TOBACCO CULTURE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 June 1928, Page 9

TOBACCO CULTURE.

GROWERS SHOULD P'R OGEE® WITH CAUTION. ADUCB OIF MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE. (By Telegrapn—rress Association..) WELLINGTON, June 14. Referring to the New Zealand tobaccol culture, the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. O. J. Hawken, in the course of an interview said that a small consignment of 1926 leaf was sent to London to secure the comments of the trade on the suitability for the English market. Criticisms were made, on grading, packing and excessive moisture content, but these were difficulties which could be overcome. The Minister said, however, that the project of tobacco culture should be developed with caution, since the production of leaf of a quality (suitable for export called for experience and skill. The requirements for the production of high-grade leaf wore very exacting and should not be attempted until the grower had at least one season’s experience and consequently a great deal of personal instruction was practically a necessity. In the circumstances, no farmer should embark on the culture of tobacco beyond a few hundred plants for testing purpose, unless he had a contract with a local firm for the purchase of his crop, or was so situated as to receive advice and assistance of the department’s instructors in culture.