SOIL SURVEY WORK

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1935, Page 4

SOIL SURVEY WORK

HELPING LAND DEVELOPMENT.

ACTIVITIES OF DEPARTMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Wellington, Oct. 16.

The Minister of Employment to-day made a statement with regard to a scheme to carry out soil surveys in the Hawkes Bay and North Auckland districts, in regard to which a report has been obtained from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. / The objectives of soil and farm management surveys are to assist in further land development and to help established farmers, the former of course being one that directly concerns the Unemployment Board, though the second does also to some extent in that farmers will be enabled to employ more labour. Soils of likely types will be examined to ascertain whether they are suitable for the extension or establishment of dairying, orchards and small fruits, nuts etc., tung oil, tobacco, certified seed, a vzider variation of crops of linseed and feed and barley, etc. It is thought that some results can be expected by the end of March, 1936. Reports will be submitted on the improvement and extension of the growing of citrus fruits in North Auckland, and the improvement and possible extension of the orchard area in Hawkes Bay, with particular information regarding small fruits. , , . It is expected that the total cost of the surveys will be £3478, of .which £1650 will be required during this financial year. The board will contribute £l5OO of this year’s expenditure.