FUTURE PLANTING OF MAIZE CROPS IN GISBORNE AREA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22666, 17 June 1948, Page 6

FUTURE PLANTING OF MAIZE CROPS IN GISBORNE AREA

A NATIONAL ASSET

Recognition of the importance of the Gisborne maize crop in the national economy was vouchsafed by the Prime Minister, Mr. P. Fraser, In discussions with a deputation representing the Federated Farmers’ organisation yesterday. Mr Fraser expresesd concern not only regarding harvesting of the salvaged portion of the current year’s crop, but also the continuance of production of the cereal in later years. Speaking on behalf of the federation, Mr. C. H. Williams expressed satisfaction with the action taken by the Government in regard to securing labour to help bring in the balance of the crop now standing in silted fields, and to relieve growers of the extra costs involved. The Prime Minister mentioned that he had inquired into the position with regard to housing, feeding and transport of Maori workers brought from othei areas, and felt that this part of the organisation could obviously be handled best by the Maori Affairs Department. It was his opinion that that department should make all payments to the labour imported, and look to the Federated Farmers’ organisation to collect from its members the costs chargeable against them These charges would not exceed the normal costs of harvesting, the Government having agreed to nay the balance.

"It will be a big job for the Maori Affairs Department, but if it will save the maize it will be a good job," he added.

Mr Williams stated that the future of the maize industry in this district was causing concern, in view of tne discouragements suffered by the growers ~ He felt that this was a national matter, for the loss of half the crop here reoresented a loss of 2r> per cent of the whole Dominion's maize crop. From the point of view of farmers it did not matter tuppence, he said, whether they planted maize or not; as there were other crops, more easily raised, which paid them as well or better. On the other hand, it would be a serious matter for the Dominion if maize was not grown here in normal volume.

Mr. Fraser: I appreciate that fully. I can remember that it was necessary to appeal to framers to grow maize, and it is true that the crop is more important to the Dominion than to the farmers of this district.

The Prime Minister added that a conference might be organised as between the Government and the farmers to see what could be done to keep the crop going in the Gisborne district.