ECONOMIC FRONT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 133, 16 March 1940, Page 2

ECONOMIC FRONT.

IMPORTANCE OF FARMING.

LAND ARMY SUGGESTED.

(Per Press Association). TAURANGA, Atarcli 14,

At a meeting of the Bay of Plenty District Council of Primary Production, the chairman, Air D. S. Ross, moved that it bo a recommendation to the National Council that ways and means bo found of forming a land army under military status and conditions, and that those men who have already enlisted and been, placed on the reservo form a nucleus.

All* Ross said that many boys were anxious to enlist, but felt it-their duty to remain on farms. This was apt to place them on a false position. Alany were prepared to sign on for the duration of the war, and place themselves at the disposal of the Government. If allowed to do this they would have military status and Army pay, work on the land, and be ready to serve overseas if required. The motion was unanimously carried. A further motion, moved by Air Ross was: “That in view of the request of the Imperial Government to increase primary production, an authoritative statement be made immediately to the effect that workers on farms are undertaking work of first national importance, at least equal to that of the fighting forces, anc\ that all farm workers be requested to stay on farms and not offer themselves for active service until such time as the Government indicates otherwise, and that in recognition of the same, farm workers will receive equal consideration in any land settlement schemes offered for soldiers at the conclusion of the war.”

This motion was also carried unanimously.