Mato, Joseph and Sons, Fruit Growers and Florists, Main Street, West, Palmerston North. This business was established by Mr. Joseph Mayo in the late “sixties.” He first established orchards and nurseries at Bombay, Auckland, from there removed to Drury, and in 1891 acquired thirteen acres of valuable land about one mile from the Palmerston North post office, which is the site of the firm's present fine orchards, vineries, and flower gardens. The orchard, which is laid out with the best varieties of fruit trees, including pears, plums, apples, and peaches, is ten acres in extent, and is conducted on up-to-date principles. The cultivation of cherries is a speciality, and these trees occupy an area of one a half acres. The grape vines are cultivated in four glass houses, two measuring sixty feet by twenty-two feet, and two of smaller dimensions. They are well cared for, and have a healthy and vigorous appearance, and invariably yield excellent crops. The firm have a retail shop in Main street, where, in addition to the sale of fruit and flowers, they do a good business in bridal bouquets and memorial wreaths.

Mr. Joseph George Mayo, Manager for Messrs. Joseph Mayo and Sons, is the third son of Mr. Joseph Mayo, and was born at Bombay, Auckland, in the year 1879. He was educated at Drury, and has since been continuously associated with his father in the orchards and nurseries. He is a member of the Order of Oddfellows, is married, and has three children.

Bunting, photo.
Mr. J. G. Mayo.

The Oxford Nurseries (F. W. Mayo, proprietor), Palmerston North. Mr. Mayo has two places of thirty and six acres respectively under cultivation, and well stocked with apple trees, plum trees, peach trees, and pear trees. The smaller area was taken up in 1900, and is now in full bearing, with fruit, shelter, and ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. There is a glass house and residence on the property. The land is level and very suitable for fruit culture.

Mr. Frederick William Mayo was born in Bombay, Auckland, in the year 1869, was educated at Bombay and Drury, and afterwards assisted his father in his nursery until acquiring the Oxford Nurseries. Mr. Mayo has made a special study of the various branches of his business, and is an expert and practical gardener. He is a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the lodge of Freemasons. He is married, and has two sons and one daughter.

Bunting, photo.
Mr. F. W. Mayo.