RISE IN PRICE OF MAIZE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 260, 1 August 1939, Page 12

RISE IN PRICE OF MAIZE

Higher Production Sought

' The sole object of the Internal -Marketing Department in increasing the minimum price of maize for the crop now coming on to the market was to increase production in the Dominion and to minimize the necessity for importations. This i« revealed in a letter sent by the Director ot Internal Marketing, Mr. F. It. Picot, to Mr A. G. Hultquist, -M.P. The letter sets out the scale of minimum prices from July to December, commencing at 5/3 in July, rising to 5/5 ui August and then by Id. increases each mouth to 5/D in December. ■ . “Though it would appear at first sight that, this represents an increase of approximately 6d, a bushel on last years prices,” Mr. Picot stated, ‘‘it must be remembered that tin: 5/- basis for last season was the minimum price and toward the end of the season the price rose sharpie. 'l’liis year, however, we are endeavouring, at’t he request of the growers, to work on (lie above prices, which will be regarded as both the maximum and minimum. Ju this connexion merchants are willing to co-operate, both in Gisborne and elsewhere, mid we very much appreciate the assistance they have rendered to the scheme over the past few years.

“Our object in increasing the price this year has been solely for the purpose of inducing maize growers to increase their plantings, witii ti view to minimizing importations. It will be of interest to you to know that from March of this year till the start of the local season sonic 2500 tons of Javan maize have been required to be imported in order to meet the delie.igjaci supplies.”