Condition of Maize Crops on East Coast

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 4, 6 January 1937, Page 2

Condition of Maize Crops on East Coast

Gisborne maize crops, although bearing a general healthy appearance, have not made as much progress as is expected by this time of tho year, states a Poverty Bay report.

An increased area was planted, as a result of the rise in prices during recent months, and most of the maize came away well at the start. Once firmly es,tablished, maize does best with hot, dry weather, but while little rain has fallen this month, the desired heat has been absent.

The increase in the area planted is estimated at 15 per cent, on last year, and if a favourable autumn is experienced the yield should be substantially higher than last season, when yields were light, with a shelling loss of about 30 per cent.

Stocks of last season’s maize in the district are not heavy. Only small quantities for immediate requirements are held in the town, with the bulk of the supplies in the country, and growers do not seem eager to sell at present. Practically no business has taken place for some weeks.