MORE PRODUCTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 July 1940, Page 7

MORE PRODUCTION

GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS BIG MEETING AT CARTERTON. DISTRICT COMMITTEE SET UP. ("Times-Age” Special.) There was a large and representative attendance of farmers at the meeting held in Carterton last night in connection with the more production proposals of the Government. Mr W. J. Thomas presided. He said they were gathered for the purpose of discussing ways and means of increasing the production of meat. wool, grain, cheese and butter, and all products of the farm particularly barley in those parts of the North Island that could not be successfully utilised in growing wheat. He outlined the proposals of the Government which showed that many of the sources from which Britain obtained much of her food supplies had now been closed against her. Supplies from Denmark. Norway, France and many parts of the Continent had been cut off. Bacon would be required in unlimited quantities. Eggs would also be wanted. From 15,000 tons to 20,000 tons of cheese, and more if possible, would be required; in fact there would largely be a change over from butter to cheese. Committees were being formed all over the Dominion to increase production. He was sure Carterton and the surrounding districts would do their best and provide the full quota required. We would, he felt sure, grow our quota oi barley, wheat and linen flax. The poultry industry would also do its duty in the matter of more production. As far as barley was concerned a shipment of seed would arrive this month and it was imperative that ground be ploughed to sow the crops in August and September. Mr W. F. Stent, as chairman of the Poultry Board, said that a large number of small poultry farmers would assist in increasing their egg production. It was possible that 500,000 or more eggs could be produced, but with eggs it was necessary that they be ready for transport as soon as ships were available. He said that the Department officers would travel from Invercargill to North Auckland to give information in regard to the production of more eggs. Eggs would not keep and it would be futile rushing them for shipment if boats were not ready. Until they were required for overseas eggs must be marketed locally, but the moment the Government wanted them for export they should be collected speedily for that purpose. Mr Bliss spoke on behalf of the pig industry and said that it was possible to produce good bacon without the use of dairy by-products; pigs could be reared cheaply on cereals. This was done in England where he came from. The ideal bacon pig weighed 1201 b to 1501 b and the type of pig was more essential than the breed. Breeding sow.were at a premium, too many having been slaughtered. Mr Preston Edwards drew attention to the fact that good bacon pigs could be made from feeding on acorns, and in this respect the planting of oak trees would be a good asset for farmers. Besides the acorns being useful feed the trees would also be profitable for timber and firewood. The Forestry Department should be asked to plant more oak trees on waste, lands. On the motion of Mr Bliss the meetI ing decided that it would be a good policy to prohibit the killing of pigs for pork for six months. The motion is to be forwarded to the department immediately. The question of growing barley was exhaustively discussed and it was decided that everyone who can grow barley even if it were only two or three acres, should do so. The chairman announced that Mr W. Howard Booth had intimated his intention of growing 30 to 40 acres of barley on his land in Carterton and would grow cereals on his property at Longridge. Several speakers considered mangolds, peas and other cereals could be grown more extensively to help in greater production. The following district committe'es were set up:— Dalefield: Messrs L. J. Fairbrother. O. Brazendale, H. Bassett, G. Sadler. M. Knutson, L. R. Huntley, R. Bassett. Belvedere: Messrs A. H. Callister, C. Batchelor. A. E. Carter, J. A. Roberts. W. Taylor, W. J. Thomas. Carrington and West Taratahi: Messrs W. Wilson, K. Reid, C. Daysh, T. Moorcock, H. J. Quin. Clareville: Messrs Jas Fisher. A. Fisher, C. Campbell. S. Campbell, G. E. Allen. C. L. Reynolds, H. McKenzie. Parkvale: Messrs A. E. Elkins, M. Peacock, E. T. Bliss, F. J. James. E. Rose, B. Renall. S. Rayner, R. Rayner. W. Henry Booth. Waihakeke and Taumata: Messrs N. F. Cadwallader, C. Jensen. I. Moody. C. W. Jensen, J. Peterson, D. Walsh J. Court, R. Franks. Kokotau: Messrs G. W. Hart, R. Herrick, J. Scott, L. Renall. Ponatahi: Messrs P. Edwards. J. T. Ryan, J. Blundell, E. Hart, J. M. Jury J. M. Jury Junr, E. Smith. Ahiaruhe: Messrs J. Sage, H. F. Orr, N. Sueedv A. E. Booth. F. Denbee. Mr H. Mortenson was appointed sec retary. It was resolved each group be ar executive committee, including Messrs J. C. Harp, D. McPhee, R. R. Barrett and Jas Wilson. It was decided that the next meeting of district delegates be held next Friday night at 7.30 o'clock in the P. and A. rooms. Each district will meet next weeland appoint delegates to the committees. The following were appointed convenors of the Executive Committee. Messrs L. J. Fairbrother (Dalefield). W J Thomas (Belvedere), E. T. Bliss (Parkvale), W. Wilson (Carrington), C. Jensen (Waihakeke), P. Edwards (Ponatahi), H. F. Orr (Ahiaruhe), Jas Fisher (Clareville), and G. W. Hart (Kokotau). GREYTOWN MEETING FARMERS ANXIOUS TO HELP. SUBSTANTIAL OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE. ("Times-Age” Special.) There was an attendance of over 50 at the Odd Fellows’ Hall last evening when a meeting was held to discuss the best way the district could help to increase farm production. Mr B. Roberts, M.P.. was present. Mr W. G. K. Wiggins presided, and outlined the increases that were expected from the district, not only in dairy products but also barley, wheal, etc., and pigs as well as the full utilisation of the machinery and tractors at present in the district. Mr Lamont, of the Agriculture De-

partment, addressed the meeting He stated that in' the dairying districts the aim, should be to concentrate on increased amounts of cheese and the rearing of more pigs. In some cases the delay in increased production was no doubt due to limited finance, and it was expected that help would be given in this direction. The utilising to the full of the farm implements would have to be arranged. Provision would also have to be made for the increased labour that would be necessary and accommodation for these would have to be arranged for. Mr G. S. Maloney suggested that the farms in the area be tabulated as to class and type of production. He suggested that the men of the district who are on sustenance be used in helping with the growing of mangolds. The following committee was appointed: —Messrs W. G. K. Wiggins (convenor), O. A. Cadwallader, H. McPhee, O. Skeet, Field, J. C. Feast, W. A. Tate, J. H. Kidd, R. O’Neale, G. Te Whaiti and G. S. Maloney. The district is to be from the Waiohine River to the Tauherenikau River. In reply to a question relative to financial assistance, Mr Roberts stated that this was to be considered by the council next week and would probably be done through the dairy companies. Mr H. W. Feast offered to put in 25 acres of barley, while further land would be available later. Mr W. A. Tate stated that the fruit growers were asked to produce onesixth of the pigs for export and he intended to put the whole of his orchards to this purpose. He wanted to know if he was to grow sugar beet or mangolds. Mr Lamont said he would be pleased to inspect Mr Tate’s property.

Mr Tate further stated he would offer his Papawai orchard to a pig breeder and he could have the profit. Mr J. Herod stated that he was sorry to see that quite a number of farmers who could give substantial assistance were absent and they would have to be canvassed. A number of those who were absent had the land, equipment and finances to give material help. Mr F. C. Bunny stated' he had already put 36 acres extra under cultivation.

Mr G. Garrity said that he had put 15 acres in barley. Mr O. A. Cadwallader: “I am sowing 15 acres of barley.” Mr Field: “I will put in 130 acres, mostly barley.” Mr Thompson: “I will grow seven acres of barley.” Mr A. Haigh said he would grow 12 acres of barley this year. Mr Haigh asked if manures would be available. Mr Roberts replied that every endeavour would be made to supply all the requirements and the works were working at full capacity. Mr J. F. Thompson asked if the land at Moroa could be cultivated. Both Mr H. W. Feast and Mr Field said that the class of land there would produce good oat crops. The committee was recommended to consider that area. Mr Thompson offered an area of his land for oat growing.

Mr Robinson asked if finance to erect poultry houses could be secured. Mr Roberts replied that he could not give a definite answer but he thought this was quite possible as the increase in the export of eggs was urgently required.

Mr H. W. Feast suggested that peas were an economic crop to grow and were ideal for pig feed. On the motion of Mr Cadwallader it was decided that all present form themselves into a committee to survey the district and see what extra land could be cultivated and report back to a meeting in the Fire Brigade Hall next Monday. Mr Roberts expressed his warm satisfaction at. the tone of the meeting and he was sure that the results would be very gratifying. The British Empire had its back to the wall, he said, and the spirit to win was evident. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded an enthusiastic meeting. MEETING AT GLADSTONE TO BE HELD ON MONDAY NIGHT. Farmers in the Gladstone, Longbush and Te Whiti districts are requested to attend a meeting at the Gladstone Hall on Monday night, commencing at 7.30 o’clock for the purpose of discussing matters relative to increased production on farms.