“FIFTIETH CLASS”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19571, 18 August 1933, Page 6

“FIFTIETH CLASS”

LAND ALONG THE FOOTHILLS

DIFFICULTIES OF TENANTS

The difficulties experienced by Crown tenants and others in farming land near the foothills of South Canterbury were impressed on the Minister of Lands (Hon. E. A. Ransom) during a discussion with South Canterbury Crown tenants in Timaru last night, when it was pointed out that there were many pitiful cases of men having to abandon their holdings and join the ranks of the unemployed owing to the unprofitable nature of the soil. The secretary of the Crown Tenants’ Association (Mr C. W. Markham) said that it was felt that unless something were done shortly to remedy the position, there would be a big crop of abandoned farms in the district. In his opinion it would be much better if some of the men on the unsuitable foothills country were given more encouragement to remain on their farms. A large amount of this soil was all right in some seasons, but at other times, during unfavourable weather, was very difficult to farm. He considered that it would be veiy instructive if a wellequipped demonstration farm could be established, and then settlers would be given practical evidence of the best methods to follow. Mr Markham’s remarks were supported by Mr J. J. Gregan, who said that there were thousands of acres of land along the foothills. Some of the cases of abandonment were pitiful and firms had lost thousands of pounds on the settlements. Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., said that the time was fast approaching for a reclassification of the foothills lands. In his opinion the land was fiftieth class and only men with unlimited capital could farm it. The marginal areas were becoming set and sour, and while a demonstration farm might be useful, a re-classification of the earlier follies of subdivision would be on very sound lines. The Minister said that the question had been discussed with the Undersecretary of Lands (Mr W. Robertson) and the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr W. Stewart), and information on the question had been supplied to him. He was in favour of the general principle of demonstration farms, especially on new blocks of country being opened. It was hoped that it might be possible to meet the Association’s request by setting aside a block of land and offering it to some practical farmer who had the necessary implements and plant. The farmer could take the place rent free and even if necessary be given some assistance by way of materials. A stipulation, however, would be that the man selected must work to a set programme. He promised every consideration of the matter, and hoped before long to give a definite reply as to what would be undertaken. He realised also that the question of re - c la: sific a tion would have to be considered. Generally speaking, said the Minister, the Department had not many abandoned farms, 70 per cent, of the forfeitures being at the request of the tenants who had intimated that they could not carry on. Some of the abandoned farms would not be re-let, but would be used for forestry purposes.