A SPECIAL EFFORT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20907, 6 October 1942, Page 2

A SPECIAL EFFORT

PLANTING of maize , 10,000 ACRES NEEDED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day. ! An increasing demand for maize for poultry and pig farmers and for the manufacture of starch arid cornflour has made it necessary that 10,000 acres should be planted this year. The Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. J. G. Barclay, said to-day "that' a recent survey of the position in production centres Indicated that, despite a'labour shortage and s other difficulties growers were making a' special effort td reach the minimum acreage required. . ' - Mr Barclay added that prices for the' crop would be the same as those paid last year, namely, 5/6 a bushel fdr July delivery, rising by regular increments to 6/2 for March to June deliveries, these prices being sacks in 6ri ttoielcs, for f.q.b.", Subject to merchants’ commission of 5 per cent.

Judging by recent observations, the prospects are that- there ’ will be a srhaller' area' planted in maiie in the Gisborne district this spring. The peak was reached 1 two years ago, when it Was estimated that 4000 acres w6re planted," and there'was a reduction to about 3300 acres'last season. Estimates vary as to the probable area this time, blit there is little likelihood of: an increase to the peak level,' as requested by the Government.