DOLLAR-SAVING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22439, 20 September 1947, Page 6

DOLLAR-SAVING

TOBACCO IMPORTS MORE TO BE GROWN IN N.Z. (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Sept.' 19. "'Proposals for increased tobacco growing in New Zealand give promise of a direct saving of approximately 900.000 dollars over 12 months from the time the proposals become effective,” says a statement issued by the aid-for-Britain Committee. The statement adds that the pro posals depend upon an initial increase in the tobacco acreage in the coming season of 400 acres. The committee decided to recommend to the Government that the growers’ requirements in the way of kilns and accommodation be met. Manufacturers informed the committee that an additional 290 workers would be required if all of New Zealand’s requirements of manufactured tobacco were to be made in local factories.

‘‘lf all tobacco could be manufactured in New Zealand then on the basis of the present consumption it is estimated that more than 2.000,000 dollars a year could be saved,” says the statement.

New Zealand's monthly imports of manufactured tobacco were approximately 34.0001 b. cut tobacco 126,0001 b. or 50,000,000 cigarettes. Local production was 625,0001 b made up of 1.000,000 cigarette-;. 275 0001 b of cut tobacco and 100.0001 b of pipe tobacco. “Imported raw leaf is included in New Zealand manufactured tobacco and cigarettes, but it is felt that a much greater dollar saving can be made by cutting down imports of manufactured tobacco than in reducing the imports of raw leaf," adds the statement. At present a minimum of 30 per cent, of New Zealand leaf must be used in local manufacture. The manufacturers have volunteered to increase this, which will later reduce the raw leaf imports.”