GROWING FOODSTUFFS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14287, 2 May 1917, Page 7

GROWING FOODSTUFFS.

APPEAL TO FARMERS AXD OTHERS

Tlie Borough Council forwarded to the Gisborne Defence Committee yesterday a circular received from the Waipara County Council, m regard to urging citizens to grow grain, potatoes, and other vegetables to help and maintain the efficiency of ' the nation" during this great war, and suggested the committee taking the matter m hand. The circular' stated that half-holidays might be spent m the cultivation of ground. Mr G. W. Humphreys thought the growing of potatoes .was out of the question. No doubt more grain might be sown.

Mr Birrell said if some energetic methods were used certain lands might be acquired for cultivation. Two standard crops they should go m for were maize and barley. Some areas might' be leased or rented and cropped for seed. He thought a patriotic syndicate might do something. He was prepared to do his little bit, even to working on the farm. It was coming to that ; they ■must all do a bit. They did not wish t*> clash with the Efficiency Board or Farmers' Union that was being resuscitated. A combination to try to induce landowners to crop certain areas might do good. There was going to be a shortage of foodstuffs . the world over. They would be very glad to get maize, barley, or wheat bread before the war was over.

Mr J. Brown took it the appeal was •to everyone. It was, not only for farmers, but for every individual to make the most of vacant ground, even it 4 it was only to sow vegetables for themselves. Everyone could do more than they had done m the past. Mr G. W. Humphreys agreed. Mr J. B. Broadhurst suggested work-ing-bees tinder the guidance of practical farmers. Mr, Brown's idea was a very good one. The Efficiency Trustee Board might take the matter up. Mr C. H. Bridge supported the previous speakers. He moved that the ■branches of the Farmers' Union now being formed be asked to organise the matter. He said he thought farmers woidd be only too ready to crop their land;

MrG. Stock thought they were rather usurping the functions of the Efficiency A Board. He considered the motion should be amended to urge the local Trustees -under the Eflicincy Board to carry out the terms of the circular.

Mr Bridge said he was agreeable to that course, and added that they might suggest the Farmers' Union' be the medium through which the work could bo carried put.

Mr Humphreys, said the Efficiency Board and Farmers' Union should work together. He believed the Farmers' Union was going to be a live thing m this district. As Mr -Bridges' suggested, the organiser of the* Farmers' Union might be asked to urge the farmers to do what they couldi . It was decided to refer the matter to the Trustees Board, and it was agreed to ask Major Lusk to mention the object at bis Farmers' Union meetings.