DROUGHT IN THE SOUTH.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18152, 15 August 1924, Page 7

DROUGHT IN THE SOUTH.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO SETTLERS. (special to "thb press.") WELLINGTON, August 14. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, the Hon. W. Nosworthy made a statement in connexion with the decision to give some assistance to dairy farmers in South Canterbury who are genuinely in need of Government help in the matter of payment of the cost of railage on fodder for their cattle. "My Departmental officers," said the Minister, "have been making enquiries as to" the extent to which farmers are actually suffering loss consequent upon the'extreme shortage of feed for their stock. As a result of this a report has come to hand stating that some dairy farmers are genuinely in need of assistance, and, consequently, it has been decided to give this assistance in the form of a refund of the cost of railage of feed brought in from outside districts. In connexion with this, it is necessary to establish some systematic method of giving it, so that it is ensured that only those farmers who are genuinely in lieed of it can participate. The necessary working arrangement between the Department of Agriculture, which will have to find the money, and the Railway Department, has also to be made. Instructions have already been sent to Canterbury for the Department's officers to work out the necessary details and submit them to Wellington as.quickly as possible, so that the relief scheme can be put into operation promptly. The assistance referred to will be confined to free railage on feed'for dairy stock owned by persons financially unable to pay railage. Applications should be made to the Stock Inspector at Timaru, and should state the quantity and the class of feed, and the locality from which it is to be obtained. Each case will be j considered on its merits, and the appli- | cants will be advised by telegram of the Department's- decision.''