HILL COUNTRY PROBLEM

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1922, Page 6

HILL COUNTRY PROBLEM

IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY. DEPARTMENT SYMPATHETIC. For some time the Stratford Chamber of Commerce has been moving in the matter of having investigations made into the possibilities of improving the productivity of the hill country in Taranaki, and several practical experiments are now being conducted. Mr. J. B. Richards, president of the Stratford Chamber, wrote as follows to yesterday’s meeting of the Inglewood County Council: “The importance of maintaining and improving the productivity of the many acres of hill country throughout Taranaki has been considered by the Stratford Chamber of Commerce for some considerable time, and representations have been made to the Department of Agriculture on the subject. The present financial stringency precludes any expensive action by the Government in the meantime, but the interest of the department has been secured, and they are anxious to assist in the matter. A small test of topdressing with basic slag and another with powdered Nauru phosphate has been commenced at Ngatimaru. Costs and results will be noted, and they may serve as a guide for future action. My personal opinion is that top-dressing ot pastures presents a very hopeful prospect of success. Although expensive action cannot be expected at present, I have reason to believe the department is now willing to commence investigation at an early date. It would materially assist to secure this if your council would pass a resolution and forward it to the Minister, urging the investigation of the possibilities of improving the productivity of the hill country in Taranaki.”

A resolution, as requested, was pass ed by the council.