MR. PATTERSON: Mr. President and Gentlemen: The National Nut Growers Association for some three years have had a standing committee on federal aid for the nut industry. Two years ago through the instrumentality of that committee, the appropriation for investigational work was increased by some fifteen thousand dollars from the previous appropriation. The total appropriation along this line now is thirty thousand to thirty-five thousand dollars. During the past year the almond growers felt the need of some encouragement and help from the Department of Agriculture, and the last appropriation was increased but was not made specific for the pecan industry, but for the nut industry in general in the United States which was entirely agreeable to the pecan people. And now I appear before you especially to call your attention to this movement and to suggest that this association should appoint a committee to co-operate with a committee from the National Nut Growers' Association and the Almond Growers' Association, and the nut growers of Washington and Oregon in an effort to secure an appropriation from the Department of Agriculture which would commensurate with the needs of the great nut industry in the United States. As we all know, it is entirely in its infancy as a commercial proposition and I doubt not we all agree as to its wonderful possibilities. The recommendation from the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture has gone to the House committee this year without any increase over the appropriation of last year; so that it will be necessary if any increased allowance is made, that pressure shall be brought to bear upon the House committee of agriculture, or the Senate committee (the bill is before the House committee at present), to get them to appreciate the importance of this appropriation. I might say I am on my way to Washington now to see if I can do anything in co-operation with the California Almond Growers Association and such other co-operation as we can get to see if we can get an increase in the appropriation over and above the appropriation recommended by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary is not opposed to a higher appropriation, but he has had orders from higher up not to recommend any increase. I thank you for the privilege of bringing this matter to the attention of the Association with the suggestion that, if it meets with your approval you appoint a committee to co-operate with the other committees already appointed by these other associations. PRESIDENT REED: You have heard the suggestion by Mr. Patterson. Are there any remarks? MR. BIXBY: I move, Mr President, that a committee on Federal Aid be appointed for that purpose, to co-operate with the other associations for the purpose of securing for the nut industry an appropriation sufficient or at least somewhere near sufficient for the work in hand. There is much work to be done that should be done now. MR. OLCOTT: I second the motion, Mr. President.