FESCUE EXPORTS TO AMERICA

Southland Times, Issue 25023, 8 April 1943, Page 4

FESCUE EXPORTS TO AMERICA

INVERCARGILL MAN’S MISSION Mr J. Murray Wilson, produce manager at Invercargill for Wright Stephenson and Company, Ltd., will leave by the express this morning en route to the United States, where he will endeavoui- to arrange for shipping space and other concessions fol" the export of Chewings fescue from New Zealand. On his mission abroad Mr Wilson will represent all exporters, and his appointment was made with the authority of the New Zealand Government.

Southland growers of fescue have been greatly concerned at the difficulties of export of seed, which may seriously affect their returns. It is estimated that over a number of years the export trade in fescue seed has been worth £75,000 a year. The passing of the Federal Seed Act and shipping difficulties have made exports extremely problematical. Negotiations have been proceeding between the governments ■of the two countries. Mr Wilson’s appointment to go to New York and Washington complies with the request of a recent meeting of Mossburn growers that a representa-

tive should be sent abroad to endeavour to end the deadlock in the export position which has recently arisen. Mr Wilson has been in the employ of liis company for 25 years and has been produce manager at Invercargill since 1930. He has been prominent in the seed trade for a number of years, and has been one of the principal South Island representatives in a number of discussions with Government representatives on war-time allocations of lime and fertilizers.