STRICKEN AREA

Southland Times, Issue 22218, 10 January 1934, Page 6

STRICKEN AREA

CANTERBURY CROPS FARMERS SEEK ASSISTANCE MR FORBES’ PROMISE (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, January 9. The Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, was present at a meeting of farmers at Rangiora to-day to discuss the damage done to crops by the hailstorm on Friday afternoon. Farmers gave instances of extensive damage done to the crops. It was stated that over a belt estimated at six miles long and two miles wide, wheat, rape, oats, potatoes, mangels and peas had been completely wiped out. In some cases removal of the destroyed crops would be an expense. Some farmers were left with no prospects of any income fox' the season. The meeting asked that the Government should afford relief immediately with labour and finance.

Mi’ Forbes promised that officers of the Department of Agriculture would go ovex- the whole area, prepare accurate estimates of the farmers’ losses and of individual necessities in labour and finance of those farmers who had suffered. When this report was received, the Government would decide how relief could be given.

Mr Forbes said that this promise would apply to all areas in Canterbury which had been seriously affected by the storm. Mr - Forbes left for Wellington to-night.