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Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 267, 31 July 1918, Page 8

The management of soldiers' farms was tho subject ot' discussion at a meeting of Iho Ashburton branch of the Farmers' Union on Saturday. Tho matter was brought up by Mr. J. If. Simpson who Mid he thought tho Government was doing nothing for the men who had left their farms, lie knew of several farms in the Ashburton district that had been left without anyone to look after them. He thought they should do all possible to assist the soldiers who had to go to the'front. He was also of opinion that tho Government's attention should bo cal'ed to the matter. The chairman (Mr. \V. Oakley) stated that it was impossible for a farm to be run to advantage unless tho farmer was there himself. There were not many farms left without proper supervision at present, but as men wore being called up the number would increase. .He did - not tlnnk the Minister of Defence could be aware of the serious nature of the matter. Mr. W T. Li 11 said that ho knew of farms which used to product) a lot of grain, but at present only it few sheep were being grazed, as .there was not suliicimt lalxuir left, to cultivate the land properly. Ihe last man on the farm should never be taken oil'. It was no use sending a man to the front unless they could grow sulhcient to feed him. Ihe chairman lemarke.l that a remit on the question was going before the Dominion Conference, and it was decided to hold the matter in abevance till after the conlerence. Mr. Simpson said there were many retired farmers in the Ashburton district ivho wero living ni ease suul luxury ami wlu Avero si ill fit to go back on tho farm*, «uul he thought tho GoYcniineiu should compel them to do so.