GROWING OF TOBACCO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 9

GROWING OF TOBACCO.

CULTURE IN DOMINION. LEAF OF HIGH QUALITY.

[sir TELEGRArH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. •

Tho progress made in tobacco culture in Now Zealand is outlined by Mr. J. A.* Campbell, director of tho horticulture division of the Department of Agriculture, in tho annual report of the department, which was presented to Parliament today. In view of tho fact that tobacco leaf of high quality both for pipe and cigarette purposes can bo produced in tho Dominion extensive inquiries, had been received during tho year for advice and information oil the growing and manufacture of (obacco. Mr. Campbell says that besides tho Nelson district, considerable headway has been made in tho North Auckland and Rolorua districts, tho natives in these parts .being particularly interested in tho growing 'of tobacco as a means of livelihood. Practical instruction in all phases of tobacco culturo from the sowing of the seed to tho curing of the mature leaf has been given in tho different localities by tho department's instructor in tobacco culture. It is estimated that, (here are now somo 1000 acres devoted to tobacco growing in tho Dominion. Of this total approximately 150 acres are in the Auckland district, 30 acres in Marlborough and the balaftco in (ho Nelson and Motueka districts. The bulk of tho crop at Hie present time is under contract to tobacco manufacturers in New Zealand. The future of the industry in this country, however, depends verv largely on a satisfactory, overseas market being available for the sufplui not ceded for New Zealand requirements, md until Ihij i» .c2. planting of tobacco on an extensive scan requires to bo carefully considered.