CONFERENCE ON FRUIT GROWING 



55 



effect upon the landlords. Our object was not to strike at the root of the 

 Act, but to mitigate this deterrent effect. It was for that reason that 

 we made the suggestion of the plan for lending money to the landlords 

 by the State, in order that they might have money on easy terms for the 

 purpose of paying the outgoing tenants. In regard to the rate question, 

 Mr. Hooper and Mr. Matthews dealt with the matter. Mr. Hooper dealt 

 with the general question of the rating of land. I entirely agree with his 

 views, but we were merely dealing with the one question of fruit — not 

 with the whole question of the rating of land. We thought we ought to 

 deal with the question before the country at the moment. Mr. Lobjoit 

 asked why the rates should be raised. The rateable value of a shop is 

 not raised by the value of its contents, but planting fruit trees does 

 increase the rental of a piece of land. Therefore, I do not think I could 

 suggest that the assessment should not be raised ; but as fruit-growers 

 we do say that there should be a delay before doing so. 

 The Conference adjourned to the following day. 



Third Day, October 12, 1905 (Morning Conference). 



Subject — 

 " RAILWAY GRIEVANCES." 



Chairman — Sir Albert Rollit, M.P. 



The Chairman briefly called upon Mr. Berry, of Faversham, to open 

 the proceedings. 



Mr. Berry : It is a very great pleasure to me, Sir Albert, to have 

 something to say on this occasion when you are in the chair. If I may 

 refer to your services to traders in the past, you will remember, I am sure, 

 the arduous struggles the traders had in the early days, when, some fifteen 

 years ago, you took a very strong and leading position in helping them to 

 get what they otherwise would not have got. Those who took part in the 

 events of 1893 will remember as long as we live those important and 

 exciting discussions in the House of Commons led by yourself and Sir 

 James Whitehead. 



The question of transport is one of the greatest moment to all traders, 

 especially to those who, like fruit growers, deal in perishable merchandise. 

 Many difficulties have arisen between the traders and the railway 

 companies, some of which are capable of adjustment, and it is to be hoped 

 that the latter will, if only in their own interests, perceive the wisdom of 

 stimulating and developing the fruit trade. It is often contended on behalf 

 of the railway companies that, as the quantities of goods consigned increase, 

 they can afford to reduce the rates charged for the carriage of them. If 

 this is the case, fruit growing certainly has good claims upon them for 

 consideration, as it is an industry which is increasing, in spite of grave 

 difficulties. It was shown before the Departmental Committee of the Board 

 of Agriculture, which recently sat to inquire into and report upon the fruit 

 industry of Great Britain, that within the last thirty years the acreage of 

 orchards has increased from 148,221 acres to 243,008 acres, or 63*9 per 



