FORTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT. 93 



that can go through but let us put the- burden or responsibility where 

 it belongs. Let us instruct every one of our legislators to stand by 

 us as fruit men, and see that they inspect the fruit, and then we will 

 get what we want. 



Mr. Lepler: I am a peach grower and have put in ten years at it, 

 and this is a practical question that is being considered. I do not 

 think, however, that the suggestion made that a conviction will stand 

 where the package has not been inspected at point of shipment. 



Chairman: We will now listen to a few words from Mr. Lillie, Sec- 

 retary of the Western State Fair Association. 



Mr. Lillie : I wish to thank the President for this privilege of saying 

 a few words to you. First and foremost, I wish to thank all of you who 

 Avere instrumental in putting up the- splendid exliibit of fruit that we 

 had at the fair here at Grand Rapids this fall. One good thing calls 

 for another, and now I will ask you to come back next fall and do a 

 little better than you did this year. It is unwise to sit still — it is 

 wise to be on the alert to move to the front. I feel that the Fair which 

 we had is only the beginning of what this section of the State can 

 put on in the way of exhibits of all kinds. I know of course that many 

 of you are very busy at Fair time, but I also know that every man 

 among you does what he wants to do, if it is possible, and if he thinks 

 about it quick enough. He will make calculations and preparations 

 for it. Some say, ''I would be glad to make a show but I do not have 

 the time." That is all right for you to talk that way to me, but I be- 

 lieve that if he wanted to make a show he could do it, and he would 

 do it. It is the matter of wanting to do it, then planning for it, and 

 when the times comes, do it. 



You have heard a great deal here about the raising and caring for 

 fruit, how to get it to the consumer. The man who spoke yesterday 

 concerning the California Fruit Exchange, told you how many thou- 

 sands of dollars were spent for advertising. Now I think the same 

 thing is necessary with you — you must create a fruit demand — you must 

 show the people what you have — that you liave tlie goods — cpiality and 

 quantity,' and soon there will be a demand. This was forcibly brought 

 to my attention a few years ago at the Land Show, at Chicago. Michi- 

 gan was there — thousands of Michigan people i>assed through that 

 building and looked over that fruit, and if we heard it once, we heard 

 it a thousand times, "I did not know that Michigan raised such fruit. 

 Where can we find it, and how can we get it? That is the kind of 

 fruit we want. It has the look, the quality, everything that is desir- 

 able." 



So, my friends, it is up to you to get this matter before the people, 

 and I do not know of any better way than for you to see to it that 

 our Fairs shall be well represented with your fruit. By so doing the 

 State is advertised, your section particularly is advertised, and you 

 as a grower receive publicity. So I hope that all of you will make it 

 a point to see to it that your section of the State is represented at the 

 next Fair which will be held at about the same relative time as this 

 year. If you are not already on our mailing list, let us know and we 

 will send you the Premium List of the next Fair. I am sure that you 



