Small Farms Problems

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 23, 28 January 1937, Page 10

Small Farms Problems

VIEWS OF MINISTER OF LANDS. DARGAVILLE, Jan. 24. An indication of Government policy , toward several important matters affecting the 59 small farm. schemes now operating in the Dominion was given by the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, yesterday after the settlers on two of the schemes in the Dargavillo district, Bassett’s and Wilson’s Blocks, had put their problems and needs before him. The two blocks are typical small farm settlements. There are at present 11 farms, totalling 550 acres, on BaSsett’s Block, which is now in its third season, and 18 farms of a combined area of 1100 acres on Wilson’s Block, which m iu its fourth season. Development of the schemes has been carried out by the Lands Department under lfuance from the Small Farms Board and the settlers have been subsidised by sustenance grants while the land has Keen established. It has now been transformed from waste coastal country into very fair pasture. Community water schemes have been installed in both areas. At both settlements it was pointed cut that with the establishment period drawing to a close the settlers wanted to know what valuation was being placed on their farms so that they could know the extent of their indebtedness. It was also urged that the granting of their leasehold titles should be expedited. System of Valuation. The Minister said work was now proceeding in finding the present, not the potential, carrying capacity of the laud and it was being valued on that basis, capital expenditure being written down whero it was too large in view of the productive power of the farm. He stressed that in addition to this writing down, thousands of pounds of unemployment money had been spent in the areas and tho land was not being loaded with these umounts. The basis all along had been to keep down capital charges to a minimum so as not to leave the settlers with too heavy a burden of debt. Those wlio had got land under the scheme were lucky indeed as they had been able to bring it into production on terms that had never before been available, and It was hoped that in the future the yield would be so good as to pay off all commitments and give an income in addition on a standard they had never known hitherto. Tho valuations of tho two , Mocks should bo available shortly and the settlers would then know just whero they stood financially. A*out i £2300 capital expenditure had been , written off Wilson’s Block alone.

There would be a delay, possibly until the next session of Parliament, before the leasehold titles to the land would be issued to the settlers. He considered it necessary first to introduce some legislation to safeguard .the Crown’s interest in the property In view of the amounts expended und he Was not satisfied tnere was sufficient protection at present. He could assure them they would be perfectly safe meanwhile und would be virtual lessees, only without tho written .title. Difficulties to be Overcome. Mr. Langstone said he realised there were difficulties facing the settlers. The whole idea of the Small Farms Scheme had been to make the small amount of money available serve the urgent needs of the maximum number of people and turn as much unproductive land into use as possible. It was obvious th/t the houses were too small and would have to be added to later. Again it had been said that many of the sections would never yield an adequate income. He agreed that the position would not be altogether satisfactory until they could support about 30 cows and ways must be xound by increasing the size of the sections or by other means, of bringing this about. improvements might be desirable in the water systems, but this was a matter for the settlers themselves u?i.er they had their titles, when they could decide of they were prepared to bear tho of better systems. They had obtained roads much more quickly than

many settlers, but he would try to have metalling expedited to provide adequate access before winter. Tho reason the Government waa

taking 100 per cent, orders on dairy cheques was not because it was avaricious, but merely to protect the farmers themselves and prevent them becoming involved in outside indebtedness. Only 33 1-3 per cent, was refined by the Government and if there was a balance from this after meeting all obligations tho settler could obtrjn h refund in cash or kind. Lessees could

sell their equity provided they sold tangible assets and not merely good will, in which he would not permit trad

He wished to do everything possible encourage close co-operation between

settlers and the Government and was glad to have heard their spokesmeh say they were anxious to do their share toward this.