THE MAIZE FIASCO

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 42, 20 April 1942, Page 4

THE MAIZE FIASCO

SATURDAY'S meeting of Bay of Plenty maize growers in Whakatane, reflected the just indignation felt by those who "in a spirit of patriotism sought to help the country s war effort by responding to the Government's appeal. To-day after repeated promises, arguments and ministerial softsoap they find, themselves still with the bulk of last year s crop on their hands and still faced with a shifty and unsatisfactory official attitude. The thrill of pride felt by the Eastern Bay when the Minister of Marketing extended his commendations at the wonderful effort made by farmers in doubling their maize crep to meet the situation, is but a sorry cause for reflection now when we find that in spite elf all reassurances some 20,000 sacks still remain in the cribs, unconsumeel and with little likelihood of ever beingabsorbed unless the Government is prepared to quickly redeem its promises and maintain the faith of the growers. One farmer alone on the Plains has 2000 bags steadily deterioratine on his hands; others have lots ranging from 50 to 500 These were the men who took the Government s word that the stocks would be cleared before next season s crop was in readiness. They stored their maize on that understanding- and now they are faced with the bleak prospect of limited marketing outlook and their new seasons crop awaiting the pickers. A poor recompense for patriotism. During the coming week Messrs Fitch and, Eraser representing- the Internal Marketing Supply will be visiting Whakatane To these officers the. shabbily-treated farmers ot trie Bay of Plenty will address their complaints, hoping for some redress Already they have waited almost double the normal time for clearance. Steadily the product is deteriorating owing to exposure and vermin. The capital outlay goes unrepair and the farmer is forced to draw heavily on overdraft --all for the doubtful privilege of attempting to help a national cause:.