TOBACCO CULTURE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16622, 14 April 1928, Page 11

TOBACCO CULTURE

COMPARISON WITH N.Z. POSSIBILITIES IN VICTORIA Other than those intimately associated with the cultivation and marketing of tobacco (.says the Melbourne Age;, few will realise the significance of the arrival in this country -or! Mr. Slagg, who, with a body of experts, will shortly undertake the onerous task of investigating the industry in Australia. The qualifications of the Canadian expert are of a high standard. Growers throughout Victoria are exhibiting an increasing interest in the ultimate result of the investigation, which is appreciated: That tobacco can be .successfully cultivated in Australia is now a recognised fact, and the latent, interest, expanded by the high returns being obtained, has encouraged farmers to utilise varying areas. The standard of leaf being obtained, particularly in the region of the Grampians, proves the undoubted suitability of the climate of Victoria for the pursuit. One cannot speak too highly of the manner in which the majority of growers arc undertaking a pursuit which has for years brought such uncertain results. The greatest enemy the grower lias to contend with is the "blue mould," and until something is ' discovered to combat this fungus it is uncertain whether the ranks of growers will increase. To indicate the undaunted spirit of the grower, a settler in the riorth-easjt district erected a kiln and' obtained the latest devices for the successful bundling and curing of the leaf. His first crop was a huge success, and he put in a larger area next year. This crop (as were future crops) was attacked by the mould. For six years he has toiled to see the results of his labors ench year devoured by the, relentless fungus. And yet he persists, and this year, as the crop is practically ready for harvesting, the mould has again made its appearance.

DEVELOPMENT IN N.Z. Although the regions where tobacco can be cultivated in New Zealand aro limited, the supply was such that an American firm erected a factory at Port Ahuriri, and is successfully placing on the market a tobacco which agrees with the fancies of large numbers of smokers. But it was not until 1927 that the New Zealand, Government saw the possibilities of the industry, and placed a large sum on the estimates for its development. It guaranteed growers a market for their product, and placed a set price of 2/3 per lb. on "lemon" leaf (barn dried) and 1/6 on "mahogany" (sun-dried leaf). Samples would be placed on the London market, and any difference would be paid growers. Unfortunately when the crop was harvested, it was learned that the prices guaranteed were "gross," and by the time freight, grading, sweating and other incidentals had been deducted the price was greatly decreased. Many growers disposed of their crops to the local firm, while another large firm with the consent of the Government purchased the balance. Whereas marketing appears to be the drawback

there, Victorians have a steady market for their tobacco. The methods adopted of handling the leaf in New Zealand are superior to those in Victoria, minimising the bruising of the leaf; The type of leaf in demand is a variety of "Warnes," and there is a noted absence of the thick mid-rib. Growers, in Victoria have been more successful in the use of the flue barn, and this is perhaps the most important phase in the industry. Such defects as "sponged back," streaked and brown leaf are common in Now Zealand, but this only goes to show that the science is far from perfected there. Some growers have procured the desired "lemon," oho man obtaining it in a wooden barn. The required stimulus has however, been given, .and as "blue, mould", is not so prevalent, large areas aro being placed under cultivation. That the indus? try has a great future before it there is little, doubt, and Vit should,, with careful fostering, develop into a foremost primary industry of both the Commonwealth and the Dominion.