New Basis For Sale Of Maize

Northern Advocate, 2 June 1947, Page 5

New Basis For Sale Of Maize

. Beginning with the 1946-47 crop, maize will be sold on a sacks-extra basis, according to an announcement made in Auckland yesterday by the Minister of Marketing (Mr Cullen). He said the change had been made at the request of the Maizegrowers’ Association, and the price to be allowed to the grower for each sack would be 1/4, in conformity with the existing price order.

The effect of the sacks-extra basis of sale would be a net increased return of l'/- for a sack containing about three bushels after the weight of the sack had bee'h deducted, the Minister said.

During the coming season the Government would continue its guaranteed price for maize, and the existing subsidy of 1/6 a bushel would remain in operation.

SCHEDULE OF PRICES The schedule of fixed prices to growers on trucks at the growers’ stations for the 1947-48 season was announced by the Minister as follows, the figures in parentheses being the return after the inclusion of the subsidy: July delivery, 5/6 a bushel <7/- a bushel); August, 5/8 (7/2); September, 5/9 (7/3); October, 5/10 (7/4); November, 5/11 (7/5); December, 6/- (7/6); January-February, 6/1 (7/7); MarchJune, 6/2 (7/8). “It is considered that there is considerable scope for increased maize production in the Bay of Plenty and Northland districts, where substantial quantities of maize were formerly produced, but where production has declined in recent years,” the Minister said.

“If farmers are interested I shall arrange for one of my departmental officers to visit the districts to discuss production problems. “A New Zealand production target of 10,000 acres for maize has been set for the 1947-48 season, and I hope this early announcement of conditions for next season will enable farmers to plan an expansion in maize acreage.”