FRUIT INDUSTRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2565, 28 July 1909, Page 7

FRUIT INDUSTRY.

INTENTIONS OF THE MINISTER.

A PROGRESSIVE POLICY FORESHADOWED.

The Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie) made an interesting statement to a Christchurch “Press” reporter recently regarding his intentions in reference to fostering the fruit industry in New Zealand. Mr Mackenzie has already stated his intention of cutting up the Waerenga fruit experimental station into suitablysized blocks for leasing to men who prove themselves capable of carrying on fruit culture successfully, and he gave further details of his proposals in this connection. iHe said that the area that had been planted was looking very well, and the whole experiment had demonstrated the fact that lands, hitherto 'regarded as absolutely valueless, could he made suitable for fruit-farm-ing. A plot of 25 acres, half in orchard, should suffice to keep a family. Splendid work had been done at Waereroa, especially by a gentleman highly qualified in scientific fruit-growing, who was most enthusiastic in carrying out valuable experiments. The orchards were not ready for cutting up yet, and it was the speaker’s intention, before putting settlers on the blocks, to ascertain that they sufficient knowledge of fruit-growing and .gardening to warrant their being entrusted with areas. Probably the opportunity would be given to a certain number to qualify by putting in a certain time at “the Waereroa station. “If this scheme is a success,” Mr Mackenzie pursued, “I shall endeavor to get the consent of the Cabinet to take up some thousands of acres of land at present lying idle, which might be turned to good account for fruit-culture.

"The industry appears to have a splendid future before it. New Zealand consumes £65,000 of imported apples and tinned fruit every year, the total amount spent in imported fruits of all kinds being £IBI,OOO. Our climate is as good as that of Tasmania for apples and pears, and in these lines Tasmania is doing remarkably well. Even at an 4 average of 10s 6d per 401 b ' ease of apples, shipped, it returns lid net per ]b to the grower. It costs 4s per case to ship apples Home. Wc have demonstrated that fruit can be kept in cold chambers as fresh as possible. We, should not only be able to supply our own requirements, but to ship Home as well. Great Britain spends two millions annually upon imported apples, and ten millions upon imported fruits of all kinds. "We should be preparing for the future,” Mr Mackenzie continued. "The Panama Canal will be through in six years, and when that work is' accomplished we will be within 10,000 miles of the Home market. We should, with 'Tasmania, supply the continuous demand for' fruit at Home, alternating with California. Even if we only get ■a, second-class ocean service, wo stouid easily place our fruit on the Home market within from eighteen to twentyon© days. The Panama Canal has an important bearing upon belief r-ciisn-able articles of export, men as chilled beef. "I have give© Mr T. W. Kirk full charge of the fruit- branch of my Department,” the Minister further explained, "and have instructed him to investigate the • whole subject right fum the initial stages to the final disposal of the produce. I have every hope that Mr Kirk will vindicate the confidence reposed in him in this matter. I intend to specialise a good deal.in the Agricultural Department —this is the age of specialisation as against generalisation. In regard to the experimental fruit stations generally, we are going to considerable trouble _ to secure the very best standard varieties of fruits, so that those who are likely to take up the industry may know that they a.re getting the most suitable trees that it is possible to procure. Speaking generally, I am very hopeful of making the Agricultural Department of great use to”our own people. I realise that the Land and Agricultural Departments should endeavor to arrange outlets for the population in the direction of the natural industries of the country upon areas adjacent to the cities and extending to the -interior, so proportioned as t. O allow the respective pursuits to be carried out with beneficial and successful results.. The officials of the Agricultural Department will keep 111 r" e closest touch with these settlers, assisting and advising them upon an y P? m }; . likely to make for the betterment c.f the industry they are following. . Less inspection and more instruction is the object that I have set m view for the . Agricultural Department. '•