Hepurt of the Department of Agriculture. 



501 



In addition to the 417 samples purchased in the Union and 

 referred to above, samples were analysed on importation, with the 

 results shown hereunder: — 



During the period under review 34 cases occurred in which the 

 proprietors, when prosecuted, were discharged by the courts under 

 section thirty-three of the Act on the plea that the adulteration had 

 taken place without their knowledge. In several cases the barman 

 admitted having adulterated the liquor without the knowledge of the 

 proprietor, the latter being acquitted thereof under section thirty- 

 three of the Act. The barmen concerned were immediately charged 

 with the offence and duly convicted and fined. 



36. Fruit Industry. — Two officers, who have specialized in citrus 

 growing, were appointed to the Division of Horticulture. The rapid 

 growth of the industry demands expert advice to farmers at this 

 stage in particular ; in fact, it would have been a great advantage if 

 this need could have been met a few years ago when planting on a 

 large scale commenced. The growth of citrus orchards is very rapid, 

 as evidenced by the following Census returns: — 



The oranges exported in the past two seasons 1920 and 1921 

 were: 1920, 123,051 boxes; 1921, 231,397 boxes. 



As the report year ends in mid-season, the export for 1922 cannot 

 be given yet. It is estimated, however, at over 20 per cent, in excess 

 of 1921. 



New export regulations came into force with the 1922 season. 

 These were drafted in consultation with the Fruit Exchange, and 

 made provision for a much stricter control of the quality of citrus fruit 



