BRITAIN’S CORNFIELDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 July 1941, Page 2

BRITAIN’S CORNFIELDS

FIGHT AGAINST NAZI FIRE BOMBS. PROTECTIVE MEASURES TAKEN. With 12,500,000 acres under the plough this spring—3;; millions more than in 1939—Britain’s agricultural leaders are planning how to protect her corn crops from Nazi fire bombs. Last year Germany’s air onslaught did not develop fully until the harvest was gathered in, but this year, combined with U-boat attacks on shipping, the menace to British food supplies is very real. Among the safeguards which may be enforced is the cutting of fire-breaks or lanes, about 30ft. wide, across the direction of the prevailing wind. The crops, cut green, would not be wasted, but made into hay or silage. Corn stocks can be protected by setting the rows as far apart as possible. Ricks would be set at least 15 yards apart, and, preferably, out in the field, to prevent enemy landings. For dealing with outbreaks of fire, water carts would be kept filled near the standing crops, and further reserves stored in ricks or van covers supported on stakes. Fire-fighters will arm themselves with stirrup pumps, fruit spraying machines, liquid manure carts, wet sacks and brooms cut from timber and hedgerows. Tractors will be useful for ploughing a fire-break quickly in the path of an advancing fire, and scythes for isolating small patches. With fire-watchers, A.R.P. wardens and Home Guards in every parish, there will be no lack of man-power to safeguard the vital harvest of 1941.