FARM PRODUCTION

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1939, Page 5

FARM PRODUCTION

DISTRICT COUNCILS TO ASSIST [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, October 17. Acting on the recommendation of the National Council of Primary Production, the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Lee Martin) has decided to establish district councils to assist in the promotion of increased production. He said to-day that the chief functions of the councils would be broadly to implement the plans and recommendations Of the national council, and to advise it on local developments and the requirements of farm productions, farm labour, and farm requisites and supplies, and to deal with such problems as the supply of agricultural labour and personnel.

“With a view to carrying out the policy recommended by the national council,” said Mi-. Lee Martin, “it is rfelt. tl\at full advantage should be taken of offers which have been made so si. ontaneously by all sections of the farming community to assist the Government in fulfilling its obligations to the United Kingodm by maintaining and, where necessary increasing our supplies of foodstuffs and other primary products for the British market. I have accordingly decided to' establish district councils o'f primary production, composed of representatives of farmers’ and workers' organisations in the chief farming centres of the Dominnion, and have arranged that meetings will be convened by officers of the Department of Agriculture in the various districts with a view to setting up these councils. Among the organisations from which members of the district councils will be drawn are the Farmers’ Union, the Sheepowners’ Federation, the New Zealand Workers’ Union, Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. YoungFarmers’ Clubs, and local producers' organisations.” The Minister said he felt confident that the appointment of district councils was a step in the right direction. As a result of their establishment in the chief farming centres of the Dominion tho Government through the National Council of Primary Production, would be able to secure the fullest co-operation of the farmers and workers of the Dominion in fulfilling the important task of maintaining adequate production, which was so vital in wartime.