DISABLED SOLDIERS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 804, 3 July 1933, Page 8

DISABLED SOLDIERS.

Possibility of Sunflower Cultivation. The Canterbury Disabled Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment Committee met this morning, Mr H. Holland, M.P., presiding. A letter was received from the Department of Industries and Commerce, stating that whilst the sunflower was grown practically all over the Dominion it was not grown on a commercial scale. There was. however, a small demand for the seed as food for parrots and other birds. The New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Sydney (Mr L. J. Schmitt) also wrote giving particulars of sunflower cultivation, but did not mention, as the committee had hoped, possible markets for the seed. “ The seed does not appear to be in general use, eitlier for stock feeding, or for the extraction of oil,” said the Commissioner. He suggested that Australian wheat and maize would be more economical as a stock food. “ The sunflower scheme appears to be a wash-out,” said Mr J. Murphy. A member suggested that information should be sought from the United States. Mr W. E. Leadley. thte secretary, said that the committee might approach cattle cake manufacturers to see what market was available for sunflower seed. He understood that linseed was at present. used to make cattle-cake, but that sunflower seed was a substitute. It was decided to write to the American Trade Commissioner in Wellington, asking for the necessary information, and to ascertain what amount of linseed was used in cattle-cake manufacture. and what percentage of this was imported. It was decided to grant a loan of £5 to a returned soldier to enable him > to pui'chase steed for lucerne feed on an Angora rabbit farm, - 4