CALLING-UP OF TERRITORIALS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23194, 4 December 1940, Page 8

CALLING-UP OF TERRITORIALS

EFFECT ON FARMING LATER DATE SUGGESTED FOR CAMPS [From Our Own Reporter.] TIMARU, December 3. The calling-up of farm workers for territorial camps in February, March, and April was criticised at a meeting of the South Canterbury Primary Production Council, which carried a resolution to be forwarded to the Minister for Manpower (the Hon. R. Semple) pointing out that the council was seriously alarmed that the ballots were denuding rural districts of key men. The resolution added that while the council was in favour of military training, camps should be held at such times as would least disrupt the work on farms. June to September was suggested as the best time for the camps. A questionnaire from the Department of Agriculture seeking information of the farm labour available was discussed. The Placement Officer at Timaru (Mr Dixon) said that at present there was not a great shortage of single or married men, but he anticipated a serious shortage for seasonal work. Proposals of a subsidy scheme towards the cost of removal of married farm workers were considered, suggestions being: that the Government contribute GO per cent, of the cost with a maximum of possibly £ls; that workers contribute 20 per cent.; that farmers contribute 20 per cent. The council agreed to the suggestions provided fair arrangements were made for length of service of suitable men. To consider additional steps advisable to cope with the problem of farm labour a committee comprising Messrs L. V. Talbot and J. Dempsey was set up to confer with local members of the Education Board to discuss the school holidays being arranged to fit in with harvesting operations.