TOBACCO CULTURE

Evening Star, Issue 19892, 14 June 1928, Page 1

TOBACCO CULTURE

N.Z. POSSIBILITIES DISCUSSED lPi« United Press Association.) WELLINGTON June 14. Referring to New Zealand tobacco culture.- the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Hawken), in the course of an interview, said a small consignment of 1926 leaf was sent to London to secure the comments of the trade on its suitability for the English market. Criticisms were made on the grading, packing, and the excessive moisture content. but these were difficulties which could be overcome. However, the project of tobacco culture should bo developed with caution, since the production of a leaf of quality suitable for export called for experience and skill. The requirements for the production of high grade leaf were very exacting until the grower had at least one season’s experience, and consequently a great deal of personal instruction was practically a necessity. In the circumstances no farmer should embark on the culture of tobacco beyond a few hundred plants for testing purposes, unless she had a contract, with a local firm for the purchase of his crop, or was so situated as to receive the advice and assistance of the department’s instructor in tobacco culture.