Minister Comments on Calf Scheme

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6104, 19 September 1947, Page 2

Minister Comments on Calf Scheme

FOR SETTLEMENT BLOCKS IMPROVEMENT OF HERDS Enlarging on a reference he made during his recent review of ex-ser-vicemen land settlement regarding the purchase of well-bred calves for repurchase by ex-servicemen on Crown blocks, the Minister of Rehalitation, the Hon C. F. Skinner, stated that when it became evident there might be a shortage of dairy heifers, the Lands and Survey Department had consulted the Dairy Board and adopted a scheme for the purchase of selected calves. These were to be grazed on Crown lands until they reached the in-profit stage and then allocated to sub-divisions of development blocks being opened for the settlement of ex-servicemen or sold to ex-servicemen established oi} single unit farms. The scheme was first put into operation in the 1944-45 season, when 2083 calves were bought. During the following season a further 1607 calves were purchased. As stated in his recent review, more than 5,000 calves had now been purchased under schenfe. Dis tricts in which purchases were made had of necessity to be limited to those within reasonable distance of the blocks where grazing was available. Those districts were mainly Wellington, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Te Kuiti and North Auckland. Calves were purchased only from farmers who were active members of herd testing groups. Prices’ made were the subject of negotiation between the Lands Department and the Dairy Board. Both heifer and bull calves were from high testing parent stock. In addition, the Department had been making purchases on the outside market to provide for any needs not covered by arrangement with the Daily Board. The plan had proved a great success, added the Minister, and thanks .were due to the Dairy Board and herd testing officials, as well as to members of herdtesting associations who bad made calves available for the scheme. He had been pleased to announce that the Dairy Board had agreed to continue the sheme and he was sure many ex-servicemen would benefit from it.