POTATO GROWERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11949, 7 March 1917, Page 5

POTATO GROWERS.

A CRY FROM PUKEKOHE

APPEAL BEFORE SERVICE BOARD Some information on the demand and value of what forms a part, of tho country's daily diet was afforded when an appeal for exemption from active service was made by a resident of Pukekohc, .says the Auckland "Star.'" Bernard Foy, farmer, applied for exemption on the ground of occupation, he being a farmer and producer. Ho was supporting a sister. Appellant said his property grew about 150 tons of potatoes, 50 to 60 tons of onions and large, quantities of carrots and wheat annually. The area of the farm was 13 acres. There were eight acres of .potatoes that would not be ready until the end of May, and 25 acres were down in grass. Ho had a brother liable for service, who roamed about and who he had not seen for involve month.-?. The laud was about the best situated in Pukekoho, and it had cost him hundreds of pounds to keep the place eloat o) noxious weeds. It was worth £IOO per acre.

To Major Conian: The Government valuation of the land was somewhere about £SO. He could not get a suitfible tenant, and if lie went a.way ho would have to loci; up the place' an<! put steers on to it. The farm did not produce enough to warrant the appointment of a, manager. Mr James O'Connor, fanner and resident of Pukekohe for- 'twenty-two years, said the district's chief industry was potato growing. . tie was one of the- biggest potato growers. He grew 34 acres of them now, and before that 100 acres. The Pukekohe potatoes went south principally—especially the early potatoes. The appellant «as regarded as one of the principal grower-, in Pukekohe. Some of the .pcc-piljp; were continuing cropping, and others were hesitating owing to liability for military service. If Mr foy was called up the public would lose one of Ms best producers. Potatoes couid be sold without difficulty. There was a great dinl.-Hilty in gel ting labour.

Major Conian: Has this deputation from Pukekohe come here to-day to influence the board in releasing an eligible man from his liability from active service for his country? Witness: I was asked by Mr Mart on y

Major Conian : Wha<t steps have the farmers in Pukekohe taken to, relieve these men who are called ui>? Witness: They nave quite enough to do to look after their own farms. He had to sell his land owing to the shortage of labour.

Maine On lan; Since 'the war?— No. but T am prepared to sell the land I havo now for the same reason. To Mr Mahony: The people'in that district go in mostly for intensive cultivation. _ It was more difficult to keen the cultivation going in the small Pukekohc district than in a« v other part of the Wnikato. More labour was required, and p~oo!<> eould nr >t looV after the snrnyin<? for of a fiend in rr other people's potato crops. Appellant's case was an extra ore! ; nnrv one as regards his position as a producer. The. appeal was dismissed, the chairman stating tint the board considered appellant rould easily arrange his affairs by 3fay 21.