49 



contour of the land rather than by any arbitrary division, thus giving a better 

 and cheaper distribution of the water surface. The total cost of the irrigation 

 system on this property is estimated at about $350,000, or $60 per acre. 



The South Kelowna Land Company controls between five and six thousand 

 acres, three thousand of which are subdivided and contoured. The water sys- 

 tem, which is extensive and will be of a permanent character, is being rapidly 

 developed to cover the entire holding. 



The above-mentioned companies control the larger portion of the land at 

 Kelowna, with the exception, as already stated, of a considerable number of 

 independent holdings of greater or less extent. It is expected that nearly 50,000 

 acres of the land in this district will eventually be brought under the water system 

 and become fruitful and productive land for farms and orchards. 



Shipping Facilities Good. 



There are three extensive distributing agencies located at Kelowna, consisting 

 of Messrs. Stirling and Pitcairn, the Farmers' Exchange and the Vernon Fruit 

 Company. The first named is the oldest firm in the province handling fruit 

 exclusively, and has forwarded fruit in car lots to China and Australia, as well 

 as to Great Britain. Its trade in the prairie provinces is extensive and increasing 

 from year to vear, the shipments of fruit to these markets alone having amounted 

 to 150 cars in 1910. 



The Farmers' Exchange has a magnificent warehouse, 66 feet wide by 160 

 feet in length of re-enforced concrete, with a storage capacity in the basement 

 of over six hundred tons, and excellent facilities for the handling of cars of fruit 

 and produce. This organization is co-operative and has the support of a large 

 number of growers in the district. During the last season, although the crop 

 was small, this company handled 331 cars of fruit, produce and general supplies. 



The Vernon Fruit Company, under the management of Mr. John Speer, 

 has also had a very successful season. All these companies have branches at 

 various points in the Valley. • 



Feuit Growing Profitable. 



In company with Mr. F. A. Taylor, Acting Manager of the K. L. O. Company, 

 Dr. W. H. Gaddes, President of the Central Okanagan Co., Mr. B. McDonald, 

 Manager of the Farmers' Exchange, and Mr. J. M. Robinson of Naramata, a 

 pioneer in drawing public attention to the value and possibilities of this valley, 

 a very interesting trip was made by motor through some of the principal orchards 

 in the surrounding districts. Several prominent fruitgrowers were interviewed, 

 Mr. John Reekie being perhaps a type of the successful orchardist at this place. 



He has a fine property of about 35 acres in extent, fully planted and now 

 beginning to produce profitable crops of fruit. ' His trees range from one to eight 

 years of age and he values his orchard, based upon actual returns, at fully $1,000 

 per acre. He is centering his efforts upon the better class of apples and pears, 

 cherries, currants and gooseberries, all of which are commercially valuable with 

 him. Mr. Reekie is a gentleman who is not making his money out of the sale 

 of land but out of the crops produced from his orchard, and is thoroughly well 

 satisfied with the prospects afforded him in this locality. 



Numerous other fine orchards were visited in the course of the day. In- 

 spection was made of the substantial character of the irrigation ditches that are 

 being provided. A feature of the situation where such systems have been estab- 

 lished, and one which must not be overlooked, is that a good supply of pure 

 domestic water is available, and consequently the most modern sanitary conven- 

 iences may be installed in every country home in these districts. 



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