IMPORTED MAIZE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 142, 18 June 1930, Page 4

IMPORTED MAIZE.

GISBORNE GROWERS CONCERNED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) GISBORNE, this day. The efforts being made to secure elimination of the import duty on maize are strenuously opposed by maize growers ot the Gisborne district, whose point of view was placed befo're the provincial executive of the Farmers' Union, which decided to call a meeting of growers to discuss the position. ' ~ The chairman, Mr. J.,E. Benson, said there was a lot to be said for and against the proposal to remove the tariff restncMr." A. Lister: This thing emanates from Auckland merchants. " The trouble arose as soon as the railway reached the Bay of Plenty. They have now lost their opportunities for profits, as most of the Bay of Plenty maize goes to the Waikato direct. If we cannot fight them they are going to put it through. One thing the Waikato farmers do not realise is this, that by the time the maize reaches them they will not get it very much cheaper. After A«ckland merchants have made their profits and paid freight charges imported maize will be sold at just a few pence below locally grown. Mr G. V. Smith said the matter was serious, as about £50,000 worth of maize was sent out of Gisborne each year.