IMPORTATION OF TOBACCO

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 14 January 1936, Page 6

IMPORTATION OF TOBACCO

PROHIBITION DESIRED E NELSON DEPUTATION TO ■ MINISTER A deputation winch approached the Minister of Public Works in Nelson made the suggestion that the Government should prohibit almost entirely the importation of tobacco into New Zealand. It was stated that South Africa had adopted such a prohibition, and it was claimed by the deputation that if this restriction were imposed by the Government of New Zealand, the unemployment situation would be considerably improved. The deputation, which was from the Nelson Tobacco Company, consisted of Dr. S. A. Gibbs, and Messrs C. 11. Griffin and A. F. Bell. Dr. Gibbs, who spoke for the deputation, said that the substitution of tile locally-grown leaf for the imported article would result in a large amount of money being left in New Zealand for circulation instead of being sent overseas, mainly to America, as was done at present. “We maintain that first-class cigarette and pipe tobacco can be produced from leaf grown in New Zealand,” he said. “South Africa has already legislated to prohibit the import of practically all tobacco. We suggest that New Zealand should -follow iSouth Africa’s example and make legislation so that the money spent on tobacco should be retained in our own country to assist its development and help to overcome the serious unemployment problem.” Imported leaf was estimated to amount to 2,250,0001 b annually, and there was no reason why this amount should not be produced in the Dominion. To provide for this increase would mean the cultivation of 3000 acres more land in New Zealand. Averaging the area of the holding for each farmer at four acres, this would mean the employment of 750 more farmers, so providing work for many extra hands during the planting and harvesting. MINISTER’S REPLY “The question is not new, and members of both Houses of Parliament have had an opportunity of hearing representations by the tobacco interests,” said the Minister. “I have been impressed with the case put forward, and I am entirely in sympathy with the idea of growing as much of our own tobacco as possible. You can be sure that your representations will receive thorough consideration. We have to make this country as self-contained and as self-reliant as possible, and to create employment for our people. “The matter is one of policy, but I think I am stating the opinions of the Government when I say that it will not let tlie tobacco industry in this country be crucified, but rather it will protect it and build it up.”