Whangarei R.S.A. Proposals For Rehabilitation

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 5

Whangarei R.S.A. Proposals For Rehabilitation

'Rehabilitation proposals brought forward by the sub-committee set up by the Whangarei Returned Services Association have been forwarded to the association headquarters. This was reported to the executive at a meeting this week. Proposals involving a co-operative scheme for bringing in farm areas, lime crushing and delivering, stock scheme, brick-making, the association farm and fishing tackle manufacture have been approved by the committee. A report on the co-operative scheme for bringing in farm areas states that there are extensive areas in Northland of good second-class land, which would make good dairying farms if developed. Easy and undulating in nature, this country can only be economically developed by big tractors and heavy farm machinery, the overhead cost of which on a 120-150 acre farm, makes them prohibitive, while the class of land cannot be hurried in its treatment and best results are obtained if the land is fallowed for at least two years before being sown in grass. Group Work These factors place this land outside the present scope for rehabilitation, but if they were handled in blocks of about 2500 to 3000 acres by groups of 15 to 20 men on a co-operative development basis, useful employment for a considerable number of men for some years could be provided. The rehabilitation committee proposes the formation of groups of men capable of doing the whole work of development, the scheme to be run on a co-operative basis until the whole of the land was developed, when the land would be divided into economic areas for which ballots could be held, men who had done the work to have first preference. It was considered that mien should receive standard rates of wages for the work and that, for a start, they could be housed in army huts until better accommodation was available on the farms. The necessary machinery would be supplied by the State, and should comprise two caterpillar tractors, giant discs, various types of harrows, roller, top-dresser, plough, broadcaster, two 30-cwt. trucks and various tools. Also, a hay-making plant would be required after the second year.

Scope of Work

“Taking an average of 240 working days in the year, it should be possible to cultivate 800 to 1000 acres in the first year with a double cut of giant discs.” states the report. “The following season 400-500 acres could be worked up again and sown in grass, and a further 400 to 500 acres of new ground could be given the first discing. Thereafter the programme would be 400 to 500 acres sown and 400 to 500 acres of new ground given its first cut each year until the area is grassed. After the third year the first area sown should be ready for grazing, and dairying could be carried on on a co-operative system, any profit to go towards development charges. “As development costs would eventually be a charge against the land when taken over as separate farms, this should ensdre each separate farm receiving an equal distribution of costs and, at the end of the development period, should assist considerably in reducing the ultimate price." After discussing advantages as they appear from practical experience gained in farming after the last war, the report concludes by stating that, if such a scheme is started under careful supervision, land could be brought in for future settlement as the soldiers return and much valuable data could be gained for more extensive schemes at future dates.

Increased Lime Production

Dealing with the . proposals for a community lime-crushing and delivery plant the committee reported that while Northland was abundantly supplied with lime deposits, existing crushing plants were unable to supply anywhere near the quantity that could and should be used. The officer in charge of soil survey for the Scientific and Industrial Research Department had stated that no more than 33 per cent, of lime required on grassed areas was now being spread. Use of lime was absolutely essential if present production was to be maintained and was the only article that would probably aerate gumlands and allow establishment of first-class pastures. The scheme was to put small portable plants capable of producing 40 tons of lime per day in suitable districts to be run on a co-operative basis by groups of returned men. These could move from deposit to deposit in a planned circuit and, in addition to crushing, could deliver to the farms and broadcast lime on the farms. Returns from Crushing The necessary plant, costing £5600, would include a portable crusher, two tip trucks, a tractor with bulldozer and power shovel attachments, tractor with top-dresser and a car. With 200 working days 'comprising a year’s operations, 8000 toils of lime could be delivered to farms at an average of 24/- per ton, yielding £9600. Interest, maintenance and depreciation of plant at 20 per cent, would amount to £ll2O, running costs would be approximately £2400 and wages for 12 men at £4OO per annum to £4BOO, these costs totalling' £8320, leaving a balance of £I2BO. Figures for costs were high, while the price of lime delivered and sown was more than competitive with prices ruling today. Only fundamentals of the scheme and necessary machinery to put it into operation had been considered in detail, but it was confidently expected that it would not only supply a big gap in lime production but would prove a healthy and remunerative occupation for a considerable number of men when they returned. This scheme was supported by evidence on the distribution of limestone in Northland by an officer of the soil survey division. Other Proposals The stock scheme proposed by the committee was reported upon in detail, largely or\ line's already published. This scheme incorporated farmers rearing calves to be donated to the association for returned soldiers settling on the land when they returned from overseas. Concerning the brick-making proposal, it was stated that full details for the establishment of a brick-making business were held by Mr. C. A. Morse, of Dargaville, who would place his entire knowledge at the disposal of the R.S.A. free of charge. Associated with the brick trade extending over many years, he was now building a kiln at Dargaville. In regard to the association farm, it was stated that about a year ago, Mr. Earnshaw, a farmer, gave to the Whangarei association a farm property i totalling 400 acres, subject to a mortgage. The gift was valued at approximately £ISOO and the property was capable of being subdivided into three : farms for rehabilitated men. The advisory committee was attending to

legal and other questions for furthering the project in due time. For the benefit, temporary in some cases and permanent in others, of convalescent returned men, a scheme for their employment in making trout flies and artificial lures is also proposed. Making of rods would provide another occupation, and it was considered that many ex-servicemen would in later days be grateful for the skill acquired. All the proposals have been forwarded to Dominion headquarters.