WAIMARINO FARMS IN TROUBLE

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 242, 17 May 1988, Page 1

WAIMARINO FARMS IN TROUBLE

A forced stock sale on a Waimarino farm has signalled a "get tough" move by stock firms and banks.

The forced mustering and sale was ordered by Elders to recover debt, Although officials are reluctant to talk to the Press about it, the

stock sale was thwarted by an attempt to open the saleyard gates and let loose some of the 6000 ewes and 3000 lambs taken from an

upper Parapara farm. According to Federated Farmers, the Parapara farm is just one of several in the Waimarino in serious financial trouble. Acting Federated Farmers branch chairman Mr Dave Griffiths says about 12 of the

130 Waimarino farms are in difficulty. Three or four farmers have actually approached him for help with their financial problems. In most cases they are unable to service their debt. On their behalf he has talked to stock firms to

see if a solution can be worked out. Generally creditors are understanding and helpful, he says. "No one is going to force a farmer into a fire sale situation unless it is the last reTurn page 3

KIWI SAVED

From front page five species of Kiwi were in danger of extinction. Kiwi hatch just one egg a year, so it is vital that the chick survive to maintain numbers. The Waimarino is one of only two areas in the North Island where the Kiwi remains in reasonable numbers. Wild cats, stoats and ferrets count amongst their predators. Domestic dogs and Man also figure prominently as the cause of Kiwi mortality. Mr Heaphy said a few common sense measures by possum trappers could mean the difference between the bird's survival or extinction. Possum trapping and poisoning need not destroy Kiwi. Traps can be set off the ground, or a few twigs or stones can be arranged to deflect them away from the trap plate. Possum bait placed above the ground, on rocks, logs or tree roots will rarely be touched by Kiwi. The one absolutely certain way to avoid trapping Kiwi is to set the trap well off the ground. s Dogs can be responsible for declines in kiwi numbers. Keeping farm and hunting dogs under control will save Kiwi. Mr Heaphy requests anyone finding an injured bird to deliver it to the Department of Conservation office in Ameku Road, Raetihi or make arrangements for him to collect it.