NELSON COUNCIL OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 12 January 1940, Page 3

NELSON COUNCIL OF PRIMARY PRODUCTION

SUBSIDY FOR FARM LABOUR USE OF UNSALEABLE FRUIT At a recent meeting of the Nelson Council of Primary Production the National Council, replying to a previous resolution of the local Council, stated that steps had been taken to ensure that superphosphate prices would be kept to a minimum. Regarding the supply of lime at cheap rates, the local Council was advised that the Lime Commission’s report was at present under consideration by Cabinet. The Nelson Council discussed the utilisation of unsaleable fruit and recommended the National Council that immediate consideration be given to means whereby this fruit might be most efficiently utilised for pig feeding. All members of the District Council were agreed that production was as essential as the overseas fighting services and it was felt that the farming community would stand solidly to do their duty, using every available acre to increase primary production. Labour matters were discussed, also the valuable work o£ the Women’s National Reserve in enrolling recruits for seasonal occupations. Advice had been received, from the Department of Labour of a scheme whereby farmers might employ inexperienced single men as farm labourers and receive a subsidy of £1 per week for a period of six months. The scheme applies to single men, registered and eligible unemployed, 20-25 years of age inclusive, though where suitable workers of this age are not available, older workers may be employed.

The National Council drew attention to recent legislation relative to rural housing. Under the Rural Housing Act, 1939 any county council may advance money to a farmer to enable him to provide a dwelling for his own use or for the use of any farm worker who is principally employed by him or for the use of any member of his family who is engaged in farming operations on the farm, or to enable him to repair or add to existing dwellings.