GARDEN PRODUCE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 261, 28 June 1932, Page 5

GARDEN PRODUCE

(Press. Assn.-

USING SMALL PLOTS

assisting unemployed in cultiv atjion of vegetables • •' -V ' t SUPERYISION PROVIDED

-By Telegiaph — Copyrlght).

WELLINGTON, Monday. The inauguration of an extensive scheme for the cultivation of vegetables by unemployed meu .^s ^n aid to them and their families, was announced by the Minister of Employment, Rt. Hon.. J. G. Coatep, in a special message from Aupkland tor day on the eve of his depg.rtjir.e for Ottawa. Mr. Coates said that the strain of relief upon the community would amount to over £3,500,000 for the current year and there was in this fac£ alone, a very good reason for thp co-operation of citizens who cqpld, even at some pers'onal inconvenience, set aside large or small areas qf land for the purpose. They, as well as retired growers, professional and amateur, and others, could render most valuable service in the way of advice and 'supervision. Using Small Sections "I hope," said Mr. Coates, "that volunteers will come f orward and givg their knowledge and enthusiasm to the scheme. There are many vacant sections and small plots which cap he utilised for- the purpose. Th§.GovT ernment and the Unemployment Board realise how desirable it is that there should be an opportunity for self reliance on the part of the unemployec}, As a matter of fact, the board has already ruled that one of the conditions attaching to the granting of relief, is the cultivation by the relief worker of suitable land which he owns or occupies, or which is made available to him, but this does not necessarily achieve the desired purpose. Spasmodic Success "Unless there is compulsion behind it, it has heen admitted that success along this line has so far heen spasr modic rather than general, and it is very desirable that some effective organisation should be estaolished by which this means of improving the living conditions of relief workers should be utilised. "It should he easily possible, with the public support, for the relief worker to be placed in a position to grow in one year, from £15 to £20 worfh of vegetables for himself and his family. Needless to say, this will be a very great help as an addition to his earnings on relief work. The work involved, will be done in the men's own time and the desire that many of them have to help themselves should ba encouraged. "Oceasionally there may he surplus stocks but it is laid down that any surplus stocks from land provided under the scheme, shall not be marketed, hut made available to those who are in need, and who thrpugh laek of means, could not purchase in the ordinary way." Proper Direction Mr. Coates said the will of the unemployed to produce was satisfactory enough but it was felt that their skill to produce to the best advantage was insufncient unless they were properly and efficiently directed. Briefly this supervision and direction would be provided through the Horticultural Division of the. Department of Agriculture, the Institute of Horticulture, and local horticultural societies acting together with city, borough, and county councils. The supply of seed could be organis'ed by the horticultural societies, assisted by the Unemployment Board, if and when necessary. Mr. Coates said that steps were already being taken in Wellington to convene a meeting to get the scheme going and he was sure that other cities and towns would be equally prompt in dealing with the preliminaries. "I have no hesitation in inviting the co-operation of citizens in meeting the situation and I am sure they will respond in generous spirit," added Mr. Coates.