DATE TOO EARLY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22438, 19 September 1947, Page 4

DATE TOO EARLY

EAST COAST VISIT FARMING COMMISSION POSTPONEMENT DESIRED Because the date for the sitting of the Royal Commission into sheepfarming was fixed for January 12 to 27 on the East Coast and left little time for the evidence to be prepared, Mr. C. H. Williams reported to a meeting of the meat and wool section of Federated Farmers yesterday that the provincial district’s central committee had requested the commission to postpone its visit to a later date. Mr. Williams said the central committee met on Wednesday in Gisborne to do preliminary work- It had been learned that the commission intended to sit on the East Coast, startipg its circuit on the Coast and then moving to the South Island and later returning to the North Island. That itinerary would mean the evidence would necessarily have to be completed before the Christmas vacation.

Particulars required were the classification of land, with particular reference to problem land. Owners of suitable farms on problem land in the district had been approached and had given their sanction to supply data to the commission. An accountant had been asked to prepare the case for the central committee. A member of the commission, Mr. W. F. Metcalfe, reported on the work to date. In the initial stages it was decided to work along the lines of the order of reference. Beyond that any person farming second-class or reverting land successfully or unsuccessfully would be welcomed to give evidence. Those desiring to give evidence on matters relating to taxation also would be encouraged. Already the commission bad received applications from 600 persons wishing to give evidence, and there probably would be more. Mr. Metcalfe asked the later meeting of the provincial executive of Federated Farmers for a guide as to the number of meetings required in the area. He said a visit would be paid to the district next month by the secretary to make the necessary arrangements for accommodation. The commission’s party would be a fairly large one. It was decided that sittings should be conducted in Wairoa, Gisborne, Tolaga Bay and Ruatoria.