SMALL FARMS SCHEME.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 248, 27 July 1940, Page 3

SMALL FARMS SCHEME.

MORE STOCK CARRIED.

DECLINE IN LABOUR EMPLOYED. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON', July 26. The progress made with the Small Farms Scheme was reviewed by the Minister for Lands (the Hon. F. Langstone) during the debate, on the Public Works Statement in the House of Representatives to-day. He expressed the hope that it would be possible intho future to go in for more diversified farming on some of the blocks. 'Mr Langstoiie said there were 38,990 acres under the development in 1936, and 130.000 acres in 1940. The average number of men employed was 1241 four years ago, and to-day it was 1101. It was interesting to note that though the area under development was very much larger, fewer men were engaged. The reason for this was that the labour requirements diminished as the land was brought into production. The sheep carried in 1936 totalled 8800, as compared with 93,959 this year, and dairy cows increased from 2155- to 8831, and run cattle from 1132 to 13,317. As the land was developed and cultivated its carrying capacity improved. The revenue from small farms amounted in 1935 to £6794, in 1939 to £79,039, and in 1910 to £139,944.

“I hope that it will be possible in .future to go in for more diversified farming on many of the blocks by the production of commodtics such as irnit poultry, and honey,” said Mr Langstone. “I am satisfied that must be done. I want to see the scheme standing as as asset in the books of the department. We are doing our best to get the best results from a very difficult project.”