GISBORNE ORANGES

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10302, 11 January 1927, Page 2

GISBORNE ORANGES

COMPARE FAVORABLY WITH. BEST AUSTRALIAN

YET HUNDREDS OF TREES ALMOST NEGLECTED

With Island oranges retailing in Gisborne at an annual average price of -Is a' dozen, it should surely be an incentive for the' fuller exploitation of the orange growing possibilities in Poverty Bay. in no part of New Zealand do sweet oranges do better than, in this district, soil and climate combining to further their full development. Grown on rich well drained and sheltered soil, they are practically a siue crop and one that will bring in returns almost irrespective of attention.

Speaking on the question. of orange cultivation in this district a pressman the other day, Mr McJndoe, local orchard inspector, said that an ’indication of the orange growing possibilities in this district could be gained from the fact that, of the hundreds of trees at present bearing in the district, few of them were either cultivated, pruned, or manured. Yet their fruits was found to compare favorably with the Australian importation. With careful cultivation and care, therefore, there was no reason why they could not be placed on the market against the present high valued outside fruit.

A rumor has gained currency that a" local company was being formed to engage in commercial orange growing. To a certain extent the rumor was true, for the proposition was coiisidered > but had been dropped for the time being. Another local proposition to import commercial orange juic-e 1 from the Islands lias also been shelved indefinitely.