HEAVIER MAIZE CROPS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19373, 10 July 1937, Page 16

HEAVIER MAIZE CROPS

GISBORNE INDICATIONS QUIET MARKET PERIOD 40,000 SACKS IMPORTED Indications are that . this season’s maize crops in the Gisborne district will be heavier than last year, when a very small total quantity was produced. Last season’s suppies were estimated at not more than 20,000 sacks, of which about 16,000 sacks were shipped away. This is one of the smallest totals for some years, and is less than half of that produced five years ago. A poor growing season contributed to last year's small output, and crops averaged only about 50 bushels to the acre.

This year the .crops are picking out much better than last, and yields, on present indications, should be nearer the district's average of about 80 bushels to the acre. Apart from this, no definite information can be given, for most of the large crops have yet to be picked. Importations continue, and by the time the duty is reimposed, over 40,000 sacks will have been imported from Java and South Africa, mostly from the latter country. One shipment of' 20,000 sacks ahd 1 another of 15,000 sacks from South Africa are due within the next few weeks.

Arrivals from overseas have kept the market for Gisborne maize very quiet. A small quantity of Gisborne maize remains unsold, and no inquiries have been received lately from Auckland, where quotations range from 6s 5d to 6s 7d through store. Recently Bay of Plenty maize sold at 5s 3d, ex wharf. Three or four months ago Gisborne growers were quoted from 6s Gd to 6s 9d, f.0.b., Gisborne.