GROWING OF TABACCO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 11

GROWING OF TABACCO.

AUCKLAND PREPARATIONS.

INTEREST OF SMALLHOLDERS. Tobacco-growing on a larger scalo than has hitherto been attempted in N*w Zealand is shortly to be undertaken in various parts of the North Island, and preparations arc now being made by the Auckland branch of the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers throughout the district in what will be for them an entirely new venture Mr. W. H. Rice, orchard instructor to the Department of Agriculture at Auckland, yesterday said smallholders were showing a keen interest in the prospecii\e cultivation of tobacco, and numerous requests had been received for appropriate instruction on various aspects of the glowing of the plant. During the past three years there had been no definite attempt to grow tobacco in the Auckland district, but at present it was already known that at least 200 acres would bo set aside for this purpose this season. Plants for resetting were definitely under way in local nurseries, and much of tho land which it was intended to use to this end was now being prepared to receive the young plants. Considerable interest was being shown in the project by the Maori population. The Arawa tribe at Rotorua had set aside a total of 100 acres, while 50 acres at RawenOj North Auckland, was also to be planted by tho natives. A European farmer at Te Atatu intended to plant 40 acres in tobacco, while it was also possible a syudicate would plant 50 acres at. Riverhead. Another plot of 20 acies at Huapai had also been reserved for tho growing of tobacco. Extensive work had been carried out by tho department in order to ensure that tho pure strain of tho imported plant was preserved. The finest grade Virginian had been imported, and the seed now to be issued to intending growers in the Auckland district was only one generation removed from that brought into the country. Its purity could therefore be guaranteed. There was also a keen demand for the young plants by owners of small properties, who intended to experiment further on their own account. Doth these experimental plots and the larger areas reserved for commercial purposes would be supplied from the nurseries, as in the meantime early cultivation was not being carried out by the growers.