SMALL FARM SCHEME,

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1932, Page 2

SMALL FARM SCHEME,

PROGRESS ON WEST COAST. CHRISTCHURCH, October 4. The settlement of unemployed on land under the Government’s small farm plan is being carried out on quite a big scal e on the West Coast, where those handling the scheme have found many farmers willing to dispose of qheir surplus holdings for the purpose. In practically every case the farmer offering the land has nominated his own man for •settlement. A number of blocks of land offered for occupancy under the scheme on the West Coast were inspected by Mr R. M. McGillivray (Fields Superintendent of the Agricultural Department' at Christchurch) last week, and arrangements were made, for further settlements to be 'effected. Mr McGillivray stated yesterday that men had already been settled under the scheme on two farms at H&rihari (South Westland), on three at Barrytown (on the Coast between Greymouth and Westport), and on two at Ahav.ra (Grey Valley). The farms range in size from 100 acres ddwn, and on many of them the settler's’ cottages provided under the scheni 6 have either been erected or .are in the course of erection. 1 : sustenance paid. Mr McGillivray stated that every man settled so far on the\West Coa-st was being paid the sustenance allowance of £1 a week, which was allowed under the ‘scheme, until the farmer became established. The position of the applicant was to bo reviewed at each quarter;- but in Bom e cases there were already indications that establishment would ibe so very rapid that the settler would cea?e being in need of the allowance at an early date. Tile position of each applicant under the scheme, and his experience and knowledge of farming, were gone into very thoroughly, and it {vas pointed out that it was of little use any matt applying unless h,> had a fair farming experience. Practically all the meii placed on the Coast ai' e dairy farmers.