FURTHER HELP FOR DROUGHT AREAS

Chronicle (Levin), 8 June 1946, Page 7

FURTHER HELP FOR DROUGHT AREAS

-Frcr.s Assoeiation

Rv Telearavh—

WELLINGTON, June 7. Furtlier aHsistance to farmers affected by the drought, was announced todav by the Miuister of Agriculture, Hon. 13. Roberts. Tliis assistance is beiug granted drought affected farmers who purchased hay and other fodder crops between February 1, 1916 and Mareh I, 1946, when the Price Order was gazetted. The Government lias now decided to grant assistance retrospeetively to February 1, 1946, under certain conditions. Applications by farmers, merchants, dairy companies and other organisations should be made to the Secretary to the Treasury, Wellington. The releyant details, for the purpose of assessment, are that the current ceiiing prices for hay and ehaff are deeined to have operated from February 1, 19 J 6 instead of March 4, 1946. All fodder purchased at prices above the ceiling prices will receive the full Gov ermnent transport subsidy, beiug all transport costs over 10s a ton. Ou the other hand, farmers who were able to obtain supplies of fodder crops before Marcli 5- at prices below ceiling prices will not receive a full transport subsidy as the difference between the price actuallv paid and current ceiling levels, will be deducted from the transport subsidy otherwise payable. All ap plieations for assistance, whether foi the scheme originally announced on Marc.h 1 or under the retrospective basis, nuist be supported by documentarv evidence covering the whole transaction and must sltow the payment of the amount being claimecl as well as the actual cost of the fodder itself. "The Government has given priority to fodder over all other classes of freight and special fodder ships have beeu put on Ihe nui to meet the position," said the Minister. "There has been a steady flow of fodder from the South Tsland to the drought affected arens in the uorth and although shippiug has been acute, the problent is lending to restrict the sti])])lies. The Goveriniient has made every endeavour to overcome tliis difficulty. "