SMALL FARM SCHEME.

Opunake Times, 20 May 1932, Page 2

SMALL FARM SCHEME.

(To the Editor). Sir, —The burning question of the day is how to place the unemployed. Now there are, and have been various schemes in operation, but none of them are a permanent means of solving the position. The time has now come when something must be done and done quickly, for already have we not seen the strange manner in which people will act when really up against it. These demonstrations of violence may occur again, anywhere, at any time. The small farm scheme seems to be a means of at least relieving the position. There are, of course, difficulties in this also which will become manifest as time goes on, but by placing the right people on these small holdings, surely a large per centage will make good. The cost of getting these people established may seem high, perhaps £3OO or £4OO, but this amount of cash spent on relief work such as is going on to-day, Would not last very long, and ex-farmers and farm labourers would become a far more contented people away from the towns and cities living on a small holding. Security to the farmer who supplies the land would be adequate until sucl time as the individual on the land was self-supporting, the Government would pay the rent. The authorities are asking the farmers to help those unfortunate men by accepting their work in return for stock or anything that will help them to become established on their small holding and given the right men, there is no oubt that assistance will be forthcoming. The man on the land to-day is finding it difficult but on a given amount of capital the farmer would exist longer than his town brothers. Therefore, give these people who have drifted into the town an opportunity of returning to the land and at least make part of a living. Depression will not always he upon us, but in the meantime, let us extend a helping hand to those who are down and nearly out. C. 11. JULIAN. Pihama, 19/5/32.