PROGRESS WITH AERIAL TOPDRESSING SCHEME IN RANGITIKEI AREA

Wanganui Chronicle, 16 December 1949, Page 3

PROGRESS WITH AERIAL TOPDRESSING SCHEME IN RANGITIKEI AREA

MARTON, Last Night (S.R.)— Following the Rangitikei Catchment Board’s decision to assist in every way possible with organising aerial topdressing in the extensive area under its control, and communications sent to various farmers’ organisations, letters were before the board at its monthly meeting today from the Wellington Central Provincial Executive, the Wanganui Provincial Executive, and the Taihape branch of Federated Farmers. All were in favour of the scheme and indicated that the desired information regarding areas which require aerial topdressing, was being obtained. The chairman, Mr. K. A. Williams (Marton) said that he believed that a survey of the board's district would be completed in the New Yeai». The board could then go into all the questions involved, including the matter of subsidies, and take them up with the Soil Conservation and Rivers - Control Council. The Wellington Central Provincial Executive stated that the Soil Conservation Council had already been advised of properties in the Hunterville district which required treatment. WANGANUI AREA. The letter from the Wanganui Provincial Executive included a report of a special committee set up to go Into various phases of aerial topdressing, including insurance , coverage for small aircraft and private operators who may undertake this work on farms. The letter also stated that branches in the Wanganui provincial district were being circulated with a view to obtaining the information required. An approach had already been made for a trial in its district and the names of 13 farmers whose properties required treatment, had been supplied, stated the Taihape branch of Federated Farmers. The Catchment Board’s letter had been referred to a special committee set up to deal with areial topdressing. Mr. H. J. Donnelly (Raetihi), who is also president of the Wanganui Provincial Executive, said that the committee was set up to investigate the question of small aircraft operating. “There is a point that is causing some concern, and that is insurance coverage,” Mr. Donnelly added. “The Soil Conservation Council might go into this question with the State Fire Office, because no others will undertake to underwrite such cover.” So far as a survey of the Wanganui area was concerned, details of farms which required aerial topdressing had not been completed, but would be ready for the board’s next meeting. "The figures will be very large for the area,” said Mr. Donnelly. The chairman: The question of insurance could be taken up with the State Fire Office. QUESTION OF RISK. Dr. L. I. Grange, director of the Soil Survey Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (Wellington) said that small aircraft hopping in and out of gullies on this type of work were taking a big risk and so were the insurance companies that insured them. “It is not a good coverage," Dr. Grange added. Mr, Donnelly: Farmers are concerned about insurance lor the operators of these planes. The farmers employing them may be liable. It was also stated that no great risk would be involved in large aircraft engaged in aerial topdressing. On' the motion of the chairman the board decided to approach the State Fire Office and ascertain whether it would be prepared to undertake such insurance coverage. Mr. A. D. Mair (Taihape) said he was in favour of large aircraft operating in a big way. This would appear to be the more effective method of carrying out aerial topdressing. MARTON ROSE SHOW RESULTS IN A SMALL PROFIT. A profit of £1 9s 5d was made on the first rose show organised recently by the newly-formed Marton branch ot the Rangitikei Rose Society, according to a statement presented by the secretary, Mr. S. Ladley, at a meeting of the Marton branch yesterday. Members attributed the small profit to the atrocious weather on the day of the show, which restricted the public attendance at both the afternoon and evening sessions, rather than the number of exhibits, which were very good. A high tribute to the qualify of the show was paid by the chief judge, Mr. R. Wrightson (Tangimoana) in a letter to the branch. “I was astonished at the wealth of quality blooms shown, and consider they were equal to those at the Bulls show, which I always consider one of the best shows in the North Island,” wrote Mr. Wrightson. The nrLce class was an eye-opener, The roses were the equal of any other class in the show, which he was privileged to judge, stated Mr. Wrightson, who went on to make several suggestions for the benefit of the committee i organising the next. show. The president, Mr. E. O. Pryce, said that, the Methodist Church trustees were prepared to donate two challenge cups to the branch. Mr. Pryce explained that, these tropnies were formerly special points prizes at the annual Marton Methodist rose shows. However, these shows were now no longer held. The committee accepted the cups with grateful thanks.

The following new members were elected: Mr. and Mrs. P. Friedrich, Mr and Mrs. W. Ingle, Mr. and V. Smith, Mesdames J. D. Simpson, A. Finnimore, N. V. Rix-Trott, F. H. R. Gorringe, F. J. Christensen, Pat Simpson, Messrs C. Rubery, J. G. Harris, and Nga Tawa School. The president commented that the branch now had a membership of about 90. PERSONAL. Miss Ann Peterson, daughter of Mr and Mrs. J. S. Peterson, Lyon Street, Marton, was successful in the recent junior State hospital examinations at. the Palmerston North Public Hospital. Mr. Isaac Andrew, a former steward of the Marton A. and P. Association, and a prominent, judge, who died recently, was referred to by the president, Mr. E. H. Simpson, at a recent meeting of the genera committee of the association. Reference was also made to the death of Mrs. J. Griffin. Mount. Curl. A motion of condolence with the relatives was carried in silence. NO WOOD-CHOPPING COMPETITION AT MARTON SHOW. Because it clashes with other dates, the Marton A. and P. Association is unable to stage a wood-chopping com* petition at its show to he held on Saturday, January 21. At a meeting of the general committee recently it was decided, however, to arrange for an exhibition of wood-chopping.