NATIONAL TOBACCO CO.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 6 January 1921, Page 3

NATIONAL TOBACCO CO.

NEW INDUSTRY AT RIVERHEAD.

A representative of this paper recently had the pleasure of an interview with Mr Husheer, manager of the National Tobacco Co., which is starting operations near Riverhead, Waitemata Harbour. . The company has acquired 200 acres of suitable land for the growing of the leaf, and h"as already made a start with hand-sowing, though machines for planting (the first in the Dominion) are now arriving. A rather late start in the season has been made, but by next spring it is expected that operations will be in full swing. The manager, who has had extensive experience of the industry in the United States, and later was associated with the company in Hawkes' Bay, has the greatest confidence in the prospects of this venture. The company will be prepared to purchase leaf grown by farmers —as a side lino for small farmers tobacco-grow-ing proves very profitable, bringing in from £40 to £50 per acre. One advantage is that a man who grows only a small quatiity can keep it until he grows more the following year; the quality improving by keeping. During a six months' drought in Hawkes' Bay, tobacco was the only crop that survived the ordeal and proved profitable. Tobacco seed is planted as cabbage seed is; then transplanted 3ft. Gin. apart in rows 3ft. wide. Only one crop is obtained from each planting. We were shown some beds of plants under cover ; they certainly looked very healthy, and Mr Husheer said he had seen none more promising. He is prepared to give information to intending growers, his residence and postal address being Whenuapai, Waitemata Harbour.

We were given some interesting particulars about the tobacco imported into this country, which is quite different from that used in America and England, the latter being un-adulterated. When a New Zealander goes to England he doesn't appreciate the pure stuff, because he has been educated to the use of the other.