MAIZE FOR AUSTRALIA

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LII, Issue 8629, 9 July 1924, Page 2

MAIZE FOR AUSTRALIA

——o ——— A DEPUTATION IN SYDNEY. Subject to Now Zealand s appi oval. the New South Wales Customs Department will permit the exportation thither of maizo bagged m once-used flour sacks and intended for feed purposes. The Minister of Trade and Customs (Mr H. EPrattenL who had with him Major R. McK. Oakley (Comptroller of Customs), gave> this assurance last week to a deputation from Sussex Street produce agents, which protested against the enforcement of a Customs proclamation of September last, prohibiting' the exportation of maize except when contained in new bags. The deputation pointed <>ut that the strict enforcement, of the proclamation would cause considerable embarassment. The bags it was desired mainly to employ in packing maize for New Zealand export, and the use of which was forbidden under the proclamation, were onceused flour bags. These would have been used only io carry flour for human- consumption, and would bee turned before they were filled with maize. Consequently there was no fear that they would carry any infected seed. To Mr Oakley, who 1 pointed out that four States had asked for the careful supervision of exported seeds, the deputation replied that they only desired to handle maize intended for feed purposes. It was explained to Mr Pratten, who objected further that the maize, once in New Zealand, would be beyond the shippers’ control and might be used for any purpose whatsoever, that seed maize had to undergo especial treatment provided only bv firms of seedsmen. All that New Zealand desired was a guarantee that maize from Now' South Wales was free from weevil and bad not come from tick-infest-ed areas.

Mr Prat ten How can yon differentiate ? The deputation answered that shippers cf maize were forced by the State Agricultural Department to give a statutory declaration stating where the maize had been grown, almost to* the name of the grower. That lodged, the maizewas examined and the brands on the bags verified. It was further pointed out that an expense of 6d per bushel would be necessary for the re-bagging of export lots, and that this would bar New South Wales from profitably competing in the New Zealand market.

In reply, Mr Pratten said that he did not want to place any restriction whatever on Australia's export trade, but that it was necessary to take a long view in such matters. Whatever was done should not attempt to give a temporary relief at the expense of the; permanent welfare of Australia’s trade. He was satisfied that a case had been made out for the use of the flour bag, and if the deputation would agree to place in his hands, before ha left far Melbourne in the evening, a letter embodying the views they had placed before hint that afternoon, he would cable to New Zealand the following day. Provided New Zealand did not object, the employment of once-used flour bags would be permitted. It must bo understood, however, tliat the permission would be granted for flour bags alone., Otherwise, things stood as previously.

The frequent inhalation of Nazol by the mouth and nos© effectually checks and destroys the power of infectious germs which produce sore ‘hroats. hoarseness .running at the nose, watery eyes, ''oughs and bronchitis.