SMALL FARM PLAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 118, 21 May 1932, Page 5

SMALL FARM PLAN

SUPPORT FROM FARMERS. SUGGESTIONS MADE. WELLINGTON, M..y 19. Though general approval of tho Government’s small farm plan for the absorption of unemployed married workers was expressed at the meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to-day, several amendments were suggested. Mr. R. E. Talbot (Hawke’s Bay) said that the plan seemed very desirable, but he suggested that the bartering aspect of it should be. replaced to a certain extent by the exchange of money, as the man would have to purchase boots, etc.> "or his family. Mr. E. J. Fawcett, farm economist, who was’ present, said that in the beginning tho barter system would be usd wherever possible. Each family was to bo provided with sustenance for a period to bo determined by a Government officer, but the aim was to reduce the sustenance wherever possible. It was hoped that the man would bo able to make money from outside labour. The rent would have to be guaranteed by the State at first. Mr. C. C. Jackson (Wairarapa) said that in his district farmers b d been greatly impressed with the scheme. Even if a living could not be made from a block of five or ten acres, it yet provided the man and his family wi'.' a home. Ho was prepared to move that the executive support the scheme. Mr. E. H. Murney (Otago) suggested tha‘ a more independent spirit would be created in the men if they had sufficient land on which to run five or six cows, which should give them a return of Is per cow per day. In addition, they would bo made almost entirely independent immediately frQm the Unemployment Fund. Moreover, f the spirit of independence that would be encouraged would help the men to retain their self-respect. If his suggestion were carried out the Department must. J see that only first-class land was settled. He contend?” that though there were many sheep farmers in New Zealand with large holdings and large, flocks, they had been living for tho last two . ?ars mainly on the pr< luct of ten acres. He suggested that attention might be drawn to unoccupied education holdings, which already had buildings on them.

Mr. Fawcett said that the areas mentioned were not emb died in a hard and fast rule, but there was difficulty in getting larger areas in closely settled regions. The size of ‘he area was dependent on the : ■ mt of the rent asked. Rent had to be guaranteed out of the Unemployment Fund, the capital being used for housing and stock. Tho estimated cost of the cottage to be erected on tho land (£l6O to £175 factory cost) was criticised by some delegates. Tn reply to a question, Mr. Fawcett said there was no sv""estion of a group settlement. The following Otago remit was carried: “As a provincial executive we welcome the move which the Minister of Emplo -nt is making, and we offer our co e tion in an endeavour to make tho j-che. i'' successful. We would suggest that before going

ahead, the Unemployment Board should rofc the matter to the various provincial executives of the Farmers’ Union Meantime, wo emphasise the fact that any land chosen should be fir. t-class land, capable of carrying at least six cows. ”