Extent Of Nassella Grubbing Outlined

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31047, 30 April 1966, Page 21

Extent Of Nassella Grubbing Outlined

At present eight gangs comprising about 48 men were working in the North Canterbury Nassella Tussock Board’s area, the board was advised at its annual meeting in the report of the secretarymanager (Mr F. J. Foley). The new season had started immediately after Easter. Once Indians with the board terminated their employment the board’s labour requirements would be quite substantial. Another five to seven foremen would be required when the work was in full swing.

The ranging staff was still one under strength and difficulty was being experienced in filling the vacancy at Motunau. Two houses at Cheviot were now nearing completion and should be ready in the middle of May. Mr Foley said arrangements had now been completed for his visit to Fiji from May 12 to 19 and he felt he could be swamped by Indians during his stay. The report of the inspector (Mr W. L. Kay) said that during the pay periods to April 16 gang work totalled 15,577 man-hours, of which 13,005 were spent on actual grubbing, the difference being travelling, wet and holiday time. Waipara gangs worked 1269 hours on Tiromoana, 2466 hours on Wash Creek and 1020 hours on Spye. Waiau gangs worked 1723 hours on Glenbourne and 2440 on Cheddar Valley, Cheviot gangs 2043 hours on Mount Par-

nassus and 850 hours on the Waiau riverbeds. The Hurunui gang worked 271 hours on Kitchen Hills, the local gang 351} hours on Teviotdale and 994} hours on the Waipara riverbed. Students worked 130} hours on the Horseshoe block, Teviotdale.

Ranging time at 270} days made an average coverage of 180.6 acres a day.