WELLINGTON TOPICS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1929, Page 3

WELLINGTON TOPICS

EXPORT OF APPLES. FRUIT BOARD CONTROL. (Special Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, Feb. 26. In the ’“Dominion” tins morning the Secretary of the Fruit Control Board states in mild and conciliatory terms that tho allusion made in these columns last weeic to the Board’s refusal to allow a local firm to ship some thirty or forty thousand boxes of apples to Hamburg was "inclined to be misleading.” He wishes, therefore, to make it clear that the action the Board has taken this season “is in line with the -control policy which was adopted at the beginning of 1927 and has been carried on successfully for the benefit of primary producers up to the present.” No fault at all can be found with this statement. It simply repeats a truth that is known to everyone. But the secretary does not explain why the Board refused to adopt tile- suggestion of the Prime Minister that the shipment of apples should lie dispatched to Hamburg and that the Supreme Court, which has been moved in the matter, should determine whether the fruit, on arrival, should be handled by the Board or by the firm.

LAND SETTLEMENT. Tlie Hon. E. A. Ransom, a practical farmer in the Pahiatua constituency, wno finds himself Minister of Public Works in the new Liberal-United Government, in addressing a deputation from a number of Rotorua local bodies yesterday indicated in general terms the trend of the Cabinets Land policy. Peisonally he accepted as sound the suggestion of the Nineteen-Twenty-Eight Committee that potential farmers should have the way made easy to them by being paid for their labour in breaking in their own farms. “It is the intention of the Minister of Lands,” he said, “to ask Parliament for a land development fund from whicn prospective fanners will be assisted to break in the land until it is ready for selling and for providing a certain amount of finance until the men have the farm paying its way.” The scheme, of course, is not an entirely new one, in fact it was before Parliament nearly forty years ago; but its revival by the Nineteen-Twenty-Eight Committee seems likely to help it towards fruition.

A BUSY HEAD. The Prime Minister, as was inevitable, is rcciving invitations from all parts of the Dominion to make himself acquainted with local affairs and to enjoy the hospitality the various centres are anxious to offer him. For tne present, however, he is tied up by pressing business at headquarters and does not expect to get away for any relaxation before Easter, if then. Yesterday be announced, among his other activities, that a- Transport Advisory Council would be set up consisting of a chairman, appointed by the Government, and representatives of practically all the interested involved. This is ,a movement in which the Prime Minister takes a very keen interest, believing that cheap and effective trails-' port is going to be the salvation of the country in the years to come. The “back-blocks,” be maintains, cannot, be opened up until they are made accessible to the life and activity of the country in a measure that will attract the labour and capital required for their subjection. ROTORUA. Sir Joseph Ward, who some time ago was a good deal concerned by the representations made to him in connection with the conditions prevailing at Rotorua, was able to announce yesterday that the necessary financial provision had l>een made for the repairs and additions required at the place. It had been decided, he said, to invite tenders for the reconstruction of the Pavilion baths and also for the unique Blue Bath. The Public Works Department was preparing plans and specincntions for these- undertakings, and tenders for the work would be invited directly these were available. Sir Joseph also announced that the necessary provision bad been made for the replacement of accommodation urgently required to meet the needs of the tourist traffic at -Lake Te Anau occasioned by the destruction by fire of the 'Glade House during the Christmas holidays. Tho Prime Minister continues taking every reasonable step to restore its attractions before the next tourist season c-omes round.