Farmers Eager To Get Forestry Loans

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29859, 27 June 1962, Page 14

Farmers Eager To Get Forestry Loans

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, June 26. If the inquiries already made to the Forest Service for loans for farm forestry were an indication, then the first year’s planting had already been asked for by Northland farmers, said the Minister of Forests (Mr Gerard) when he moved the second reading of the Farm Forestry Bill in the House of Representatives today.

Loans would be given to farmers for planting areas between five and 20 acres In any year and up to 100 acres in a five-year period Some flexibility might be required in view of land variations, said Mr Gerard “Farm companies will be eligible for loans." be said, "but commercial companies will be out at the start of the scheme Loans will be granted in timber-hungry districts and in areas where future forests are likely to develop." Weed control, water and erosion control, and shelter would be taken into consideration. he said Indigenous trees might be more suitable in some areas and the Forest Service would give its advice when sought and perhaps when unasked if the loan conditions were not bein? kept. “The trees will be provided through the usual horticultural dealers. I hope private enterprise will provide trees at a reasonable and competitive price." said Mr Gerard. The bill passed its second reading after seven speakers

bad discussed farm forestry. Mr H R Lapwood (Government, Rotorua) said: “It is up to this generation to replace timber for the years to come ” Mr H G R Mason (Opposition. Waitakere) said that in Europe the farming and forestry lands were never far apart and were often intermingled Both occupations were seasonal, and. to some extent, the seasons did not overlap, with a saving of labour Mr J B Gordon (Government. Clutha) forecast the success of the bill would be so great that the Minister would be embarrassed by applications for assistance “It must be galling for the Minister of Forests to be for-ward-looking at this time, when men are being dismissed from sawmilling firms because there is no market for their product." said Mr S A Whitehead (Opposition, Nelson) “We read that Southland is suffering its worst timber depression In 20 years" Government voice: And elsewhere they are on overtime.