LAND DEVELOPMENT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18756, 12 July 1935, Page 4

LAND DEVELOPMENT

MAORI POLICY ON COAST RENEWAL of fences SUB-DIVISION OF FARMS Largo mianlities of fencing material are on order by the Native Department, to entry out an extensive programme of dairy i'arni subdivision and a renewal of existing boundary fences over the next 18 months. Activity will eonmienee immediately, and 5000 posts are required for work during the winter. It. is expected 'that from 15,000 to 20,000 posts will be necessary before the present, plans are completed. This is part of a progressive policy in bringing the Maori farms up to a modern stale. There have been many signs lately that the Maori is in the farming industry to stay and . that he is making good, particularly in the Waiapu Valley, where dairying is taken seriously by the Maori people, who find that even at the present low prices of butterfat they are showing a profit. Apart from the activity on the Coast,' little is being done in the district. Ibis winter regarding fencing, beyond immediate requirements. A year ago. as a result of the increased returns from wool, sheep farmers bought fencing material extensively, and many miles of fences were renewed. This year, however. the sheep farmer has been quiet in this respect, and the pakelia dairy farmer, whose expenditure has been small for some years now. has shown no inclination to spend any more than is necessary on fencing. It has been left to the Native Department this year to carry on the business of purchasing posts and wire. As very little timber suitable for posts is obtainable in the Gisborne district. most of the supplies have, come from outside, and 2500 silver pine posts brought from the West Coast of the South Island this week should help to fill requirements. *