HELP FOR ORCHARDISTS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13177, 8 February 1936, Page 5

HELP FOR ORCHARDISTS.

UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD JOINS.

MAN Y APPLICATIONS ANTICIPATED.

Electric? Telegraph-—Press Association WELLINGTON, Last Night. It has been decided by the Government to grant assistance through the Unemployment Board to orchardists whose properties suffered extensive damage by Sunday’s storm over the greater part of "the North Island. Official departmental reports show that the destruction caused by the gale and rain in the Hawke’s Bay and Auckland district orchards was widespread and severe. Some areas in Hawkes Bay suffered much more than others, this being proved by the reports of departmental inspectors, who state that the damage ranged from 2 per cent, in sheltered orchards to 60 per cent, in more exposed properties. It is estimated that the probable average loss of the prospective yield was in the vicinity of 35 per cent. The destruction in Hawke’s Bay was particularly bad at Pakowhai and round about Hastings and Havelock North. Reports from Auckland orchard districts show that the storm damage was heavy at .Henderson, Oratia and Huapai. The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. y - Lee Martin) announced to-day tliat Cabinet had agreed to help the orchardists who had suffered as a J? SU i , the storm. As far as Hawke’s Bay was concerned he had forwarded to Mr H. M. Christie, M.P. for Waipawa, and Mr fc. L. Cullen, M.P. for Hawke’s Bay, the following telegram: “Further to my telegram of to-day regarding storm damage to orchards, I find that the Unemployment Board offers to subsidise labour at 12s per dav to the extent of 50 per cent, of the cost. This applies to all farmers and orchardists. Local certifying officers are being advised accordingly. Having regard to the special conditions involved by the damage to orchard trees, the Department of Agriculture is taking the matter us further with the Unemployment Board.” It is pointed out officially that the Government’s decision to help storm-stricken orchardists will have application over all the district affected. Following .the usual procedure in such cases, the Minister of Agriculture will consider individual cases for relief on application.