MURCHISON FARMERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 15 July 1929, Page 2

MURCHISON FARMERS

IMMEDIATE NEEDS DEPUTATION TO HON. MR. ATMORE A deputation from the Nelson branch ill' the N.Z. fanners' Union nml "Aliirchisoii settlers waited on the Minister nl' Education (the Hon. 11. Atmoro) at Ihe Council Chamber this morning. The deputation was beaded by Mr F. (J. I'agP, president of the Farmers' Union. The requests put forward by the deputation were as follows:(1) That all mads, tracks, etc., bo opened up by the Government out of the Consolidated Fund. (2) That where broad acres have been destroyed the Government compensate tho owners for at least a portion of the loss. (3) That where Peltiers have had to vacate their holdings the Government, contribute towards reinstating the settlers oil other properties. (4) That reinstatement of damaged homes and contents where required be paid mil, of Relief Funds (Central Committee). (5) Thai a complete inventory of tho total loss sustained he taken immediately as time is an essential part of the proceedings, the loss in value of landed property to be by two sets of two component hind valuers with local knowledge of the district. . (6) That the assessment of losses in damage to buildings, furniture, and domestic commodities be made by two competent valuers used to this class of work, om; lo be attached to each set of land valuers.

(7) That the valuers be instructed to deal with those cases where men have been badly bit as most, urgent, and all Josses in connection with these be completed first and at once, the following cases to be dealt with according to urgency, and after the most necessitous cases are dealt with the whole district to be taken on a face value. (8) That the valuers (a) be instructed to enquire and to report to the Central Committee of cases where ready money is urgently needed by any settler or person so that payments may be made at once up to say £IOO. These payments to be treated as progress payments; (b) -report which settlers cannot now exist on their holdings and if they require farms to live on locally or elsewhere; .(c) report on farms which cannot bo carried on as heretofore and which may be acquired by the Government to settle those families who have to vacate their present holdings; (d) to keep a look out for farms which may he available for purchase at Government valuation an.<l which may bo suitable for settling those who cannot exist- on their present holdings. (9) That where a mortgagee has suffered loss' to 'the extent of seriously diminishing the source of his or her livelihood through loss of security caused by the earthquake it be a recommendation that such mortgagee's position be investigated and compensation granted if necessary.

MINISTER IN REPLY Mfc Atmore replied to the points raised as follows: Mr Atmore' said (in answer to clause Np. 1) that- - there would be no money expended from the relief funds on the opening up of the roads. Tho matter was one entirely for the county councils and the Government to deal with. The Minister (ankwering clause No. 2) said this question had not been discussed in detail. The first step to be taken was to get a proper assessment of the damage and then the Central Relief Committee would be in a better position to see how far the funds would go. He realised that one of the first steps to be taken was to see that the houses were made habitable so that the residents amid return. The question of the losses sustained would be considered by the Central Committee. Tlie telegrams which he had received urging that the. Minister of Lands and the Minister of Public Works visit the affected areas had been passed on to the respective Minislere and be had also telegraphed the lit. xHon. the Prime Minister about tho matter immediately upon his arrival in Nelson on Saturday and he was awaiting a reply. He recognised the necessity for such a visit. He could assure his hearers that there was a strong disposition on the part of the Central Committee to do tho fair thing. Settlers of means could not expect to receive \he same relief as those who had lost their all. First things would bo'dealt with first. Mr Peacock asked the Minister whether he could give any information as to when the most urgent cases were likely to be dealt with. It was? a month now since the shake had taken place. Some of the settlers owned cows abtmfc to calve and it was essential the farmers should know where they stood—whether to sell the stock at a sacrifice or to hang on.

The Minister said he hoped to acquire information during the course of the day: which would enable him to present the case to the lit. Hon the Prime Minister on his return to Wellington to-niovrow morning. There would he no delay. Although ifc was a month since the shake took place it must not he forgotten that for a fortnight or three weeks nothing could have been done so far as the affected areas were concerned. The necessjtous cases would be looked into and would bo a first consideration. Ha realised the importance of the information supplied by Mr Peacock and would give an assurance, that a reply to his query would lie forthcoming to-morrow or Wednesday. He appreciated what had been said in regard to the appointment of valuers and the representations submitted would receive early consideration, along with the other resolutions passed at the meeting. Mr Page, on behalf of the meeting, said he wished to thank the Hon. Mr Atmore for meeting them arid for going so fully into the questions raised. He felt sure that, the matters were in safe hands and that they would be dealt with, fully and sympathetically. A hearty vote of thanks to the Minister was carried. The Minister said he wished to thank those present for the vote of thanks, He was fully impressed with the necessity for dealing expeditiously with the requests submitted and he would submit the representations bo the Central Cohk mittee,