WINTER FEED FOR STOCK

Southland Times, Issue 24114, 1 May 1940, Page 8

WINTER FEED FOR STOCK

DESPERATE POSITION IN SOUTH CANTERBURY

Claiming that the winter feed position in South Canterbury is desperate, Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., has sent a telegram to the Prime Minister ,(the Hon. P. Fraser) urging that prompt measures be taken to prevent big stock losses. “It is time you came down and examined the South Island primary production position for yourself,” said Mr Burnett. “Through the sequence of enlistment and the illnesses of fellow-members I am endeavouring to represent the interests of the Waitaki and Mid-Canter-bury producers as well as those of Temuka. From one end of that huge area to the other, the winter feed position for stock is desperate, and many ewe lambs and good flock ewes are being threatened to be sent to freezing works, ewes which have no right in the national interest to be killed. Only prompt measures allowing for reduced railage rates to Southland, and the wholesale import of foodstuffs will prevent 'big losses of stock in the spring. “We are tired unto death of officials who make difficulties and quote precedents. Practical men laugh at one of your colleagues who stated in a letter to me that rain during the first week in April had undoubtedly had a good effect in the provision of winter feed for stock. Come down and meet practical men, and generally confer about our home front conditions.” .