R.A.F. MEN RUN FARM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20492, 28 February 1941, Page 5

R.A.F. MEN RUN FARM

SUCCESSFUL VENTURE COMFORTS FOR TROOPS PIG-RAISING EFFORT (British Official WireleßS.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Feb. 27. The example shown by a Royal Air Force station farm which, with a substantial annual profit, is buying conversion loans, is creating a spirit of emulation among neighbouring units, including the army. The conversion loan, says a squadron leader who takes a great pride in the undertaking, becomes the property of the Personal Service Institution which supplies funds for the welfare of the troops and also free entertainment and wireless sets for airmen. Labour on the farm comes from airmen who are sufficiently keen to offer to work in their free time. The diligence of the farming enthusiasts, states the Air Ministry news service, can be gauged from the fact that 13 acres of rough ground round the aerodrome was ploughed for potatoes, cabbages, peas, beans, turnips, cauliflowers, and other vegetables, with the result that the farm now yields a substantial annual profit, the outlay being about £l6O a year. It is hoped that 30 tons of potatoes will be yielded this season besides substantial crops of green stuffs. Tomatoes are also being produced and a mushroom bed is to be I laid down.

A pig farm is an equally striking example of the enthusiasm of a leading aircraftsman who for years has been a pig breeding expert. He is in sole charge of 80 pigs which snort unconcernedly at the edge of the aerodrome while army co-operation aircraft continuously fly low above and around. The sale of pigs takes place regularly under a Ministry of Food license in the nearest local market.