INCREASED ACRES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 2 May 1947, Page 4

INCREASED ACRES

APPEAL MAIZE IN GISBORNE BETTER YIELD LIKELY "It is estimated that from Wairoa to Te Araroa there is an increase of 1000 acres,” said the president of the Gisborne Maize Growers Association, Mr. Stuart McGuinness, last night at the annual meeting of the association when telling of the result of the appeal for increased acreage made before the last planting season. Due to the season and the fact that some good seed was used, Mr. McGuinness added, poultry farmers could take heart from the fact that there was every prospect of an increased yield throughout the district this year. Referring to representations for additional supplies of seed from America, he said shipping and transport difficulties had made the seed unprocurable for planting this season. However, everything was in hand and it was almost certain that a quantity of the seed would arrive in time for next year’s planting. Provision of Cribs The prospect of increased yields this season and the requirements of growers, old and new, who answered the appeal for increased production has exercised the association a great deal to date in its efforts to secure an adequate allocation of wire-netting and iron to build the necessary cribs, to enlarge existing cribs and to carry out essential repairs. Lengthy correspondence was read and Mr. McGuinness reported upon the numerous interviews he had had in an endeavour to secure the requirements of growers. It was likely that an allocation of netting would be available, he said, to be distributed by a special committee, but supplies of iron would be extremely difficult to secure. Many alternative methods of covering the cribs had been suggested, but the efforts of the association to secure iron supplies were continuing. Because of the shortage of the essential materials the association had been conservative in its claims. Only essential extensions could be carried out and the minimum requirements would _be granted growers without existing cribs. Further information would be announced as additional details were available. It was desirable that growers, in need of material advised the association of their requirements as early as possible in order to assist the committee in its efforts to obtain supplies. ,