EARLIER CALL-UP

AIR FORCE VOLUNTEERS

TO GO HARVESTING

The early mobilisation of 450 young men into the Royal New Zealand Air Force, to assist for the time being in harvesting operations prior to commencing Air Force training, was announced today by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones). These men, between the ages of 18 and 20 years, are volunteers who have been awaiting their turn to enter Air Force camps. Because of the shortage of man-power for harvesting the Gov-1 eminent has decided that they should! be mobilised ahead of the normal period of calling-up. The Minister also stated that, in addition to the work which had been performed by the Army to assist those who had suffered in the South Island floods, the Royal New Zealand Air Force was also assisting primary producers by providing harvesting units. "Three hundred men, together with officers and n.c.o.s, have already been formed into two harvesting units" said Mr. Jones. "These units are now at work, but the numbers engaged will be substantially increased by a proportion of the accelerated mobilisation of 450 men awaiting to enter the Air Force. DUTIES IN PACIFIC. "This request for harvesting assistance from the Royal New Zealand Air Force has coincided with the assumption of increased responsibilities in the Pacific," continued the Minister. "On several island bases we are taking over1 responsibilities from United States forces, and this has imposed a strain on the manning position of New Zealand units. It has been found necessary, therefore, to provide for this accelerated mobilisation of men. which is in addition to the normal and regular intake of R.N.Z.A.F. trainees. "The Government appreciates that some inconvenience will be occasioned by the call-up of such a number of men," added Mr. Jones, "but it is necessary to decide where the greatest need lies. If the harvest is to be gathered in the South Island, in the face of the disorganisation caused by flood damage., then the labour must be provided. I have no doubt that the co-operation of all concerned will be freely given."