This week I’ve been going through Wally’s Orchard Run columns looking for material to back up my next story thought. I had one story in mind to develop when I came across another idea to pursue.

I slept on the two ideas until one came clear that it was the one headed for reprint. The chosen one is the first half of Wally’s column. It is dated January 31 1957.

“If there were any doubts about the fruit growers’ confidence in their BCFGA executive and BC Tree Fruits Ltd., those doubts were quickly dissipated at the growers’ convention last week.

Last fall when the Penticton ginger group was campaigning for a provincial royal commission, the fruit industry leaders were charged with being out of touch with and lacking the confidence of the growers.

From certain quarters came predictions that the BCFGA executive would be tossed into the street and that there would be a major shake-up in the personnel and the policies of Tree Fruits Ltd.

Last week stories appeared in the daily newspapers predicting “fireworks” and other spectacular developments when the fruit growers’ convention got under way.

It is to the credit of the fruit growers and their good, sound common sense that all these predictions failed to materialize. Right from the very first resolution it was apparent that the disgruntled element seeking the outing of President A.R. Garrish and other changes was very much in the minority.

First resolution to come up for discussion was conceived by Ellison Local as a device to “get rid of Garrish.’ Had it passed, it would have limited the president to three consecutive terms of office and would have automatically disqualified Art Garrish who has served the last six years as chair.

The resolution was defeated by a 57 to 6 vote. It was a vote of confidence in Garrish and the BCFGA executive, and it set the pattern for the whole convention.

Instead of being kicked out of office the BCFGA executive and Tree Fruits Ltd board of governors went back for another year with very few changes.”

In the words of Laird Smith, even though the polls had the current leadership going down in flames, the will of the people prevailed.

email: ruralreportwithlairdsmith@gmail.com