FARMING AFFAIRS

Lake County Mail, Issue 19, 1 October 1947, Page 2

FARMING AFFAIRS

This column is supplied weekly by Federated Farmers’ of New Zealand. The information given is official, but any views expressed are those of the Federation and are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Piston Kings Dissatisfaction which has been expressed from time to time concerning the poor quality of some New Zealandmade piston rings has apparently been fairly general. In a letter received by Federated Farmers from the Minister of Industries and Commerce in reply to representations for the importation of better quality materials Mr Nordmeyer said recently that consequent upon representations made regarding supplies of piston rings, a recent investigation into the position was made by officers of his department. That resulted in a substantial increase in the value of licences which might be granted for the importation of rings and that would help overcome some of the difficulties experienced by farmers. It had, however, to be appreciated, said the Minister, that there existed in the world to-day a shortage of practically all essential raw materials and it had not, even in cases where supplies might have been available, always been possible to arrange the necessary shipping to take advantage of the opportunities offering. Every assistance possible was being given to importers and manufacturers to obtain the correct quality of pig iron and such alloying materials as silicon, nickel, etc., required for the purpose. Australian Shearers The Government was prepared to give every encouragement to Australian shearers who might wish to come to New Zealand, said the Minister of Labour in reply to a Meat and Wool Council resolution asking for help in providing extra shearers for the coming season. During the past season said