WAIMATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19450, 27 March 1933, Page 4

WAIMATE

WELCOME RAIN. During last week, intensely hot weather was experienced in Waimate, sceompanied by nor’west winds, which had the effect of drying off pastu::*.' and seriously checking root crops reel ed for winter feed. In addition, an acute shortage of water for household purposes and for stock caused farmer in most parts of the district very serious concern. On Thursday evening a light shower of rain fell, but the total fall was insufficient to effect any appreciable benefit. Shortly after 6.30 on Saturday morning, however, steady rain set in from the south, which effectively put a period to the drought, about a half an inch falling during the day. Farmers visiting the town' during the day expressed feelings of relief at the welcome dowmpour. WHITE BUTTERFLY. A Waimate resident recently saw in his garden the first specimen of the dreaded white butterfly reported in the Waimate district. PERSONA' Mr Robert Inkster, an ex-resident of Waimate of many years’ standing, is at present re-visiting the town on a short holiday from Christchurch. TENNIS CLUB DANCE. St. Patrick’s Hall was comfortably filled on Thursday night on the occasion of a dance held by St. Patrick’s Tennis Club. The dance is the first of a series to be held by the Club, and the initial success promised well for future functions. An orchestra supplied music, and extras were played by Miss K. O'Brien and Mr M. McDonald, while Mr G. Sauer made an efficient M.C. Members of the Tennis Club dispensed supper. The decorations were carried out in the Club’s colours. UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Waimate Local Unemployment Committee was held in the Borough Council Chambers on Friday night. Present—Messrs G. Dash (chairman), W. F. George, O. Manchester, J. T. Hay, G. F. Richardson, J. C. Hay. J. V. Riach, W. G. Paul, D. S. Chisholm, B. S. Runciman (honorary secretary) and G. W. Brown (certifying officer). Secretary’s Report. Mr Runciman submitted the following report:— “The ordinary unemployment scheme No. 5 was suspended in this district from 25th January last, since which time we have received an allocation of fixed amount to meet necessitous cases, and with the exception of one week when we had to draw on the Mayors Official Fund for some £l3, we have found the amount allotted to us adequate for demands. At the date of suspension the number of men on the register was 222. and by February 25th, this number had been reduced to 23, practically all of whom were quite unfitted for harvesting work. This work, which has absorbed a large number of men, is now practically completed rod the register is rapidly increasing. The number of men on it at the end of last week was 94, made up of single men, 12; married men, 82. During the peak of harvesting operations the demand for men exceeded the available supply locally, and quite a number of mer, from other districts arrived here in search of work with varying degrees of success. However, it soon became apparent that the outside supply of men was more than could be absorbed. At the beginning of March last year, there were 194 men on the register. In view of the increase in the number of men registered, and as each week this number is growing larger, we wrote to the Unemployment Board asking for our ordinary allocation for the week ending 7th April. Our ordinary stand down week will then come into force for the week ending 22nd April. This week is our ordinary stand down week, but we received the special allowance, so a number of men, approximately 33, are working. As it is possible that the No. 5 scheme will be recommenced, it will be necessary to consider the question of those men on small holdings and decide on a course of action.”

The Mayor said that the position this year at the beginning of March, was better than was the case last year, and no matter what criticism had been levelled at the Committee’s action- in recommending that the No. 5 scheme should be closed down during harvest, results had amply borne out the wisdom of that action. A certain proportion of the men who were physically unfit to undertake harvesting work had been provided for by special arrangement with the Board and with the assistance of the Mayor’s Fund. As far as could be ascertained, the average earnings of men who had been harvesting had amounted to about £ls for the six weeks’ work. Mr J. C. Hay asked if statements regarding ridiculously low harvesting wages being offered by farmers had been- substantiated. The chairman said that in cases that had come before his notice 1/-. 1/3, and in a few cases 1/6 per hour, were the wages received. Other members stated that in no case had they heard of less than typer hour and found being offered. The secretary's report was received, and the action of applying for the reinstatement of the allocation was was endorsed. Rabbiting Scheme. The certifying officer inquired if ,t was proposed to reinstate the rabbiting scheme. Mr J. C. Hay said that this was one of the best schemes propounded by the Board, and one had only to go through the Morven district near the river-beds to see how rabbits were increasing, and also the amount of damage they were doing to vegetables and crops. It was resolved to write to Mr Scott, Stock Inspector, Timaru, asking him to draw attention to landholders to the alarming increase of the pest. Mr Hay said that occupation under Scheme 5 might be found for small farmholders to clear neighbouring blocks in their own localities.

Mr Brown said that probably this would be the best means of coping with the trouble. Mr Hay said that if the Committee would endorse the scheme he would approach the farmers with a view to obtaining their co-operation. On the suggestion of Mr Dash, it was resolved, when the scheme was put into operation, to obtain a regular supply of rabbit carcases for local consumption. The Committee decided to endorse the scheme and also to reinstate the.