RESCUE OF FARM STOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20306, 13 July 1929, Page 12

RESCUE OF FARM STOCK.

PROBLEM FOR SETTLERS.

EARTHQUAKE-STRICKEN AREA

ANIMALS IN MARUIA VALLEY.

" EVERY HOOF MUST COME OUT."

Iby telegraph. —own correspondent, i NELSON.' Friday

The welfare of tho stock in the earth quake area was discussed to-day by tho executive of the Nelson branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union A number of Murchison farmers wero present, by special invitation. Mr. Lodge, of Murchison, said tho most urgent necessity was to open up the valley roads and an outlet for stock. With the secretary ho had interviewed tho Public Works district engineer, Mr. 1. May, who had suggested that a stock track v down the Buller would bo possible in a few months, but could not bo started immediately. Mr. said if this track was open by January it would meet tho settlers' needs. In his opinion the stock route bv way of tho Matakitaki and Marina was quito unsuitable.

Tho president said the main thing was to open the valley roads.

Mr. Martin said he considered that both the valley roads and tho Buller route should be gone on with as soon as practicable.

Mr Itailey, of Tutaki, said £0 men working for two months would put the Tutaki Road through.

Mr. Lynch, of Murchisou, said tio thought the Bulier track was a secondary consideration against the great urgency of opening the valloy roads.

Mr. Peacock said assistance to cut a track through the farms in the Maruia Valley was an urgent necessity, ft was absolutely necessary that the stock in the mid-Maruia should bo brought out. There were about 400 cows, 300 sheep, 500 pigs and a number of horses in the Maruia Valley and every hoof would havo to come out. There was plenty of food meanwhile, but every day would make it more difficult for the cows to travel, lie estimated that about 17 miles of track, but not all hard going, over the Shenandoah was required, and that £l5O would cover the cost. A large area of land would be tapped by the track. The president said a horse track to Tutaki was urgently required, but the earliest possible reinstatement of the road was wanted to enable the farmers to bring out their cream and other produce.

Mr. Max said lie considered the money might be obtained from the relief funds. Mr. Lodge said he wanted to know the policy of the relief committee. It appeared to him that too many committees were in existence. Three good valuers should be obtained to assess the individual damage and so allow payments to be granted.

Mr. Peacock said he was certain the settlers would be prepared to carry out much of the work if the money was authorised.

A suggestion to send a deputation to the Primo Minister, at Wellington, was held up pending an interview with the local officials of the Public Works Department and the Mayor. The meeting then adjourned to enable these interviews to take place..

CHARGE AGAINST FIRMS.

ALLEGED PRESSING CLIENTS.

QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT

[BY telegraph.—special reporter. ] WELLINGTON, Friday.

Information that retail shops in Westport are being pressed for the settlement of their accounts by the wholesale firms has been received by Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party. He asked the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, in the House of Representatives this afternoon whether he would take steps to persuade the wholesalers to refrain from demanding payment while tho effects of tho earthquakes were still being felt. Mr. Holland pointed out that the effect of tho demand on tho retailors was to place pressure on the retailers' customers. Tho Prime Minister, said ho would be glad to make representations to the wholesalers as suggested. Tho situation was one calling for patience and he hoped the wholesalers would be lenient to the retailers until stable conditions were restored.

FURTHER LIGHT SHOCKS.

NELSON AND MURCHISON.

[bt TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NELSON, Friday.

During the last 24 hours Nelson has felt only one earthquake and a slight shock. Official reports are as follows: Murchison. 9 a.m.—Rivers normal and weather fine. Minor tremors during the day and early last night, otherwise a quiet night with a few detonations only. Takaka, 10.53 a.m.—Slight shock at 10.55 a.m. yesterday Tremors still being experienced at infrequent intervals.