TOBACCO CULTURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20363, 18 September 1929, Page 7

TOBACCO CULTURE.

RESULTS OF RESEARCH.

BETTER METHODS ADOPTED

"I am confident of very sal is factory tobacco culture around Auckland," said Mr. C. E. L ow, tobacco instructor of the Agricultural Department for tlio North Island, who passed through Auckland yesterday on a tour of the plantations. Mr. Low said he had inspected an area of 200 acres near Auckland which had been prepared for growing, and had visited a new property at 'lauranga. Some growers were entering the industry with very efficient equipment and ther'o should be some very satisfactory yields, said Mr. Low. It was inevitable that some of the early output should bo low grade, but when New Zealand tobacco iu quantity was brought up to the world's standards in grade it would command the world's prices. Mr. Low sairl the up-to-date Hue barns which had been erected by somo growers should ensuro a good product. He was convinced of the overwhelming advantage of artificial drying. Shed and air drying was not promising. It required an entire season and if harvesting was late the process dragged through the winter also, with the result that mould sot. in the leaf. If growers were particular about minor details they should achieve success with 95 per cent, of their lea-f, said Mr. Low. Under defective conditions the proportion might be us low as 35 per cent*