Establishment Of Diagnostic Station At Lincoln Urged

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28630, 5 July 1958, Page 14

Establishment Of Diagnostic Station At Lincoln Urged

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 4. 111-thrift in lambs was much more common in the South Island than generally appreciated, and it was affecting future development as well as farmers’ incomes, said Mr R. G. Gerard (Opposition, Ashburton) when the Budget debate was resumed in the House of Representatives this afternoon.

Urging the establishment of a diagnostic station in the South Island, Mr Gerard said Lincoln College had buildings which could be made available * ‘right away” if the Government provided the finance. Mr Gerard said that without wanting to criticise the Department of Agriculture, much of the 6 work which it did referred mainly to the North Island. The South Island had problems of its own and ill-thrift was one of them.

“One stud-breeder not in my electorate, but getting towards Leeston way, had 50 Southdown ram lambs,” said Mr Gerard. “They would have been worth about 30gns each this year. Only five have survived. This is quite common down there, ,and in fact is much more common than is generally appreciated.”

Mr Gerard said it was clear from the whole of the AuditorGeneral’s report that he was not satisfied with, the Government’s presentation of the Public Accounts.

The Minister of Customs earlier had spoken of curbing the production of butterfat. Was that what the Budget wanted? The Budget cut right across the whole basis of production with its estate or disinheritance tax and its dividend tax.

During the election campaign, Labour speakers had indicated that they supported the National Party policy of allocating half of the land available for civilians. Now, however, it appeared that all land was to be retained for former servicemen until all had been rehabilitated. Mr Gerard said there were many young men, sons of farmers and farm workers, who wanted tb go on to the land and who would be ideal settlers. They were, however, drifting away. He urged that they also be assisted or. to farms. He added that of about 300 former servicemen still to be rehabilitated many had already had their chance and not taken it.