HELPING THE FARMER

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 129, 29 February 1928, Page 14

HELPING THE FARMER

MINISTER ON PROTECTION WHEAT GROWERS’ RESPONSE Dominion Special Service. Auckland, February 28. Statistics to prove that the primary producers of the Dominion had shown themselves worthy of the protection of their industries and of State aid were freely quoted by the Minister of Agriculture (Hon. O. J. Hawken) in an address at I’apatoetoe. Commencing by dealing with the criticism against the wheat and flour duties, he said that Canterbury wheat growers had responded very well indeed to the measure of protection accorded them. Last year very little money went out of the country to purchase grain, and this vear, so heavy was the harvest, it should not be necessary to effect any overseas purchases at all. Although not long ago £1,500,000 per annum was reaching other shores to supply the grain needs of the Dominion, now this sum was kept in the country, and more men were employed. A reduction of 40 per cent, in freight on fertilisers, admittedly aided by the “fertiliser war,” had resulted in a vastly increased use of manure, with the result that production in many branches of farming had increased to a degree positively astounding. Eight thousand pounds had been given by the State to foster herd-testing with equally gratifying results During the past ten years the production per dairy cow had been increased 25 per cent., until to-dav the average yield was 2001 b. of butter-fat per cow, only 20!b. behind the average of Denmark. “I am confident that we can vet beat Denmark in this.” said the Minister. Among other instances which he mentioned in his justification of help for the farmer was the subsidy on exported fruit. While last vear some 560,000 cases of apples had been exported, the total this year was expected to approach 1,006,000 cases. “A Minister of Agriculture should keep In’s eve on the small men like the fruitgrower. The bigger men can look after themselves." said Mr. Hawken. “The fruitgrower is doing very much better than manv people think. Fortmiatelv, he was given no avenues for borrowing monev. Fruit farms were not regarded as the best security, with the result that to-dav he was in the main verv much better off financially than most neonle " Owing to the drv spell, butter production could not Be expected to differ grentlv from last season, but the manufactnre of cheese had been exceedingly substantial and O’or.'. l show an increase over the 192-3-27 figures.

SCOUT NOTES •Ar (By “Kover.”) A number of Scouts are not paradin J in Prout (Ires? as they should. Scouts phould at all times be neat in appearance Do not roll the fitockinj?s over the boots. Scarves should be worn loose around neck, and the lanyard on tcp. not twisted around the scarf. The end should a? placed in the left-hand poccet. Eats should be worn straight on the bead, not on the side, and dented in the front. Shirt sleeves should be rolled to the elbows, and not under the arm-pits. When hoarding tram-car.’ wait until they stop, and when out walking, pull your shoulders back and keep your bead up—don’t get into bad habits now. but. think of the future. A Scout should at all times be courteous —you can assist everyday. Sec a lady safely across the street, offer to carry her parcels, give up your seats in trams, etc. Scouts, "Be nrepared." District Scoutmaster Nelson asks that all tickers or money in connection with the recent rally be returned without fail this week. Jiis address is 15, Auroa Street. Petone. lie is also in urgent need of some school hooks. Hero is an oppoit unity for scout masters to do a good turn. An old Technical College boy who has finished with his books may be willing to pass them on to others in less fortunate circumstances; but the need is urgent- Old books in reasonable order can always be put to good use. Rovers will meet at the Gehernl Post Office on Saturday evening at 7.30 p.m. sharp, prior to commencing meetings in their new hall in Panama Street. A Jtover committee has recently been formed of their many supporters, and it i“ hoped to have them present to see them work in the near future. The Scouts of St. Jude’s Troop, Lyall Bay. who did not go to last Saturday’s outing, regretted it, after hearing of the very enjoyable and instructive day with nil hands at cooking and fire lighting. All Scouts were successful in their fire-light-ing test, requiring only one of the two matches allowed, it. being such a beautiful day. Various Scout games cansed much fun and excitement, after which they set out for home, picking out and examining on the way tracks and signs which were plentiful along the beach. The following suggestion is given by the Hovers to all who desire to clean their wood yard at home. After chopping your week's stock of wood for mother, get a tub and shovel and put everything round about into the tub, which should be half-filleff with water; then mix with a stick. The result is the chips will float to the top. It is then but a simple matter to scoop these off and lay them out to dry. Drain off the water, and replace tho gravel. This will save you time and extra work in picking up tlie chips piecemeal. District Scoutmaster G. Bell, who has been abroad, is now hack, and with his knowledge of overseas scouting should materially help Wellington during this winter and coming season. The Wellington Soulh district has increased in numbers since he left for tho trip, and now welcome him back to lead them again. The following warrants are to hand:— J. Middleton. S.M., Boseneath: P. Fitz gerald and G. Kerr. A.S.M.'s. Roseneatb; D. R. Cayr. A-ts. M.. Lyall Boy; 11. A Allen. St. James; L. Moes A.S.M.. St. •Tames; A. Mount, Seamaster, Petone: P-Cairns-Lee, first mate,' and G. Seiwood, second mate. Petone. The new rules and regulations are to hand Iroin headquarters at Chrlstchuroh, and will be made available to scooters >n the near future Port Nicholson, Collingwood. Petone. and Evans Bay Sea Scouts made a fine showing at the boat harbour last Saturday, for the annual examination and muster by Commander S. Hall, of Little River. There were ninny interested onlookers. including Sir Douglas McLean, Mr. Darroch, Mr. 11. Amos, Captain Martyn Roberts. Messrs. Hursthouse. McCallum, Petersen, Fclwood Burton, the District Commissioner, and Wellington Sea Scout Commissioner Young, and D.S.M. Donkin.

The Y.M.C.A. No. 1 and 2 troops now meet on Tuesday nights instead of Monday and Thursday. The First Lower Hutt Troop held a most successful camp this season, it being the largest camp yet held by them. The conduct of all was excellent, and everyone worked most harmoniously, ihe tent, competition was won by Taita. with Methodist a close second. Over a >tndred and twenty people visited the .».np during the period. This is most encouraging to the officers, when they realise that the parents of the Scouts take an active interest in the affairs of the troop. During the snorts day Mrs. J. Grant was presented with the association’s silver thanks badge for excellent services rendered to the troop during past vears. Grateful thanks are extended to'Mr. Baldwin for his generous donation of £3 3s. to the camp funne. The troop has again been ot to the Anglican Boys’ Home, by allowing them the use of the camp site and gear, which was taken over by them the day they returned home. The camp council desire to thank all who assisted to make the camp the success by the generosity in lending gear and equipment. Forward notes to Rover A. Meacnen. ’Tiaumai." 8 Humber Street. Island Bay, on or before Monday of ouch week.