with such violent opposition that it had to be abandoned. Since that time a considerable change of opinion had taken place, as the moth had spread so quickly, and had done such immense damage, that fruitgrowers generally had been forced to the conclusion that some repressive measures were absolutaly required. Those orchardists who have gone to the trouble of spraying and bandaging their trees, have found all their efforts nullified in consequence of the carelessness and indifference of their neighbours. He would therefore move that this meeting considers it desirable to take legislative steps to suppress the codlin moth and oth'.r insect pests. Mr Lippiatt seconded, and Messrs Forster and Roberts spoke very strongly in support of the resolution. Mr Peacocke, editor of the New Zealand Farmer, read an extract from that paper to prove that the Tasmanian fruitgrowers considered that legislation had been the salvation of the orchards. He said he was certain that the only hope for New Zealaud orchards lay in the passing by Government of measures for the suppression of these pests. From various sources he had learned that in Waikato, Hawke's Bay, and other parts of Now Zealand, there was a consensus of opinion in favour of legislation. Many people were frightened at the probable cost in carrying out such measures, but he could say that in Tasmania the expense had proved trifling. In one district there, as little as half-a-crown per acre was all that was necessary for the supervision of or chards. The motion being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously. Mr Peacocks then informed the meeting that he had prepared a draft bill upon the lines of the Tasmanian Codlin Act, and he understood from Mr Edgecumbe that the Waikato Society had also prepared one upon similar lines. Mr Edgecumbe pointed out that the difference between the two was mainly upon the question as to whether they should make use of the existing local bodies as the machinery for working the Act —the plan proposed in his bill, or adopt the Tasmanian Act and elect boards of fruitgrowers. From the discussion that ensued it was quite evident that the meeting was not in favour of the local bodies administering the Act. To bring the question to an issue, Mr Edgecumbe moved that the Act be worked by the local bodies. This was seconded by Mr Hutton pro forma, and on amendment proposed by Mr Thompson : That the Acts be administered by Boards

appointed by the local fruitgrowers, was duly carried. The chairman having read the draft of the Codlin Moth Bill prepared by the Waikato Horticultural Society, the following recommendations were adopted for insertion in the Bill:—That the limit of the tax imposed on orchards for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the Act should not exceed four shillings an acre ; that the spraying with arsenites should not be compulsory. That the infected fruit shoull be removed to the nearest cider mill, provided the regulations for the destruction of the moth were carried out previously. Messrs Peacocke, Hutton, Thompson and Lippiatt were appointed a committee to draw up a Bill, and to transmit the same to Wellington with as little delay as possible. The Bill was to be forwarded to Mr Lawry, M.H.R., with a request to get the Government to take up the measure if

possible. The following resolutions were also adopted:—"That in the opinion of this Conference, it is necessary that all ships carrying fruit to the Home market should have tell-tale thermometers titled in their cool chambers, and that representations to that effect be made to the shipping companies "; " That in the opinion of this Conference, the Government be asked to send Mr Hanlon, the Government fruit expert, to Tasmania next March to gain information as to the fruit industry there, and the manner of shipping, and to furnish a report": "That the Government borequested to appoint an entomologist when such could be afforded, and that the State Board of California be asked to appoint a competent man " ; "That the Government be requested to take means to introduce the known natural enemies of our present destructive insects, and that acclimatisation societies bs asked to aid in this direction " ; "That in the opinion of this Conference the attention of the Government be called to the difficulty of importing phylloxera proof vine cuttings"; "That the Government be requested to recognise the existence of the presont Horticultural Associations throughout the country, and that they be consulted iu connection with any legislation brought forward concerning fruit interests " ; "That the shipping companies be asked to reduce the freight on local fruit carried to New Zealand ports below the rates at present charged by them for Australian and island fruit" ; "That the shipping companies be requested to see that more care is exeruisbd in the handling of fruit."

Votes of thanks were passed to the National Association for the use of their rooms ; to Mr Peacocke for his work in connection with the draft Bill; and to the chairman for presiding, and tho Conference dispersed. .