WAIKATO FIRES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 105, 28 January 1935, Page 10

WAIKATO FIRES

Prime Minister Approached For Help

MR. FORBES SYMPATHETIC

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Hamilton, January 26. As the result of a visit to Wellington by Mr. F. Lye, M.P., and a deputation to the Prime Minister, immediate action is likely to be taken bv the Government to provide some measure of relief for settlers upon farms damaged by the swamp and pea fires in the Waikato. Mr Lye, in an interview, said Ilia., with Mr. L. R. W. Reed, representing the Tehoe district settlers concerned, he had waited upon the Prime Minister and responsible officers ot the Department of Agriculture.. They had presented a clear and concise statement and an estimate of the damage done. The deputation had asked on behait or all the settlers that responsible officers of the Department be sent to the M’aikato, and that they prepare a comprehensive report and estimate of the damage done. The Prime Minister was most sympathetic. and had promised that’ immediate action would be taken. Mr Lye took strong exception, as far as lie was concerned, to recent correspondence criticising members of Parliament for alleged lack of interest in the peat fires. Little change had taken place, and an acute position had developed in the localities of the M’aikato affected by the peat fires. The damage totalled thousands of pounds.