BREAKING IN LAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 143, 18 June 1940, Page 15

BREAKING IN LAND.

SWIFT TRANSFORMATION. -MODERN METHODS AT MASAWAHE

Evidence of the efforts of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Primary Production Council is to be seen on the unbroken Manawalie forest block, where a giant bulldozer is at present stumping, logging and clearing the land at the rate of one acre per hour. The amazing speed of this modern method of land clearing is attracting the attention of settlers all over the Rangitaiki Plains, and it is expected that many other farmers with land of similar nature will become interested and seek the co-operation of the council in reclaiming more land for the dairying industry. The work of the council is directed towards the greater output of dairying and other foodstuffs included in the Dominion's war effort. On December 21 a. small sub-committec consisting of Messrs. J. L. Burnett (Nukuhou), N. ■J. C. McDonald (Waimana), 11. Holmes (Opotiki) and C'. R. Taylor (Department of Agriculture, Wliakatane) was appointed to go into the matter of increasing production and to ascertain lands which were handicapped by lack of development and the growing of winter feed for stock. Several areas were investigated, but it was finally decided to concentrate on the Manawalie district, where large tracts of first-class land are awaiting development and only require a vigorous policy to be transformed into ideal dairy farms. The proposal was to stump and log certain areas on settlers' holdings with the idea of ploughing and making it available for pastures and root crops. The Public Works Department was approached to supply the necessary machinery, and to that end the district was visited by Departmental engineers,

who made a comprehensive survey. As a result a 22-ton bulldozer began work iast Tuesday auj In six hourn stumped, logged and cleared six acres. The basis of payment is £2 per hour working time, plus 10/ travelling time, cash in advance. At the present rate of work the cost is £2 per acre, which compares with the ordinary manual cost of from £6 to £8 per acre for stumping alone. The saving of time is another important factor. Already in the Manawalie area the council has under consideration from 300 to 400 acrcs, and it is anticipated that there is every likelihood of yet another machine being put on to the work. The bulldozer can be utilised for road-making at the same rates.