THE SOUTHLAND DROUGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22718, 2 November 1935, Page 18

THE SOUTHLAND DROUGHT

ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS INQUISITORIAL METHODS ALLEGED (Per United Press Association) INVERCARGILL, November 1. ; Criticism of the manner in which the Department of Agriculture was dealing with applications for assistance by dairy farmers who had' lost stock as a result of the lack of feed was made by several members of the Southland Provincial Executive of the New* Zealand Farmers' Union to-day. Mr T. M'Cann said that several ca6es had been brought under, his notice, and what he had been led to believe was that if a farmer could help himself he would not receive any assistance. Officers of the department had made. a great many inquiries concerning what the applicant might be able to do through the_ banks or commercial concerns, and, indeed, seemed to take every measure to avoid giving assistance. Mr B. Clearwater said he thought the meeting should carry a resolution expressing dissatisfaction with the attitude of the Government. Twice applications from the union for assistance to farmers by the supply of free or cheaper fodder had been turned down, and even now that it had been agreed to replace lost stock the investigations were so minute and the inquiries took so long that any value which might attach to it was disappearing. "I have yet to hear," he said, "of a case in which assistance has been given. To my mind the whole thing is a farce." It was decided to telegraph to Wellington asking what was being done and urging all possible expedition.