GROWING OF COTTON

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 156, 30 December 1925, Page 4

GROWING OF COTTON

START MADE IN SAMOA. *

Many people were pessimistic when General Richardson put forward his cotton-growing scheme; the planters and traders did not favour the idea. Some of therSj however 1, decided to try a small experiment, and interplant cotton with the cocoa. One man, for instance, put 3 acres under cottonj ahtd bis result has been so satisfactory that he intends with the cowing season to put down SO acres, statos the Samoan correspondent of the "New Zealand jperald." He hrfs appreciated the advantage of a quick crop, and believes that the cotton will liot only pay the expenses of weeding the cocoa blocks, but will also show a fair profit ait well. Another cocoa planter has decided to put down 15 acres iu cotton. This is good news for the planters in> cocoa, and we hope to hear of others taMng up cotton.

■ Cotton has a big advantage over cocoa, because tho former is a necessity and the latter is not; and, further, one has to Wait three yean before getting results from cocoa, and in the other case, one only has to wait for a few months. All the finer > kinds of cotton can be grown in Samoa, and this point is one.that should not be overlooked. The general's'idea with this production may lead ,to something very big in days to come. The cotton-growing experiment With the Samoana has produced good results; it is hoped that next year will see a big advance in thin direction with the natives. For some time past the cotton has been steadily coming in to Apia, where the snu.U ginning plant worked under the supervision of the Agricultural Department has been kept busy. It is estimated that three or four tons will soon be ready for shipment. This is a fair beginning, and we are reckoning On the output next year being increased to 30 or 40' tons. The climate is particularly suitable for cotton. In former days large areas were planted with this product.