H.—29

18

their respective districts. Fruitgrowers and others manifest a keen interest in these demonstrations, and the attendances, as a rule, are very satisfactory. Apple grading and packing classes have been continued during the year in the main commercial centres, and were well attended. The practice of carrying-out experiments with spray compounds for the control of orchard pests and diseases has been necessarily curtailed since the closing-down in the interests of economy of the Horticultural Stations at Arataki and Tauranga. A few tests on a limited scale were carried out during the year in co-operation with two or three leading fruitgrowers. This system, however, is not satisfactory as very few growers will give the necessary time and attention required in carryingout the details. Better co-operation is hoped for. Four co-operative fruit-testing areas now remain in operation, and are situated at Tane;kaha (North Auckland), Henderson (Auckland), Matatoki (Thames), and Hillersden (Marlborough). The citrus-testing plot established at Henderson in 1919 has reached an interesting stage, and the results obtainable: at an early date should prove of value in connection with citrus-culture generally in New Zealand. The co-operative vine-testing areas established at Te Mata (Hawke's Bay) and Whakatu (Nelson) are receiving satisfactory attention. Definite 1 results from these will not be available for a season or two. Orchard Registration and Orchard-tax. The number of commercial orchards registered during the year was 6,673, representing a total of some 30,000 acres. Tax demand notices were sent out to all registered orchardists, and the amount of £1,953 collected in orchard-tax. This amount, less cost of collection, was paid over to the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation, Limited, to be utilized in furthering the interests of the fruitgrowing inelustry in the Dominion in accordance with the requirements of the regulations under the Orchardtax Act. Registration and Inspection op Nurseries. The annual registration and inspection of nurseries was satisfactorily carried out. A total of 562 nurseries were registered and inspected, and certificates issued. £562 was collected in registration fees. Proposed School of Horticulture. The establishment of a central School of Horticulture in the Dominion is a matter that has been brought up during the past few years, and one that should not be lost sight of. The New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (Incorporated), which was established during the year, is now on a proper working basis, and a good deal of preliminary work has already been carried out by the secretary (Mr. G. A. Green). The Institute proposes to issue in due course a record of its transactions in the form of a three-monthly report. The usefulness of such a body has been recognized by the Government, which has agreed to subsidize it for one year on the basis of pound for pound raised by the Institute up to £150. Horticultural Stations, etc. Te Kauwhata (Lower Waikato) : The weather experienced at this station during the early part of the year was exceptionally wet, and seriously interfered with outdoor operations. Better conditions, however, existed during the spring and summer months. Very little wattle-bark was taken from the plantations during the year, the ravages of a gall fungus interfering to a large extent with the peelingoff of the bark. It is feared, notwithstanding the efforts made to combat it, that this disease may in time destroy the plantation. Sales of wine produced from the station vineyarel gave a gross return of £4,388 16s. 9d. Papanui Experimental Orchard (Christchurch) : The usual spraying calendar was adhered to in regard to this orchard eluring the past year, with good results both on apples and pears. The trees are looking remarkably well, and with but few exceptions are carrying a good crop of clean fruit. The lease of the orchard expires on 30th June, the property having been taken over for a term of five years in May, 1919, and as it has now fulfilled its purpose the lease will not be renewed. When taken in hand the trees comprising the orchard were old and considerably neglected. The objects the Department had in view were (1) to demonstrate that pests and diseases of fruit-trees could be successfully controlled by the spraying-compounds recommended by the Department for the purpose, (2) to test new spraying-compounds, and (3) to try out theories in reference to the control of orchard pests and diseases. The results obtained have been most successful, both from the viewpoint of the Department and that of the fruitgrower, the present highly improved condition of the trees serving as a valuable object-lesson of what can be done by aelopting correct and up-to-date methods. Imported Fruit, Plants, etc. The examination of all fruit, plants, <fec, imported into the Dominion through the recognized ports of entry —viz., Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, and Bluff —was carefully carried out by the Port Inspectors during the year. The bulk of the consignments arrived in good order and condition. The fruit inspected was practically clear of fruit-fly infection, only a small quantity being condemned on account of this pest. Fumigation was necessary in connection with a number of lines found on examination to be affected with live scale and mealy bug. Several consignments of almonds badly attackeel by the Indian meal-moth (Plodia interpunctella) had either to be rcshipped or destroyed, anel similar action was necessary in regard to a quantity of imported bulbs infected with bulb-mite. A matter which is receiving the consideration of the Department is a scheme of quarantine for imported plants, &c. It is expected that definite proposals may be submitted at an early date. The export trade in plants, &c, has now assumed fairly large proportions, and the examination and issue of certificates covering such has taken up a good deal of the Inspectors' time. The following table gives