NEXT YEAR’S MAIZE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20631, 12 August 1941, Page 10

NEXT YEAR’S MAIZE

ANOTHER LARGE CROP ASSURANCE ON PRICES POVERTY BAY GROWERS An assurance that prices for maize during the 1942-43 selling period were likely to be on the same basis as those operating at present was given to members of the Poverty 'Bay Maize Growers’ Association who met in the office of the secretary, Mr. W. E. Chamberlain, last night. Two representatives of the Internal Marketing Division were present, Messrs. R. P. Fraser and R. G. C. Fitch, who discussed with the growers prospects for the spring plantings. They pointed out that the Government wished to encourage growers to grow sufficient maize to meet the requirements of the Dominion without the necessity of importations, but they stressed the point that this must be done at a price that would not be detrimental to producers. The growers stated that, if they secured the ruling prices, with the same monthly increments, for the crop to be planted during the coming spring, they were certain that approximately the same area as that planted last year could be secured, with the prospect of a slightly increased acreage. The crop now being placed on the market came from about 4000 acres. Bay of Plenty Reduction It was pointed out on the other hand that the Bay of Plenty area in maize was likely to be smaller than during the past season, when many farmers not usually catering for maize put in crops in response to the appeal for greater production of maize. However, it was thought that the Dominion would be still self-sufficient in the matter of grain during the coming season, if a sufficient price inducement was assured. The steady increase in the cost of production was mentioned, but growers stated that they would be willing to absorb the rise in costs, and they left the meeting with an assurance that it would not be unreasonable to hope for the same price arrangements in the 1942-43 selling season as ihose which prevailed at present.