FLOOD RELIEF

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 56, 14 March 1944, Page 4

FLOOD RELIEF

THE Flood Relief Committee met immediately after the close of the public meeting at Awakeri last Friday. An outcome of its deliberations is seen in an advertisement which appears m to-day's issue. As it is desnable that some cla boration of the committee's appeal to the district should be made, the following facts have been given to us by the chairman, Mr lan Gow. The three urgent matters which must be handled at once are (1) grazing problems including that of wintering and the need to purchase fodder, (2) provision of financial relief for necessitous cases and (3) restoration of the damaged pastures. With regard to the first problem, i.e. the feeding of stock, the committee cannot stress too strongly the necessity for pooling the resources of the district, to the end that those who have suffered losses in the flood may not be handicapped too severely in starting the: new season. The enormous losses of win-i ter feed in root crops and in hay have created a problem which is not met by the temporary measures so far adopts ed. If any farmer is able to take even a very few head of stock and winter them, it may prove in the aggregate to be very substantial help. Such farmers are asked not to hestiate to offer assistance even in a small way. The second point, that of financial relief is viewed by the committee from a national angle and it is contended any cial distress occasioned should be relieved by direct help from the national purse. At the same time it is felt that the cases to be handled immediately by the committee should be only those of very real need. The individual sufferer must still exercise the fullest self-reliance. With regard to the third point which makes for practical measures for the restoration of pastures —it was stressed at the public meeting and it is also the opinion of the committee that the work of re-grassing must be undertaken within the next ten days to secure the maximum benefit. Owners of tractors, teams and implements are asked to make them available, together with the necessary manpower if possible, immediately, by communicating with the nearest member eff the committee. Wherevey labour alone is avail-! able, the. committee is'anxious to know of it also. The whole purpose of the committee is that it should serve to co-ordinate the scattered individual willingness to help, and so provide.the maximum benefit to sufferers with the minimum of sacrifice on the part of the helpers. This cannot be: done unless the committee is given the fullest possible information both as to the needs and also as to the help which the more fortunate are able to give to those who have been heavily hit. Once again those who can help should get in touch with their nearest committee member at once.