RECORD CROP OF TOBACCO

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29791, 6 April 1962, Page 13

RECORD CROP OF TOBACCO

Good Season For Motueka Growers

Excellent weather and greater planting per acre, have combined to make this season’s tobacco crop a record yield in the history of the district, representatives of tobacco manufacturers stated in Motueka yesterday. Negligable losses from hail, frost and flood, as well as a low incidence of the destructive process in certain leaves, known as “bronzing.” have produced a greater and better crop than ever, the manager of Godfrey Phillips (N.Z.). Ltd., (Mr A. Rogers) and the representative of Wright Stephenson. Ltd., (Mr P Hamilton) Slid in a joint statement.

For quality of leaf and yield per acre, it was definitely a record crop, agreed the manager of Rothmans Tobacco Company, Ltd., (Mr W. J. Boyden). ‘‘Conditions in general are so good that our company will start buying officially on April 9—the earliest date in the industry’s history," the manager of W. D. and H. O Wills (N.Z.), Ltd., (Mr C. E. Pethybridge) said yesterday. All spokesmen expressed some concern over the lack of seasonal labour, due in part to the extra acreage in plant. Mr J. McKnight, Nelson District Seasonal Employment officer, said that the general employment situation was better than last season’s, but emphasised that while there was no shortage of men workers whatsoever, there were at present 150 vacancies for women graders, needed until grading was completed at the end of July.