Drought in Otago

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 65, 18 March 1938, Page 8

Drought in Otago

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Last Night. At a meeting on Tuesday of the executive of the Otago provincial branch of the New Zealand Farmers Union several members emphasised the seriousness of the farmers’ position in the drought-stricken districts of Otago. The need for assistance from tin Government was illustrated by th. statement of one speaker that even i there were rain now it would be t late to assist in providing winter fee. since there had already been two l’ros in Central Otago. It was decided to as the Minister of Agriculture to inspe* the districts and to make represent: lions to the Government for the ire railage of stock to the grazing lands o Canterbury. This evening the secretary of th branch (Mr. E. H. Gadder) received tin following teegram from the Minister. “In repiy to your telegram, my Depart inent Ims already reported to me- upon the drought conditions in Otago and oi my recommendation the Government has decided that assistance shall bo granted by way of half railage rates on both the outward and homeward journeys for the conveyance of stock and free conveyance of fodder into the affected districts. Each application for such assistance is to be investigated by the Department of Agriculture.”