ON THE LAND

Grey River Argus, 26 June 1931, Page 2

ON THE LAND

GOVERNMENT POLICY. STATED BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL. WELLINGTON, June 25. In his speech at the opening of Parliament to-day, .the Governor-General referred to the farming industry generally as follows:— “Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and of the House of Representatives:—My Ministers have given close attention to .the vital question of increasing the volume of the Dominion’s primary products, and of providing additional avenues for the employment of labour through the prosecution of an active land settlement policy. Energetic endeavours have been made to bring into production idle Crown areas capable of successful development As the result of the provisions of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1929, a large number of sections which had been abandoned by former tenants have been re-select-ed, and numerous sections of virgin Crown land have been taken up The system of granting financial help te the selectors of undeveloped areas has proved of material assistance to them.

“The work of developing suitable blocks of Crown land prior to selection is proceeding steadily, and in connection particularly with the development of pumice land, my Ministers are pleased to record that the operations already carried out give every promise of success.

“The acquisition of private lands for closer settlement, has also received attention, and almost all the subdivisions offered have been selected. A new feature of this policy has been, the purchase of estates which afford scope for development work by the State prior to offering the land for selection.

“My Ministers are confident that by placing large numbers of settlers on the land, and providing reproductive employment for many others, a substantial contribution will be made towards alleviating the problem of unemployment.

“Satisfactory progress is being | made in the development of native i land*. At the end of last financial year ' there were in active operation schemes | affecting twenty areas in both Islands ’ while preparations w r cre made to commence others affecting eleven areas, j The Maori communities concerned have 1 displayed the greatest interest in the schemes, which, by providing much- | needed employment, on productive i work, are assisting large numbers of them during a very difficult period. “Agricultural practice, generally, in i the Dominion, is keeping well abreast ' of modern methods based upon the world’s latest scientific knowledge, and i the instructional -and advisory services provided by the Government are extensively utilised by farmers in connection with all phases of primary production. It is satisfactory to note that the volume of output has been well maintained.

CHEESE PROBLEM “In connection with the dairying industry, .the continued fall in the mar ket price of New Zealand cheese has been receiving the earnest attention of the Government. Research is now in progress, and its application will, it is believed, lead to the removal of major defects in manufacture, and to the production of a high-grade quality, which will restore New Zealand-made cheese to the position which it formerly occupied in the British market. An extended trial has been given in recent year.-: to the manufacture from hightesting milk of cheese of standardised fat content. This has proved unacceptable to buyers, and a strong prejudice has arisen against it. My Ministers consider it desirable that the manufacture of this type of cheese should cease entirely, as being calculated seriously to hamper successful marketing and to alienate the goodwill of British purchasers.”