INCREASES IN PRODUCTION

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23131, 21 September 1940, Page 12

INCREASES IN PRODUCTION

♦ RETURNS SUPPLIED IN MID CANTERBURY GUARANTEES SOUGHT TO ' COVER SURPLUSES A satisfactory Increase in primaryproduction in the Ashburton County was shown in the reports received from district committees at a meeting of the Mid-Canterbury Primary Production Council at Ashburton last.evening. The details supplied showed increases of 3.8 per cent, in the production of wheat, 51 per cent, for field peas. 16 per cent, for fodder crops, 106 per cent, for oats, and 112 per cent, for barley. Mr C. A. Campion, who presided, said that except for barley, the indications were that the Mid-Canterbury district had exceeded the quantities asked for. Tn the case of barley the figures were deceptive, and it was not possible to state whether an increase would be obtained from the insufficient nature of the figures supplied. The likelihood of a greatly increased quantity of oats glutting the market next year was discussed. Remits from several branches suggesting some form of guaranteed price in the event of surplus production of crops were considered, and a resolution was passed stating that the council was anxious to assist all efforts for increased production, but was of the opinion that any resulting surplus should be the responsibility of the Government, which should guarantee prices at least covering the costs of production. A motion was passed calling the attention of the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) to the fact that public works employees who, received seasonal or temporary work on farms could get no guarantee that they would be reinstated in their jobs, in spite of the assurances of the Minister. It was stated that specific cases could be produced as evidence. Motions asking the Government to ascertain what farmlands were not being properly worked and to take the necessary measures to bring them into full production and encourage the sowing of lime, which, it was thought, should be made available at a reduced price, were also passed.