SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 121, 4 March 1939, Page 4

SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS.

Sir,—We have the Hon. D. Sullivan, as Minister of Industries and Commerce, asking the farmers to grow more •wheat. He was also kind enough to establish a testing station in Ashburton, of which the farmers have taken full advantage. Now tens of thousands of sacks of wheat are lying in the paddock in first-class condition, but where is that same Minister in his capacity as Minister of Railways with his railway trucks to get the wheat away. The sacks are becoming more and more bleached with the sun, and deteriorating in value. Upon making inquiries it seems to me that the branch lines are the biggest sufferers, and orders have been pouring in to the Railway Department for trucks with practically no results. A few farmers who do business with firms who have stores in some of the centres are getting some of their wheat away, but these will soon be full. Further, where are all these trucks which we have heard so.much about lately? Are they in North Canterbury, or are they round about the main stations where there are stationmasters or other officials to attend to the wants of the urgent ones? I am quite sure.they are not coming to the flag stations. What many farmers are afraid of is that while the favoured few are probably getting some attention sooner or later the mills will be getting full or blocked, and then the weather will break and the wheat which is at present in excellent condition will go back. I understand that the transport owners up the Methven line are prepared to co-operate with one another, so that at this end there will be no delay, but unfortunately the trucks are not available. When a number of boats come into Lyttelton, we know the Railway Department do their best to keep the trucks up to the boats, but it seems to me that the long-suffering “Cocky” must go short. Surely our Farmers’ Union must know the state of affairs, or are the members too busy on this occasion looking after their own harvest affairs? FARMER.