ASSISTING FARMERS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 470, 3 June 1932, Page 3

ASSISTING FARMERS.

■ Chamber of Commerce Plan a Success. The splendid success of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce scheme of farmers’ finance was emphasised by speakers at a meeting of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce last evening. The committee in charge of the scheme reported that, after making extensive inquiries through interested parties and discussing in conference personal experiences after a year’s trial, the scheme for financing farm production had proved a success. It was recommended that, subject to a few minor amendments to clear |up possible misunderstandings a»d permit of smoother working, the council approve a continuation of the conditions adopted last year during such time as the necessity for the scheme continued. A representative sub-com-mittee had under consideration certain suggested amendments, modifications and adjustments, and it was suggested that the council authorise the committee to make, without further reference. any alterations or adjustments of a minor character likely to improve the working of the scheme, in order that the new conditions might be available for a renewal of the agreements now being negotiated. The committee expressed its appreciation of the wholehearted co-opera-tion of practically all the interested parties, without which the success achieved would have been impossible, in particular the services of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, DeputyPublic Trustee and leading Christchurch solicitors deserved special mention.

The report was adopted, and it was decided to send a letter to Mr Norton Francis, author of the scheme, expressing the appreciation of the council. In seconding the adoption of the report, Mr W. Machin said that there were many farmers on their farms to-day only because of the scheme. As the scheme cut across many established rights, its working during the past year was a marvel. Mr L. G. K. Steven said that implement manufacturers and agents had remarked on the fact that they, who were vitally interested, were not protected. They felt that some provision could be made for payment of depreciation. Mr Machin said that by the committee as a whole the implement makers had been overlooked, but actually they were protected, because provision was made for payment from the products of the farm to all creditors. At any rate the subject could be remedied privately. The report was adopted.