H—29

Stone-fruit. —The quantity of stone-fruit produced during the 1947-48 season was greater than that of the previous season. The increase in peach-production was caused by the large number of trees that have recently come into bearing in the Hawke's Bay district. The estimated quantities are : Bushels. Peaches .. .. .. .. .. .. 428,170 Nectarines .. .. .. .. .. .. 37,760 Apricots .. .. .. .. .. 96,800 Plums .. .. .. .. .. .. 139,000 Cherries .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,380 Small Fruits. —Growers continue to extend the areas planted in small fruits. The estimated production of small fruits in commercial areas for the 1947-48 season, compared with the previous season, is:— 1947-48 1946-47 Season. Season. Tons. Tons. Gooseberries :. .. .. .. .. 317 270 Strawberries .. .. .. .. .. 552 380 Raspberries .. .. .. .. .. 763 530 Loganberries .. .. .. .. 29 25 Currants .. .. .. .. .. 145 120 In September, 1947, a representative selection of the best raspberry stocks was planted out on the Dominion Horticultural Station at Levin to compare their vigour and yield and to enable the nomenclature of raspberry stocks to be decided. In addition, black currant and strawberry plants imported from the East Mailing Research Station in England have been acclimatized and are being propagated. It is considered that the work now being done at the Station should be of the greatest benefit to small-fruit growers throughout the Dominion. During the year Dr. C. H. Cadman, Pathologist in Charge of the Scottish Raspberry Investigation, visited the Dominion to investigate and report on the virus status of raspberry-plants in commercial gardens. In his report Dr. Cadman comments most favourably on the comparative freedom of New Zealand stocks from virus diseases, especially of the serious degenerative types. Citrus Fruits. —The estimated citrus production for the 1947-48 season is:— Bushels. Lemons .. .. .. .. .. 107,200 New Zealand grapefruit .. .. .. 75,300 Sweet oranges .. .. .. 17 ,400 Viticulture The grape crop harvested in 1947 was not of such high vintage quality as that of the previous year. The mild summer temperatures and humid, wet conditions were factors in preventing the fruit frOm maturing fully. Indoor Grajpes. —The estimated production of grapes under glass is about 600,000 lb. Wine Grapes.—The weight of grapes harvested is estimated at 2,200 tons, about 200 tons in excess of the previous season's production. This increase can be attributed mainly to the vineyards that have recently come into production. Wine Cellars, Machinery, and Equipment. —Winemakers are continuing to make extensive alterations to their existing buildings and plants to meet increasing needs. New buildings are being laid out on approved lines and are being equipped with up-to-date machinery.

82