Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13th, 1917 FOOD SUPPLIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13th, 1917 FOOD SUPPLIES.

The local Branch of the Efficiency Board' which met jester day, occupied its time mainly in an interesting discussion on the matter of growing naoro food supplies in tho district. -Mr. Ward brought up tho matter in his usual earnest manner and went fully into various aspocts: He was of the opinion if potatoes were generally grown it would be very helpful to the community and to the country at large. The members all supported the idea, which was followed up with a good deal of detail an regard to possibilities. Mr. Houlistou who has bee,, a very successful grower of potatoes and other farm produce was able to give some interesting particulars of what could be done with care and attention. It was not a matter, he pointed out, of planting a large area, hut liowover small to give it thorough attention. Ho instanced what the School Children had recently done in a public competition in Otago. The Catlins sriiool in a district not unlike the West Coast climate had) producea’ potatoes in their plots equal to 29 tons to the acre, while the Oamnru school, in an essentially potato country as it was regarded, had produced ten tons to the acre. Six to eight tons to the acre wero considered a fair average in New Zealand, and with ordinary care that return could lie easily eclipsed. Mr Ferguson gave his experience in potato growing as also did Mr .Mclntosh, both agreeing that high returns were obtainable in the district if proper attention were given. Good seed was required and the growers must he prepared to put in the labour and give the caro. Speaking of the high returns obtainable, it was mentioned that the intense cultivation on tho European Continent gave high results, and Germany for instance, aimed at and obtained an average of 30 tons to the acre. It was further pointed out that the work was not heavy, and women and young girls could assist, as the weeding and hoeing were not labourious. All that was necessary was the_will, and with the application the results would he obtained. Good potatoes were always a staple food. They lessened tho demand for bread, which in turn saved the wheat supply, which saving was likely to lie necessary in Now Zealand for some time. While thus providing a useful and necessary food commodity, the growers would ho doing the country some national service in helping to conserve- tho wheat, and flour, supplies. T* roni this outline discussion, it will lio seen that the members wero very thorough and earnest in according support to Mr. Ward’s proposal. Thi s is a matter which all can assist, in,, not alone the farmers, but also the private, citizen. The children at the schools and at home can assist, and a union of labour in this respect would give some wonderful results. The suggestion might well bo taken up throughout the district as a practical step to help in this time of need and necessity.