MORE MAIZE WANTED

Opotiki News, Volume VII, Issue 802, 3 November 1944, Page 2

MORE MAIZE WANTED

WithijUi the -past week or two the seriousness of the position as far as stoek foods are concerned hue been made abundantly clear following news of the disastrous conse- . quences of the drought in Australia. It was estimated some time ago that even with considerable quantities of barley coming into the country that New Zealand would have a big shortage of foodstuffs for stock and poultry. As a result a campaign was commenced to persuade farmers in the Poverty Bay and Bay of Plenty districts in particular, to grow a much larger acreage of maize than last year. It was hoped that an area equal to the’ record season of two or three years ago would be planted, but indications do not point to such a largo area being put down in maize this season. However, with the information now received of the seriousness of the stock food position for next year, a specal appeal is being made to all farmers to still consider the advisability of planting further areas and so help to relieve the anticipated shortage. Officers of the Internal Marketing Division have made special appeals and a visit to .Gisborne last week was made by Mr. Flitch, who stressed the absolutely necessity of additional plantings. With the Australian wheat harvest down to an expected yield of only approximately one-third of the previous year and other poor crops, there is no likelihood of assistance from that country and .New Zealand will have to make its own effort to overcome a very serious shortage.