FLOOD DAMAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26778, 22 May 1948, Page 8

FLOOD DAMAGE

GISBORNE FARM LOSSES SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO SUFFERERS P.A. WELLINGTON, May 21. Preliminary figures of the flood damage and losses on farms on the Gisborne side of the Waipaoa River following a departmental survey were submitted to a mass meeting of farmThe figures were: Area to be sown, 4343 acres; maize considered damaged, 2252 acres; hay required, 113 tons; fences damaged, 3000 chains; posts required, 5000 to 6000; battens, 20,000; staples 2| tons; wire, 25 tons; silted drains, 900 chains;' losses of. sheep, 10 000 head; cattle. 157 head; pigs, 300 head; poultry, 2000 head. The maize crop damaged averaged 45 per cent. To supplement fodder supplies, it was decided to ask the Minister _of Agriculture, Mr Cullen, to arrange for the shipment of South Island. hay. A hostile reception was given by farmers of the flooded area to the telearaohed reply by the Minister of Finance, Mr Nash, stating that the law prohibits the Commissioner of Taxes allowing deductions of taxes on livestock given by hill-country farmers to flood victims on the Gisborne flats. The Minister added that he would arrange for gifts of livestock to be exempt from gift duty, as distinct from income tax. It was decided to renew representations to the Minister. A new proposal for the provision of special assistance to the flood sufferers was outlined by Mr C. H. Clinkard, Treasury representative, to- the farmers. Under this scheme the farmers have to submit their requirements to the Bank of New Zealand, stating the additional finance required for the rehabilitation of homes, fodder for stock, replacement of stock, fencing, and for living and operational expenses until their incomes are re-established. Farmer clients of other banks are to apnly through them for a special flood relief account. Only 3 per cent, is to be charged for these special accounts.