Readers Write

Northern Advocate, 28 June 1943, Page 2

Readers Write

I have read with interest two letters in the “Advocate” on George’s farming. Both letters hit the target. And as another letter

FARM LABOUR PROFITS

to show our industry up from another point, 1

beg space to record Tom’s farming operations for the past season. Tom has been a dairyman all his life, having been born on a farm. He farms his own farm of 163 acres freehold, Government valuation £2BOO. The land is mostly hilly, of good sec-ond-class clay, with some alluvial, is well watered and sheltered, is fenced into 16 paddocks, has a good dwelling, up-to-date cowshed and plant There is an up-to-date piggery capable of finishing off 40-60 fat pigs per annum. There are other sheds in which are tons of super and lime going hard as a rock because there is no labour to spread it. The property wintered last year 46 dairy cows, 10 springing heifers, 15 calves, three bulls and three horses. Last October was milking 40 cows when ordered into camp. (Yes, he had been appealed for.) He went to camp, leaving his wife, who had three small children, to milk the 40 cows on her own, and, despite her inexperience, a drought and several collapses on the milking stool, she struggled on for the balance of the season, and nearly rang the bell at 80001 b butterfat. This lady is now satisfied the job is too big for her, and as the powers-that-be will not release her husband to come back to his farm she has placed the herd on the market.

This does seem a pity to me, as with a herd like this is on this farm, in any ordinary season, under fair management, should return upwards of 1200-13001bs butterfat per annum, together with 40 baconers. Other industries seem to be keeping on Grade 1 men, but not the most important—the people’s food. Do we want production, or do we not? “RETIRED FARMER.”

In your issue of June 24 I read with interest, and a measure of concern, the letter of Mr H. W. James aboul

FIRE BRIGADE AFFAIRS

fire brigade matters, and especially his last sentence re the

motive for his dismissal by the new superintendent, Mr S. Fulljames., The fire board no doubt inspired this action with no thought in mind of what the suspension of such a capable officer and fireman means to such a useful in: stitution as the fire brigade. Mr James’s services in the brigade have been worth their weight in gold, not only to the borough ratepayers, but also to the various fire insurance companies operating within the fire board area.

It appears to me that efficiency has been sacrificed in favour of a limited few. The new superintendent and his new officers have taken the positions of others, in my opinion, more qualified. Surely the public, who recognise the services of such a fireman anr citizen as Mr James, will protest against a principle not fitted to be called democratic. It seems that his dismissal will not end without a c-ry of protest from more than one quarter.

The destiny of the fire brigade is in the hands of the fire board. The destiny of any country is in the hands of its leader. The Whangarei Fire Board imported its chairman. Trouble has followed his appointment. Will he smash the implicit confidence once held by the brigade in the fire board? Already disunity has become evident in the ranks of firemen through the most efficient officers being jettisoned in favour of others apparently to suit the whims of newly-appointed masters. —“LOVER GF FAIR PLAY.”