MAIZE PROSPECTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 11, 1 October 1943, Page 4

MAIZE PROSPECTS

'ONCE a flourishing primary industry in the Bay of Plenty maize growing an occupation which has already suffered severely from official bludgeoning, is receiving even less encouragement this year than in 1942. Growers are already past the 'anxiety' stage and to-day are straight-out disheartened. It is therefore a matter of conjecture as to whether twenty-five per cent, will respond to the Government's appeal for greater maize areas, and even those who are willing to co-operate in spite of the labour difficulties, apparently fail completely to receive: any satisfaction from departmental headquarters. Seeking to put the industry upon a fair and substantial basis which would ensure n reasonable return to the growers a local committee six weeks ago approached the Government for a subsidy which would stabilise the: price at a level commensurate with war conditions. To date, with the planting season almost upon them again, there has been no reply, and the result is that dozens of farmers are held in suspense which will probably lead to a complete loss of patience at the official dalliance, and the maize crop for the new season, being cut down to nil.