PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 77, 1 June 1943, Page 5

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

, ■ v< EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY IWEAI >

POSITION OF FIT MEN

At the last meeting of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Primary Production Council, held in Whakatane„ Mr MeGlone the district Manpower* Officer, was present and discussed 1 various labour problems with members. He reviewed a local list of lsti grade men, engaged in farming,.wbc» arc lipid back from military serviccfcand stated that it. was 1 the intention* of the. authorities to re-examine thecircumstances of postponement, witlii a view, where - possible to release ■ men for service. In cases where replacement. is clearly essential, the farmer will be directed to secure the assistance of the Manpower Officer and Production Councils to get a suitable substitute; no reservist will be directed to camp until that is effected, it is recognised that particular care will have to be taken in respect to. farmers and. farm workers, to ensure that next season's production is not adversely affected..

Maize Picking

A report on labour available for maize picking was given by Mr Runciman of the Native. Department. It is expected Native labour will overtake all the work offering. The plantings are much lighter than previous years, but if growers encounter difficulty in securing assistance, they shcJtlld immediately communicate wiui the secretary ©i the Council. The Manpower Officer is cognisant of past years difficulty in harvesting and will be prepared, if local labour is unprocurable, tt» organise outside assistance, j It was anticipated, said Mr Runeiman, that a local contractor would have had delivery of two picking, machines in timei for this seasons work, but although, early action was taken by the Production Council to secure priority shipment from. America, they wili not arrive until about August. It is hoped with. the. delivery of the machines, that growers will have assurance against tlie harvesting of. next "season's plantings. Fertiliser Rationing During the 1943-44 season it is intended, that fertiliser for topdressing will bo rationed on the same basis as the past year. The prospects of increased importation of, phosphate rock is still obscure and until shipping and sources of ply , become available, no increase of distribution is likely. Fertiliser -

can be procured for the; sowing of new grass following a crop and crops; application to be macle to vendors with a declaration of the area to be sown. Farm MachinerySupplies of lend-lease commodities are also to be; rationed. Production Councils will be required to repoit on the release of lieid cultivating and harvesting machinery. Farmers are cautioned to give every care totheir present implements, so as tQ extend, their workng life. New implements will only be released where the. full working capacity -will be made use of the machine and where the deficiency cannot be supplied by co-operative use of implements in the district. Recons titution Under the new constitution of Councils, an annual election of. members will take place during July. The Opotiki and Whakatane counties will be divided into districts, probably similar to ridings, a committee, one of whom will be nominated to the Council. Public' notice will be given of. meetings to be. held in each area, when the work of committees and function of Council will be explained. r - Land Settlement ' The relationship of land settlement. for returned soldiers with primary production was a matter that also came under review. Up till the present, the National Council? have not taken a part in the '4on~ struct ion. A resolution was forwarded asking them to re-examine the subj/ect, with a view to giving their .services-, to the Minister. The. elective method of Councils., constitute them to represent all sections ol the. farming community.