MORE PRODUCTION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21507, 21 November 1939, Page 4

MORE PRODUCTION

Ways And Means Finance and Fertilisers Ways and means of increasing farm production were discussed at a meeting of the Waikato Council of Primary Production. Mr W. Dempster, who presided, said that if production was to be increased there must be increased growth which could only be induced by top-dressing. It was essential that an adequate supply of fertilisers should be made available. Dr. H. E. Annett expressed the view that the main essential was finance, while it was most important that import restrictions on farm requisites should be removed. Mr A. M. Bisley said that on account of the war it was unlikely that the usual quantity of basic slag, North African phosphate, and sulphur would be received from overseas. Credits for Imports The opinion that the Government was fully aware of the position and was doing its best to meet it by making credits available for imports of fertilisers was expressed by Mr M. B. Iggulden. Mr R. A. Candy said no undue apprehension was felt that the fertiliser works would be unable to fill orders this season. It was very desirable, however. that all farmers should submit their orders early so that deliveries could be spread over a period of three months, from Decmeber to March. The meeting passed the following resolution:—“We deem it useless to continue the Council of Primary Production unless there is an immediate release of the commandeer for public works of roofing iron, piping and other farm requisites. Furthermore, we consider that farming interests should have first call on importations of such necessary requisites and that all import restrictions on farm implements, dairy machinery’, and such requisites as are necessary* for the manufacture of milking machines, farm implements, dairy machinery and stock feeds, should be removed.” Labour Requirements It was resolved to ask the Government to make an appeal requesting farmers to submit to district councils their labour requirements. Mr W’. R. Cranston said the New Zealand Labourers’ Union was willing to find the labour as soon as the farmers stated their requirements and the conditions. It was resolved to set up committees in centres throughout the Waikato to assist the council to place farm labour as it was required. Offers of labour from schoolboys throughout the district were received and the terms under which this labour should be employed in weeding crops were agreed to. It was resolved to ask the Government to establish a farm school at Ruakura for inexperienced men willing to learn the rudiments of farm husbandry.

Mr Cranston said there was a long waiting list of men willing to take up small farm schemes.