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The total shipments for the past year show a decrease as compared with the previous year. The low prices obtained in the past few years, together with the resulting lack of cultivation, are probably responsible. e Tomatoes. —During the season large areas were planted with tomatoes, but owing to the unfavourable season the crop was a distinct failure. The total shipment of tomatoes was the lowest on record for the past ten years. Growers are at present preparing their lands for the coming season and it is anticipated that large areas will again be under tomato cultivation. Citrus. —Present indications point towards a fairly good crop being available for export. Much will depend on shipping facilities combined with market requirements. Very good work on the part of growers has been noticeable since the introduction of regulations governing the improvement of the citrus industry. With very few exceptions, growers have responded very well towards renovating their citrus trees, and when the present crop is harvested more intensive work will be carried out. A number of areas have been planted with propagated citrus trees. These trees are doing very well and it is only a matter of time when they will be a credit to their owners. Pineapples. —Negotiations were made for experimental shipments of pines to New Zealand, but on receipt of the f.o.b. price it was decided that more remunerative prices could be obtained locally. Domestic Crops. —As in past seasons, growers have not neglected the planting of their food-crops. Healthy crops of arrowroot, kumaras, taro, and yams may be observed growing in all districts of the island. Monthly Notes. —The following subjects were dealt with during the period. April : Citrus Industry, Cook Islands. May : The Growing of Citrus Trees. June : Fruit-fly Infection in Citrus Fruits. July : Export of Bananas. August: Citrus Industry —General Advice. September : Research Work on Cook Islands Oranges. October : Research Work on Cook Islands Oranges — continued. November : Improvement of Citrus Industry—Noxious Weeds. December : Research Work on Cook Islands Oranges and Soils. January : Noxious Weeds ; Bananas ; Tomatoes. February : Citrus Activities —Pruning. March : Citrus Season, 1934 —Distribution of Citrus Trees. Russet Oranges. Court Cases. Fruit-inspection and Packing-sheds. —During the year the inspection work in packing-sheds has been satisfactorily carried out although adverse reports in connection with loose packing of bananas have been received from New Zealand. During the coming citrus season a different system of inspecting the fruit is being initiated, and it is hoped that this will have far-reaching results. To cope with the large quantities to be shipped the Administration has provided the Arorangi Packing-shed with a third grading unit. This shed is further equipped with gravity conveyers and three lidding presses. The Avatiu Packing-shed is also provided with two lidding presses. All packing-sheds are in a good state of repair. Prosecutions. —During the period under review thirty-six persons were prosecuted and fined for breaches of the Fruit Regulations, the majority being in connection with fraudulent packing of fruit intended for export. Outer Islands. —Two inspectors were allotted to the islands of Atiu and Mauke respectively and a general improvement in the picking and packing was noticeable. By reason of the fact that the Outer Islands shipments were carried on deck, the fruit arrived in New Zealand in much better condition than in previous years. Citrus Experimental Work. —In conjunction with the experimental nursery, two areas comprising \ acre at Tutakimoa and 1 acre at the rear of Ngatipa residency have been planted with several propagated varieties of citrus trees which were raised on the nursery. These trees are being regularly attended to and should provide useful information. The planting out of 2 acres of land in the Titikaveka district has also been completed, the propagated varieties comprising tangerines, mandarins, local navel oranges, Jaffa oranges, also two local varieties of Rarotongan seedlings. One hundred and fifty trees have been planted, the majority having been propagated on the nursery. In time this area should also provide useful data for growers. Research Work. —The Westfield Chemical Works undertook some valuable research work in connection with our citrus fruits and corresponding soils from all districts of the island. Following up this work, a number of trees have been treated as recommended in their reports, and later results should prove of interest. The Department has carried out a number of tests on oranges for acidity. This work is being continued and comparisons noted. Noxious Weeds. —During the year the guava, strawberry guava, and rose-apple were proclaimed noxious weeds. This has entailed a large amount of extra work for the Inspectors and landowners, but it is gratifying to record that growers have responded very well. The Australian burr and lantana causes us no further concern. Elephant's foot weed is being gradually got under control, no new areas of importance being reported. Pitati mamao still persists in growing, but this weed has not made any further progress. The few areas on which it is growing are continually under observation. Thirty-four persons were prosecuted and fined for breaches of the Noxious Weeds Regulations.

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