SMALL FARM PLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18640, 19 May 1932, Page 10

SMALL FARM PLAN.

MISCONCEPTIONS REMOVED. AN AUTHORITATIVE EXPLANATION (Contributed by Department of Agriculture.) It is being found that farmers and I others intimately concerned believe that the small farm plan includes pro-; Iposals which really have no place in jit. lienee Hie following indication as ! to what it is not proposed to do unifier ihe small farm scheme may ho of i assistance in clarifying the position. Not Village Settlement. Firstly, the smalt farm plan. as operating 10-day, is nol an application j of the old village seillemonl scheme. 'll is not proposed lo subdivide j whole farms Into 5 to 10 acres for j holdings. Instead of bringing about I Hie creation of groups of small holdings. it Is planned to have, individual small holdings at some distance from one another, and judiciously loeaiod so that each small farm s<’!tler wili, if competent, bo able to obtain a. reasonable amount of labour throughout the year from neighbouring farmers. It is recognised Hint in occasional special circumslances a group of small farm settlers may be desirable, iml •as a rule it is felt Hint such groups would lead to the glutting of Ihe farm

labour market in restricted districts, while farmers at a distance from the glutted districts would continue to have the labour difficulties that they have previously experienced. Not Solo Source of Income. Secondly, from the foregoing, It is evident that there is no expectation that seftlers on Ihe small farms will generally make their living wholly from- Ibeir holdings. It is held, however, that the production of Ihe small holdings will he extremely useful in suppleincnling ihe earnings on neighbouring farms, and that in consequence of Ihe returns from both sources, the small farm senior will he much heller off than are likely to be for some years Ihe casual workers located in towns. 11. is possible, of course, that some, of Ihe settlers on the small farms, by suitable specialisation, as for instance, in seed raising, poultry breeding or branches of horlioulturo, may he able to earn a comfortable living wholly from their small farms, hut the general success of Ihe small farm plan is iml based on Ibis possibility being generally realised.

Farmers’ Responsibility

Thirdly, a farmer in handing over a portion of his properly for the purpose of Ihe, small farm scheme does not thereby necessarily undertake Ihe responsibility of providing Ihe settler on the small farm with the employmen! off his holding which is necessary lo make his position satisfactory. Ordinarily Ihe settler on the small farm will count on getting labour

from several farmers in his neighbourhood, although in certain cases one neighbouring farmer may be able to provide him with all the labour that he wishes to undertake off his small holding. Indiscriminate Lending not Desired Fourthly, farmers arc not expected to lend indiscriminately Implements, horses, etc., to settlers in small holdings In their neighbourhood. It is, however, considered that often implement work on small holdings will be done by neighbouring farmers in exchange for labour by the siftall farmer on their larger farms and that it will he possible to manipulate such exchange of services in a mutually advantageous manner. Fifthly, the small farm scheme lias not been launched on the assumption that Ihe present farmers will donate portions of their farms for small farm settlement purposes, though if individual farmers offer the use of their land free of charge, it will, if suitaide for Ihe purpose, lie gladly aecepied. It is proposed as as possible to lease die required land with a reasonable security of tenure for the settlers on Hie smalt farms, and the right of purchase if this can bo arranged.

Selection of Suitable Settlers,

Sixthly, to qualify as a selller under the small farm scheme, it is nol sufficient, merely lo be registered as a married unemployed worker. The greatest possible care will be taken lo select as settlers on Hie small holdings men of good character. whose industry and ability in farming work

has been demonstrated. It is felt that the scheme would fail if the settlers were not competent and willing to give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. As far as possible the men most directly interested in any particular small holding will partlpipate in the selection of the worker who is to occupy It. Seventhly, some seem to fear that an endeavour will be made to secure land for tlio scheme on an unduly low valuation based on present low values of farm produce. Actually, (he local advisory committees of farmers which are being formed will bo consulted in respect to valuations and the work of such committees should lead lo the avoidance equally of 100 low and of too high values. Criticism Invited. Any one who considers the scheme calls for adverse criticism is asked lo submit his views to the Department of Agriculture in order that they may he considered. The constructive critic in this matter may carry out a national service.