THE SMALL FARM PLAN.

Evening Star, Issue 21499, 25 August 1933, Page 10

THE SMALL FARM PLAN.

TO TEE EDITOR.

Sir,—While much has been done in the way of compulsox-y garden plots for those who have neither desire nor knowledge along that line, other keen, capable, land-hungry men are told there is no land available in these parts to enable the small farm plan to operate. One cannot but feel that no serious attempt has been made to settle unemployed men on the land. The City Council is busy at present converting some hundred acres of farm land into a prospective forest. This land, if occupied by dairy farmers, would have provided a living for several men, as well as revenue to the council. As it is it will add to the ratepayers’ burden for half a centui-y before showing returns — a costly gamble, indeed, in these times, when the council is so restricted financially that it is unable to pay more than a mere sustenance to men doing in many instances standard work. The tree planting on the farm at Bethune’s Gully is only classed as relief work in order to avoid paying standard rates of pay. Mr Cox has not yet succeeded in persuading the civic powers to act as Christian gentlemen should toward their fellow-citizens who either by choice or misfortune are labourers. The small farm plan is something to which the council could contribute with profit both to its own funds and to men who are eager for land. Hundreds of acres of good land in and around the city are lying wasting and being overrun by noxious weeds. If placed under cultivation this land would beautify the city, as well as supply additional rations for parents, who have no desire to rear under-nourished children.—l am, etc., G. Herring.

August 25. [The only tree planting that is being carried out by the City Corporation, other than Bethune’s Gully, is at Silverstream and Waipori, where the land is definitely unsuitable for farming purposes. In regard to Bethune’s Gully the corporation has tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to lease the land at a reasonable rental, and is now endeavouring to increase the attractiveness of the reserve for pleasure-seekers.—Ed. E.S.]