THE MAIZE HUSTLERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 120, 23 June 1941, Page 5

THE MAIZE HUSTLERS

CITIZENS TO THE RESCUE 12 ACRES PLUCKED AT PARQA HAPPY FRIENDLY SPIRIT In spite of the fact that most of those engaged in maize plucking at Paroa last week-end, were totally inexperienced the owner of the property, Mr Peter Baird, pronounced himself a 4 most grateful for the splendid response to the appeal, andi particularly for the friendly cooperative spirit which existed during both day's and resulted in twelve acres, of the fifteen laid out, being cleared. A grand total of 160 jDerSons participated (60 on Saturday and 100 yesterday). They represented all ages and sexes, indeed if anything the ladies predominated. The long field was laid off in acre blocks, which were allocated to the various groups as they presented themselves Not Hard Work. Every one thoroughly enjoyed the outing, the great majority of the pickers, especially on Sunday, regarding the outing mora in the light of a family picnic. The work was generally pronounced as; not hard, though to many the time taken to cover an acre was something of an eye-opeiner. Few of the groups who first contracted to do their 'acre blocks' succeeded in carrying out their intentions. However all were pleased with the outing, and it would be safe to say that most will be available next, and the following weekends. Among the Toilers. Thare was a general air of industry and application to the job, and. up and dow'n the field were to fie seen the busy pickers! in all types of working rigs. Some of the Land Girl dresses were worthy of closer inspection, but .we forewent this privilege in deference to the feelings of the wearers. However, everybody was happy and enthusiastic—so why worry. We noticed that the numerically strongest group was that fielded by the Women's War Service Auxiliary whose splendid effort resulted in their reaching the opposite fence, but not before they had been recalled to pluck another avenue they had cribbed from the adj.oining pi tickers. A little further down, the staff of the Loan and Mercantile distinguished themselves by maintaining the highest spirits of the day. Workers from Ohope, Poroporo and even some from Edgecumbe. The greatest commotion emanated from a lusty group of Primary School boys, whose observations and grousing could be heard by all who passed. Transporting the Workers. In extending their thanks to all who assisted in the Citizens' Drive, the Primary Production Council wish especially to mention those owners of cars who jjlaced their vehicles at their disposal for the transport of workers to and from Paroa. The whole experiment was distinctly successful and it is hoped will meet with an even greater response in successive we;ek-ends. The great problem which faces the growers will be readily appreciated by those who took part in the voluntary picking, when they realise that the twelve acres! which were harvested represented just one hundredth of the total area awaiting attention. Announcing Further Arrangements. Details of next week-end picking' will be announced in the BEACON later in the week. It would be as well, in passing to state that in spite of Mr Baird raising the price from £2 10s to £3 per acre, no one could be accused of 'making a pile' out of the venture. However everyone was perfectly satisfied with the outing which as we said before was regarded in the light of a helping outing than as* an opportunity for actual money^making.