SEED-GROWING.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20730, 15 December 1932, Page 9

SEED-GROWING.

POSSIBILITIES IN NEW ZEALAND.

PROSPECTS OF EXPORT TRADE.

A belief that seed-growing could be developed into an important industry in New Zealand and \tkat, if placed on a proper basis, a big local and export trade wQuld result, was expressed at a meeting of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Institute of Ifortieulture last night. Mr T. D. Lcnnie presided and others present were Messrs H. Kitson, M. J. Barnett, A*- H. Shrubshall, C. E. I'oweraker, C. G. Burgess, J. J. Keetley, and J. N. McLeod. At a step towards carrying this into effect it was deeided, on the motion of Barnett, to send the following remit to the annual conference of tha Institute, to be held in Wellington on January 25th: It is the opinion of this branek that New Zealand is admirablyadapted for the raising of practically all classes of horticultural and agricultural seeds. It urges that the executive should earnestly consider the question of fostering the worjc ■ of seed-growing in this country. The Canterbury branch is convinced that such an industry, if properly established, would develop into an important trade and would provide a congenial, useful, and remunerative occupation for many people who are now on relief works. Export of Peas. Mr Shrubshall said that already one firm shipped away thousands of sacks of peas. Mr Barnett: They are brought back here and sold in 6d packets. Mr Shrubshall: There is certainly room for development in other directions. Mr Barnett: Why cannot all the grading, etc., be done here? Mr Shrubshall said that- organisation and machinery wopld bp "required and a big demand for seeds would be necessary. If New Zealand was better suited geographically it would undoubtedly bo ideal for the production and export of a great variety of seeds. He believed, however, that there were distinct possibilities in commercial seedgrowing. An Earlier Scheme. Mr Barnett said that the Dominion was importing great quantities of seeds. "Wo might be geographically remote,"* he said, "but we could send our seeds to England and, being six months ahead, beat the Continental market." As far as that was concerned, he continued, the Dominion could start its own trading to customers in tropical countries, and build up a big business. The Bepatriation Board took the question up just after the War and the scheme was within a few pounds of paying when the Government closed down on it. The chairman said that, with the exception of peas and beans, the hulk of the seeds was imported. Here the discussion ended.