New farm relief imminent

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32776, 29 November 1971, Page 5

New farm relief imminent

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 28. Details of the Government’s

proposed aid to sheepfarmers were j revealed by the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) at a meeting of farmers in Pahiatua.

The supplementary finance scheme was a short-term measure, designed to “hold the fort” while other measures took effect; but the next stage of assistance, now very close to its final form, would be a measure of more general impact.

“Assistance to the sheep-1 fanning industry wilt be in the form of payment for sheep wintered in 1972,” he said, “with an advance payment based on the number held on 1 June 30, 1971.” The scheme was designed to help maintain the national flock at about the same level as last year. He said that the Government had been consulting “closely and constantly” with the Meat Board and Federated Farmers, and it was now hoped that a final decision would be made by Monday. “VITAL ROLE” The Agricultural Production Council had been asked to recommend longer-term measures to strengthen the sheep industry. "Government departments will take full part in this work and I am certain that we shall be able to find ways for the sheep industry to continue to play its vital role in the economy.” In the year to June, 1971, 40 per cent of all export receipts came from sheep, without taking into account beef

or grain produced on sheep farms, he said. And as a country New Zealand could not afford to lose this exchange, nor permit farms to deteriorate.