SEED FOR LINEN FLAX CROPS

Southland Times, Issue 24240, 25 September 1940, Page 4

SEED FOR LINEN FLAX CROPS

FIRST DISTRIBUTION IN SOUTHLAND SOWING TO BE MADE NEXT MONTH Eighteen tons of seed for the planting of the earliest crops of linen flax to be grown in Southland this season have arrived in Invercargill and a considerable quantity has already been sent out to the growers. From 75 to 80 tons more seed will be required for the planting of 2400 acres, which _ will be the area sown down in the province, and this additional quantity is expected to arrive in Invercargill during the present week. It is still rather early for the planting of the seed in this province, but if the ground warms up sufficiently it will be possible to plant the seed next week. It is probable that most of the seed will be planted about the middle of next month. Cultivation in preparation for sowing has been undertaken during the last two months, and in all the areas the soil has been brought into good condition for the crop. The seed will be sown at the rate of 841 b to the acre and the 2400 acres to be grown in Southland will absorb not less than 90 tons of seed.

The Department of Agriculture has invited tenders for the pulling of the crops, which will be undertaken about three or four months after sowing. Applications have also been called for staff positions in the processing factories to be established in the various districts in which the flax will be grown.