AID TO FARMERS

Southland Times, Issue 22733, 8 November 1935, Page 7

AID TO FARMERS

NEW SCHEME SUBSIDY FOR IMPROVEMENTS DETAILS ANNOUNCED (Per United Press Association.) Paparoa, November 7. Details of the scheme approved by the Unemployment Board to assist farmers to purchase farm implements and machinery and in the erection of farm buildings, were announced to-day by the Minister of. Finance, the Rt. Hon J. G. Coates. The new scheme is an extension of the existing B2 scheme which provides subsidies and improvements on dairy farms. The extension covers the granting of subsidies for the erection of woolsheds, implement sheds and other approved farm buildings and the payment of subsidies on farm, orchard and machinery implements of New Zealand manufacture. The subsidy will apply to work commenced on or before April 30, 1936. The manufacture of agricultural implements is still languishing and after careful examination of the existing subsidy schemes, the board came to the conclusion that a large volume of employment would be stimulated both by this subsidy and an extension of the grants for farm buildings. Mr Coates said the amount of subsidy on farm buildings would be 8 per cent, on the contract price, or if the work was carried out by the farmer, 10 per cent, on the net invoice cost of materials. The subsidy on implements would be £2 for the first £lO net invoice cost, exclusive of transport and installation charges, subsequently 1/4 in the £1 up to £lOO and thereafter 8 per cent, up to £2OO, 5 per cent, on any amount in excess of £2OO. The necessary recommendation would have to be made by the Minister of Agriculture, as under the existing B2 scheme, before any subsidy could be granted.

“I should like to draw attention to the fact that the subsidy on schemes now applies to new dwellings and buildings to which no private gain is attached,” said Mr Coates. “Churches, libraries, halls, extensions to and the painting of such buildings and equipment of dairy factories and dairy farms as well. Extensions of such structures are also eligible.”