STOCK LOSSES

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 102, 27 October 1945, Page 8

STOCK LOSSES

OMAPERE INQUIRY

The report of the committee of inquiry into stock losses at the Omapere farm settlement in Hawke's Bay was presented to the House of Representatives yesterday by the Minister of Rehabilitation (Mr. Skinner). This committee, of which Mr. P. W. Smallfield was chairman, made exhaustive inquiries into the position at Omapere and heard many witnesses. The committee found that the causes which contributed to the difficulties at Omapere were—the season, shortage of staff, shortage of equipment, rabbits, and want of telephone. It found that the ewe losses were approximately 8 per cent.

"Lack of staff has hindered development, operations, but as soon as sufficient staff is available, and if the extent of the work warrants it, the committee suggested that a land development organisation completely equipped should be set up by incorporating the present staff into the land development branch of the Lands Department which is successfully functioning in the Auckland district," stated the report.'

"Witnesses stressed the importance of local advice in dealing with newlyacquired properties and suggested that supervising officers should consult local farmers or committees of local farmers." added the report. "The committee f»)ls that supervising officers could secure valuable help by discussing their plans of development with a leading farmer in the district and consulting with him from time to time on the progress of the work."