SHORTAGE OF MAIZE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19887, 15 March 1939, Page 8

SHORTAGE OF MAIZE

SHIPMENTS FROM JAVA LITTLE RELIEF EXPECTED Although tiio Government arranged shipments of maize from Java to relieve the present shortage, it will be April before any large quantities are available, reports the Auckland Herald. It is a long time since prices have been as high as those now ruling and the levels have made it impossible for the majority of poultrykeepers to use the grain. When the Government first announced its decision to import stocks from Java two shipments were arranged to arrive in New Zealand in the middle of March and April. It has since been learned by Auckland merchants that only a very small percentage of Die first shipment will come to hand, and it will be April before March sales can be fulfilled. The shortage at present is really acute, as local stocks have reached a bare minimum. It is reported that it was owing to the freight shortages that the Government is finding difficulty in landing the quantities required from Java. The bulk of the maize for the Auckland market is drawn from Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty, with a very small proportion from R'uawai and the Hauraki Plains. In recent years 't has generally been necessary to augment the supply by importations from either South Africa or Java. South Africa formerly was favoured, but the recent commencement of a direct shipping service with Java has reversed the position. Merchants formerly operated under permits from the Government, which generally were quite easily obtained.

The first shipment of any size from Java is expected by the Roggevecn, which is clue at Auckland on April 11. Prices in Auckland at present range from 13s fid to 14s per cwt.