TOBACCO INDUSTRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 279, 25 November 1936, Page 6

TOBACCO INDUSTRY

GROWERS’ LICENCES WELLINGTON, Nov. 21. The Minister oi Industries and Commerce. Hon. D. G. Sullivan, stated to<iay tlicit a meeting of the Tobacco Board haa confirmed the principle of granting licences only to growers who have bona fide contracts or arrangements with manufacturers or exporters for the growing ol leaf. The board decided, however, that this season a certain amount of latitude would be allowed growers. Licences would be granted even in cases where no contract or arrangement had been made, but they would be issued on the understanding that if growers grew leaf without such a contract or arrangement they would do so at their own risk insofar as ultimately being able to sell the leaf when harves'ed was concerned. The board also confirmed the principle that licences to grow not be issued for acreage and for quantity of tobacco in excess of the acreage and quantity contracted for. The board fixed November 3‘), 1935, as the latest date by which applications for licences to grow this season may be made. The Minister stated that the Government had approved tne board’s recommendation that a minimum price of Is per lb be fixed for all leaf purchased by manufacturers and exporters during the season ended March 31. 1937, and regulations have been issued accordingly. He also stated that fee Government had agreed to renew tlie guarantee given last season of Is per lb on tobacco exported during the 1936-.’,7 season.