The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-02-19
GEORGIA'S MELON CROP.
THE ACREAGE EXPECTED TO BE
DOUBLE LAST YEARS.

The Association of the Growers IN
Session at Representatives
of the Railroads Promise Adequate
Facilities for Handling the Crop-An
Advance in Rates Feared
ALBANY, GA, Feb. 1s.-The Georgia
Melon Growers Association convened TO
day at the court house in this city. The
attendance was not as large as 1t was ex-
pected to be, but it was representative
gathering. President George r Mckee
stated that the annual election Of officers
was in order and asked that another De
selected for the honorable position Of presi-
dent. as his acreage in melons had de-
creased. J. L. Hand objected to replacing
the efficient president and stated that 1t was
the unanimous sentiment that he should be
retained at the head Of the association, and
upon motion which Mir. Hand put TO the
house the old officers were reelected.
OBJECT OF THE MEETING.
President Mckee stated that the object OF
the meeting was to collect statistics as the
the acreage for the present year and to de-
wise some measure for proper and UNIFORM
distribution. From the reports oil
the representatives of the various
regions represented it was ascer-
tanned that the acreage in Georgia for 1891
would be about double that of last year
Last year there were 20, 450 acres in Georgia,
Florida, and Alabama, which would make
an acreage Of 1891 of 10000. South Caro-
linais acreage last season was about 300
From reliable sources it was estimated that
the acreage in that state would be increased
80 per cent, which would give total acre
age for 1891 in South Carolina, Georgia,
Florida and Alabama of A 400.
WHAT is TO BE DONE WITH THE CROP
After the reports as to acreage had been
received President McRee stated that the
question now presented itself, what Is TO
be done with the crops"
]. L. Hand asked to hear from o. W.
Houser of Fort Valley, who was present
representing the interest of a melon and
fruit exchange to be organized for operation
in the approaching season.
Mr.. Houser responded with an explana-
ton of his plans and purposes. He knew
the difficulties to be encountered, and be-
heved that he and his associates would de-
velop plans sufficient to overcome them In
the selection of the best commission mer-
chants to handle the crop. and in using their
best endeavors in giving it judicious distri-
button. The exchange will be chartered,
with paid up capital Of $4,000.
Capt. John A. Davis, general agent of the
Central railroad, said, with the consent Of
the convention, be would press the impor-
tance Of ascertainlng the exact acreage, so
as to enable the railroads to provide ade-
quate transportation facilities. He believed
that the railroads could and would care
competently for the business, but they would
be glad TO have reliable information as to
the acreage and prospective yield az the
crop advances toward maturity.
J. r. Sans. general agent of the Nash-
vile, Chattanooga and st. Louis and Lou
isville and Nashville railroads, responded
TO a call aud stated that he would notify his
superior that the acreage had been largely
increased, and TO prepare to handle the
largest melon business ever offered his line
With increased rolling stock and
motive power his road was in
better position to handle
the business with more dispatch than ever
before. He knew nothing as to the rates
for the coming season, but believed that
the old rates would be sustained. He sug-
gested that Thomas Carter, the commits
sioner be addressed aud asked to fix the
rates early.
AN ADVANCE FEARED.
J. Forester expressed the fear that the
rates would be advanced unless some one
was appointed to represent the interests of
the growers before the rate committee,
which meet in Tampa on Feb. "a, and he be-
heved that J. L. Hand was best qualified 20
do that service.
]. L. Hand regretted that engagements
precluded the possibility of his serving in
that capacity.
j. w. Butler stated that il was very
important to know what the
rates would be early. for in the
event OF an advance the growers wanted to
reduce the acreage. After considerable
discussion a motion prevailed to appoint
George R. McRee, c. R Twitty, o. M.
Houser and j. s. Davis as a committee to
memorabilia the committee on rates.
On motion the convention then adjourned
subject to the call of the president.