Imperial Valley press., 1928-01-18
YCANTALOUPES and
HEMP DISCUSSED
BEFORE CHAMBER
Local Businessmen Hear
Excellent Talks on Val
ley Crops.

Two interesting addresses marked
| the weekly luncheon meeting of the
Chamber of Commerce at the Bar
bara Worth Hotel at noon today.
The first was given by Frank Bey-
schlag. assistant farm advisor, and
related to the growth of the canta-
loupe industry in the valley. The
second was by Eugene Glenn of San
/ Diego, a representative of the lmpe-
rial Valley Linen Products corpora
tion and related to the possibilities
of the growth of hemp in the valley
and the present controversy being
waged relative to the advisability
of its growth due to it's narcotic
qualities.
Beyschlag p ointed out through
the use of charts the increase in
shipments of eantaloupes from the
valley. He showed the members a
detailed account of the increase by
carload shipments and also explain
ed the broadening of the marketing
field for the Imperial Valley fruit.
The speaker went into detail re-
garding the many experimental ac-
tivities under way which give the
growers information regarding the
most modern methods of cultivating
cantaloupes. He concluded his talk
by explaining that the cantaloupes
are shipped from the valley at an
earlier date than from any other
section in the country and pointed
out that the peak of the season is
reached before competitive fruits,
such as strawberries and etc, are
ready for market.
In opening his address Glenn out
lined briefly the plans of the cor
poration which he represents. He
said that machinery for the erection
of the mill had arrived in San Di-
ego and that the work of construct
ing the plant was being pushed rap
idly BY the concern. despite the fact
that the state officials are still
Withholding permit to 60 ahead
with the work. pending the outcome
of a proper investigation into the
growing Of hemp.
Hopes for Big Increase
Glenn said that the corporation
hopes in another year to cultivate
with the cooperation Of valley farm
ers. some 1000 acres of hemp. The
company, he explained, is not selling
stock in the valley, the financing
of the concern being handled by
San Diego and eastern capital. but
that the corporation does want the
cooperation of the valley farmers
go, hnr m
He explained that its growth here
will unquestionablv sesult in a prof
table industry for the valley.
The speaker then discussed the
matter OF the investigation being
conducted by the state relative to
the growth of hemp. He said that
this investigation is to be continued
despite the ruling recently made
known by Deputy Attorney General
French in which the state officials
held that the growth of the prod
uct for commercial purposes in this
state is legal.
The speaker tnen appealed to the
members to support the project
here. He declared that it has been
intimated that numerous reports
have emanated from the valley to
the effect that the residents here
are not encouraging the raising of
hemp and that these reports have
been carried to the state officials.
He declared in concluding that the
corporation is seeking hemp for
commercial uses only and that he
feels that the valley should support
the corporation by raising this bene-
fetal and profitable crop here.
President r. Y. Watson assured
Glenn that the Chamber will do all
in its power to bring about true
presentation of facts before the
hearing on the question which is to
be held in Fl Centre on February 8.
The board of directors will meet
at 7:30 O'Clock tonight.