HELP FOR THE HARVEST

ARMY SCHEME EXPLAINED

CAMP FOR ELLESMERE

COUNTY

Information concerning the scheme whereby the Army will supply labour to assist with gathering in the aharvest, was given to a Guardian representative yesterday from an authoritative source. It was explained that the shortage of agricultural labour had, brought about this scheme which had been designed in a spirit of co-operation, Army personnel being detailed to assist farmers wherever help with the harvesting was required. The general idea was that a cer-

tain military unit would be allocat

Ed to a particular farming area and would answer calls for labour from within the limits of the area as-

signed. A local battalion iiad been

detailed to that district which might be generally described as lying between the Main South road, the Selwyn river, the sea, and the Rakaia river, in effect, the Ellesmere county. Probably 250 men would be encamped at a central location, probably at Leeston itself. The force commander would there receive requisitions from farmers for assistance. It was emphasised that these applications should clearly set out all relevant particulars, especially ttie following: . (1) The number, of men required. (2) The type of labour desired. (3) The duration of the work.

The requisitions should be made to the commander as soon as-pos-sible. Upon its receipt the most suitable of the military personnel available for the particular call would be detailed and distributed in time to commence work at the customary harvesting hour.

"It is expected that all troops will co-operate in the best interests of the war effort which covers not only military services but also the maintenance of production as well," remarked .the informant. "This cooperation has particular reference to harvesting, but not to general farm maintenance and work." He added that ttie Army units would contain some men who were skilled in farm work, but the majority would be unskilled but all would be willing and anxious to learn. It was understood' that normally the troops would have their breakfast and tea meals at their bivouac camp, having their midday meals, morning and afternoon teas at their places of work. It was, anticipated that before the men commenced in i the district a lecture would be arranged for the troops, dealing with the performance of the commoner types of harvesting work. *

The first parties' would be ready for supply to the farmers as from Monday, January 18. It was important that requisitions for labour should be given as much as in advance as possible, and in ttie meantime should be made to either Mr A. Anderson, chairman of the district production committee, or to its secretary, Mr F. A, Wagner. However, in addition to this channel of communication between the district committee and the camp commandant, it was tioped, if telephonic communication with .the camp could be arranged, to enable farmers to make their applications direct to the camp.

A time sheet for each working party would be sent out and this

would iiave to be signed by both the, farmer and the senior officer-or soldier with the party. Referring to payment, our informant remarked: "So far as the soldier is concerned, .it appears that he will continue to receive ordinary military pay. The farmer, it is understood, will pay ttie award rate for harvest labour, the destination of this money being, according to statements already published, the War Expenses Account.

- "The scheme is a novel one brought about by the urgent necessities of the case in the interests of the country's war effort," he remarked in conclusion. "It needs only the willing co-operation of the farmer and the soldier to become a complete success."