MAIZE MARKETING

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 12290, 2 March 1938, Page 3

MAIZE MARKETING

AGREEMENT MADE MINIMUM PRICE OF 5s 3d TO GROWER STATEMENT BY MINISTER Wellington, March 2 The Internal Marketing Division is giving an undertaking to maize growers that in the event of growers experiencing any difficulties in making sales, the Government itself will purchase maize at a minimum price of 5s 3d per bushel f.o.b. Gisborne, according to a statement by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash. Mr Nash stated that growers for some time had been concerned over the difficulty of making sales on account of the large amount of imported cereal in store in the North Island towns, and also on account of the uncertainty regarding future importations. As a result the Directors of Internal Marketing visited the Gisborne area and conducted negotiations with the growers, who have now undertaken to the Government that they will make available for merchants supplies of maize' in sufficient quantities at a minimum price of 5s 3d per bushel f.o.h. Gisborne. Mr Nash added that the growers association arranged to keep the demand supplied at that price, and that so long as the market was clequately supplied the importation of maize would not be permitted. It might, however, at a later date, be found necessary to import supplies to meet market demands. “It is pleasing,” added the Minister, “to know that growers’ difficulties are overcome and at the same time sufficient supplies of maize are available to consumers at a reasonable figure.” Auckland, March 1 A local produce dealer explained that something approaching a deadlock had existed in the maize industry in recent months as Auckland merchants have refused to pay the high, prices demanded by growers in Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty. The deadlock has now apparently come to an end through the intervention of the Government. Mr Picot has been negotiating with local merchants during the past few days. Local merchants agree that they can now buy local maize with confidence. It is understood that additional charges will bring the landed cost in Auckland to 6s to Gs 3d per bushel. It is anticipated that the bulk of the Gisborne stocks, which amount to some 30,000 bags, will be sold in the near future.