122 NEW SOUTH WALES. 



be growing fruit under less favourable conditions than those possessed 

 by our growers, yet lose no cliance to extend their industry, and find 

 a mai-ket for their produce whenever and wherever they can. In our 

 own Colony we should endeavour to popularise the consumption of 

 fruit as much as possible, and this can only be done by supplying the 

 general public with good fruit at low rates. At present fruit is looked 

 upon more or less as a luxury, instead of which it should be considered 

 as an essential part of every meal, as it is nature's greatest remedy for 

 keeping the mind and body in vigorous health, it is especially valuable 

 in a climate like this, and should take the place in a great measure of 

 the large quantity of animal food consumed by all classes of the 

 community. 



In conclusion, I can only state that there is still a good opening for 

 energetic fruit-growers in this Colony — men who will not be contented 

 with '^good enough," but who Avill have the push and energy to take 

 advantage of any information that will tend to advance their industry, 

 and who will never be satisfied till they are able to turn out fruit 

 second to none in the world, which will go direct from the orchard to 

 the consumers whenever it is possible to do so. This can only be 

 accomplished by an active co-operation of all of our growers, as it is 

 by this means only that we can minimise the cost of production and 

 distribution, and be able to compete successfully against other fruit- 

 producing countries. Keen competition and low prices have compelled 

 the Calif ornian growers to co-operate for their own protection, and the 

 same causes will compel our growers to co-operate if they intend their 

 industry to prosper. 



