RUINED CROPS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1929, Page 6

RUINED CROPS

RELIEF SOUGHT. FOR DISTRESSED FARMERS. By Telegraph—Press Association). OAMAR.U, January 8. Reports from the country bringing further details of yesterday’s electrical storm, establish that the original estimates of losses to the farming community would run into thousands sterling is not over estimated, and that the grain fields of North Otago will suffer a serious diminution. Stock suffered severely and though there was little mortality they were badly bruised and cut by tho flying ice. One sheep killed showed no less than 28 bruises, and fat sheep and lambs ready for the freezer will have to he retained on this account. It is reported that 1,500 lambs already drafted for the Pareora and Pukeuri freruns works were rejected on account of their bruised condition. In the Five Forks area this afternoon large pieces oi ice, the size of a golf hall, are still lying on the road despite the strong sunshine. The crops have been laid waste everywhere in wake of the storm ; one in stook being completely threshed from the straw.

It is difficult to estimate the damage to houses and buildings. At the Elderslio vinery not one pane of glass remains intact, while the residence of Mr J. F. Reid, Burnside, was damaged to the extent of £3OO. Over forty windows were smashed at the residence and buildings of Mr John Newlarnls, Incholme. Apples were cut in half and orchards and trees stripped of fruit and foliage. Many farmers are faced with heavy financial loss, and it is feared that unless assistance is forthcoming in some cases, they will be compelled to vacate their holdings.

Mr J. A. AlacPherson, AI.P., to-day paid a visit to the devastated area about Kiaora, and reported that he found that the representations concerning the destruction by yesterday’s storm were not overstated by anj means, and that the damage was very serious indeed. He telegraphed the Minister of Agriculture only to find him absent from Wellington, and communicated with the Prime Minister, receiving the following reply: 11 1 have received your telegram and much regret to hear of the extent of the damage by the recent hailstorm. The Minister of Agriculture is at present out of Wellington, hut 1 have arranged with the Director of Agriculture that his senior officer at Dunedin should go up to Oainaru at once and look into the position, as you have suggested—Josepli YY avd. ’ ’ LATER.

This evening Air AlcPherson received a communication from the Alinister of Agriculture as follows: —Greatly regret to learn of damage to crops, etc. and appreciate invitation for me to make a personal inspection, but commitments in Christchurch to-morrow and Wellington on Thursday, and the following days, make it impossible to accept. Have arranged with DirectorGeneral of Agriculture to depute a resppnsible officer to get in touch with you immediately. He will make an examination and general survey of the position and report.—G. W. Forbes.