FARMS IN WAR TIME

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 154, 19 March 1918, Page 8

FARMS IN WAR TIME

ARE THEY GOING BACK? A complaint lias been made to the National Efficiency Board that some reservists have gono into camp, sold their stock and left their farms, without proper supervision, with tho result that the-farms are going hack, and in somo instances fern, white and_carpet fern, tutu, and scrub have taken possession (savs the Gishorne •'Times")- The Gisbornc Efficiency Board Trustees hnve boon asked to supply certain information with regard to the matter in this district, and liavo applied to tho local bodies for assistance. Tho main points for consideration are: — Have any of the lands,in your district gono'back? If so, kindly givo reasons. What are the prospects for the future, next season m particular? When the letter came before tho Waikohu County Council, Councillor Bridge said ho understood there was a soldier's property at Motu which was going back. Councillors wero of the opinion that the objeot behind the letter was to ascertain whether it was possible, for tho country to do with even less labour than at present; also whether there were not other causes to which to at-'., tribute the alleged going back of farms. ' Councillor Dymock remarked that now tho Maoris were conscripted the question of a supply of shearers became involved. It was tho opinion of Councillor Clarke that farms generally were going iiack on account of the shortage of labour. In support of this be mentioned that lack of fenema meant that farms would go back. ■. There wero few farmers at the present time who could afford to pay hicch wages for ..fencers, to which had to be added the 1 high cost of materials. He was not referring to new fences, but r( pairs to existing

fences. .' Councillor Dyniock considered that the farmers had not very niuoh,' to growT about. Their properties were not being shot over nor destroyed, and the country was 1 well away from tho seat of war. They had to put up with somo- difficulties.