SOLDIER SETTLERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 71, 8 May 1946, Page 5

SOLDIER SETTLERS

SUPPLY OF DAIRY CATTLE DAIRY INDUSTRY’S ASSISTANCE “Because of the considerable number of returned servicemen who will be placed on farms during the coming year, it is essential that dairy industry assistance in the rearing of suitable calves be continued during the coming season,” said Mr A. J. Murdoch, M.P., a member of the New Zealand Dairy Board, when speaking at the East Coast Ward Conference at Whakatane last Wednesday. Mr Murdoch said that a deputation consisting of Mr R. G. Macmorran of the Lands Department, Mr Blackburn of the Native Department, and Mr McNoe of the Rehabilitation Department, had met the Board at its last meeting and emphasised the seriousness of the situation and the need for saving every heifer calf to meet the milking stock requirements of returned servicemen. Mr Macmorran stated that to date 1710 returned servicemen had been settled on the land, 800 in dairying. For the coming year they were aiming to start 750 more returned men on farms of whom 375 would be on dairy farms. They would need between.lß,ooo and 20,000 head of dairy stock and approximately the same number incalf heifers would be required each season for the next two or three years. Government’s Appreciation The Government has appreciated the assistance they had received from dairy farmers who had reared

calves for returned men in the previous season, but unless more good quality calves were reared they would be faced with a serious shortage of young stock, which would effect the whole future of the industry. Board members agreed said Mr Murdoch, that it was the duty of the Board to assist the Government in this matter as it was vital that the dairy cow population of the Dominion should be restored to its pre-war level. Drought conditions had further reduced dairy cow numbers and climatic conditions in the coming winter would have a considerable bearing on the position. They had agreed that the matter would be discussed at the Ward Conference and felt that all farmers would appreciate the seriousness of the situation and would do all they could to assist in meeting the needs of returned men.