GIFT STOCK SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 282, 27 August 1942, Page 2

GIFT STOCK SCHEME

Helping Returned Soldier Farmers Dominion Special Service. DANNEVIRKE, August 27. The gift stock scheme suggested by the N.Z.R.S.A. some months ago has been enthusiastically taken up in Southern Hawke's Bay. The idea of the U.S.A, was tjhat soldiers returning from overseas and taking up farming could be given stock. This would assist them to make a start and also be an appreciation of their services to the country. A Southern Hawke’s Bay returned war services stock gift scheme has been set up under the control of the Farmers’ Union, with Mr. H. S. Quigley as secretary, and an U.S.A, representative. The committee has been at work ascertaining whether farmers would be prepared to give heifers to returned men taking up dairy-farming. It was reported at the last committee meeting, Mr. G. Cammock presiding, that the response had been more than satisfactory. It was stated that Woodville members of the Farmers’ Union had decided to have their own committee, and a spirit of satisfactory competition has been created.

The committee was now waiting for more farmers to take up dairying in this district. Already one returned soldier had been provided with four heifers and one bull. Some people who had not been able to make donations of stock had promised grazing, because it was not always possible for those giving stock to graze it over a period. Other farmers had offered cash donations in order that heifers could be purchased. Up to the present 40 heifers had been donated, but before next season the committee wanted to have at least 100, as it was expected that with the return of men from overseas the stock would be required. In the interval the heifers could be placed with reliable farmers who had offered grazing. Mr. H. R. Benbow reported further donations of six heifers from farmers in his district.

The committee, in reply to inquiries as to why it was not yet considering returned men who were taking up sheep farms, stated that this matter was in hand. It felt that it would like to make a first-class initial success with dairyfarmers before extending the scheme.