SOIL EROSION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20063, 9 October 1939, Page 10

SOIL EROSION

SERIOUS N.Z. ISSUE

PROBLEM FOR FARMERS ADDRESS TO Y.F.C. MEN The serious nature of the problem presented to New Zealand producers by the erosion of soil through various causes was placed before a wellattended meeting of the Gisborne Young Farmers’ Club, this week, (he speaker being Mr. K. F. Jones. The chairman was Mr. G. W. Smith. Referring briefly to the disastrous effects which the United States had suffered through the loss of top-soil in such areas as the "Kansas DustBowl,” and Oklahoma, Mr. Jones staled that New Zealand must be keenly interested in the solving of a problem which might affect, at a comparatively early date, the productivity of New Zealand’s pastures. It could be said that soil erosion already was playing a big part in the economic problems of the farming community. The speaker reviewed various methods adopted in other countries to repair the ravages of floods and other media by which soil erosion was most quickly effected, and outlined to the meeting his own views on the best means to be adopted in New Zealand. He emphasised the necessity for every farmer to study the problem in relation to his own land.

Thanking Mr. Jones for his address, the chairman commented that the young farmers had not yet given much thought to the possible effects of soil erosion, but that the remarks just heard must enliven their interest.

The meeting discussed general business later, and a question was raised as to whether it would be advisable to continue the monthly meetings, in view of the petrol restrictions. On the motion of Mr. K. W. Cooper, seconded by Mr. A. FI. Dc Costa, it was decided to carry on with tire meetings, and that' in the event of the territorial forces being called up for service, the committee should take steps to ensure that the club would continue to function.

It was explained by Mr. Cooper that the latter portion of the motion was based on the fact that practically all the active members of the club belonged to the territorial forces.

Mr. R. C. Pilmcr suggested that a scheme be inaugurated whereby the club could subsidise those members residing at some distance from Gisborne, by means of petrol allocations. After a brief discussion, however, the subject was dropped.