ON FARM FRONT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21156, 4 July 1940, Page 2

ON FARM FRONT

MAIN WAR EFFORT EMPHASIS BY MINISTER (By Teiegrapn.—Special to Times) HAWERA, Thursday “Only the farmer, not the Government or anyone else, can actually produce the results that are the aim of New Zealand’s war effort,” said the Hon. H. G. R .Mason, Minister of Education and Attorney-General, in his opening address at the Hawera Winter Show. New Zealand was a major source of Britain’s food supply and in the fulfilment of the Dominion’s obligations South Taranaki farmers were responding to the call for their full efforts with vigour and understanding. “A definite programme of increased production has been mapped out,” said the Minister, “and we must also prevent waste in all commodities required for export or which have to be imported. “If suppliers of cream to butter factories their milk supply available for cheese, especially in the early and late parts of the season, our extra 15,000 tons of cheese will be in sight. To maintain production of butter whrle the cheese output is increased means that the dairy herds j must be fed as never before. Reserve Feed Supply “On every farm reserve supplies of fodder of all descriptions must be provided,” he continued. “The production of an additional 10,000 tons of pig meats again revolves round the feed supply. Crops of grain and roots must be grown wherever possible. More grain will be required for poultry, and it must be produced in the North as well as the South Island. Every farmer should survey his own farm and see what he can do tp augment the feed position.” There was also a long term policy to increase the breeding stock of dairy herds and pigs, and goods had to b.e conserved, said Mr Mason. A total of 12,000,000 bags were used by the lime and fertiliser industries each year, and it was desired that further supplies should not need to be imported. Machinery should be carefully preserved and trucks should not be used in competition with public services. “Only the farmers, not the Govi ernment or any one else, can actually produce the results,” declared the Minister. “Other people are doing their part to help the farmer, but the final responsibility is his, and the people of New Zealand look tp him to win the victory on the farm front. There are difficulties, but the Government js working strenuously to help the farmer surmount all the i difficulties in his path.”