HARVESTING OUR CROPS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3090, 22 May 1917, Page 6

HARVESTING OUR CROPS

SOME SUGGESTIONS. Sir, —The writer lias been for the past few weeks on a tour of inspection among the fanners of Marlborough and Canterbury. I have seen about 600 in that time. Hoping they may be useful, I have pleasure in sending a few remarks and suggestions. There is beyond doubt a lot of uncertainty in the minds of farmers as to how they are to harvest their crops next autumn; and in some cases as to whether their remaining eons (if any) are to be taken by the ballot. After talking to a number of farmers one forms the opinion that they are perfectly willing to sow wheat and grain crops if they can be assured of their being safely harvested; and it seems only reasonable and Tight that they. shouldhave this assurance now. They say that they can manajre to sow and plough the fields, and after that the crops require very little work until harvest. May I stmest some ways of helping?

The harvest in New Zealand is not all in full Bwinß exactly at the same time. There are some weeks' difference between that of the north and Otago and' Southland. I (suggest:—

1. That those men who are rejected for active service, hut are able to work, be used to help in harvesting. It would be well to have these made up in several batches to work in different districts, and from the north to the south.

2. Many firms in New Zealand give employees annual holidays. Why not spend these in the fields doing something to help ? Surely this would be done gladly; in any case, if Tiecessary, declare a' national harvest time, and close practically all businesses for, say, 14 to 21 days, exceptions being made in essential businesses, such as butchers, bakers, «nd primary industries. The help thus obtained being given to the farmers and paid for by them according to value. 3. The idea of utilising schoolbovs is good, and should be used. They should, however, have men -with them to do the harder work.

4. I have not touched upon the cmestion. of help from women. I am 'sure the women of New Zealand would help in work that they are physically able to do, but the men should be called upon first. There is a large area of /fine cropping ground /almost entirely neglected because the farmers are uncertain as to how they will obtain labour for harvestinft. The farmers should therefore be assured at once of help at thi.s time, and the necessaTj organising work should be commenced at once.—l am, etc., GEO. COOPER.