FARM PRODUCTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 161, 7 June 1940, Page 10

FARM PRODUCTION.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELP. WELLINGTON, June 7. The adaptability of the Public Works Department’s organisation and equipment for use in assisting farmers, if necessary, to increase the national production, Was emphasised by the Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple), last night. ‘‘There are possibilities in this direction of increasing our production,” the Minister said, ‘‘and my department is ready at any time to divert its organisation and strength to any service, whether on farms or elsewhere, that is directlv in the interests of the nation nnd in keeping with our war effort. The major question to consider is how best to use these _ services in the interests of the nation in this time of extreme difficulty.”

It was necessary, for instance, Mr Semple added, to see what products were needed tor home consumption and whet were required to help Great Britain in her struggle. It was a question of taking stock generally and concentrating all ottr strength on the things that were needed both for home consumption and for export. “It is trim that we have a.mobile and powerful organisation on the ptiblic works that can te used to great advantage in furthering this .effort ” the Minister said “and we are ready and willing to direct these services into whatever channel is deemed desirable bv the Government. At the moment we are engaged in a general stocktaking so that we can concentrate on first things first, because with our mechanical units and the trained staff we have, including engineers and personnel generally, we can he of immense value to New Zealand. We arc always ready to soring into action at the shortest possible notice.”