RIFLES FIRST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 157, 4 July 1940, Page 12

RIFLES FIRST.

MEN WHO ARE PIT.

FARMS NOT " HIDING HOLES.'

LAND SUDDENLY POPUIAK.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

STRATFORD, Wednesday.

Under no circumstances would he employ on his farm a single man eligible for active service, declared Mr. R. A. Sangster at a meeting of the Stratford production management committee. The first call was for men to shoulder rifles, he believed, and production came second. "We should not make funk holes of our farms," added Mr. H. A. Hunt. "We would rather close down than have that." The point was raised by Mr. Sangster when the secretary, Mr. J. C. Robins, was reporting that the Government had about 3000 men available for farm work, about half of whom had farming experience. The men, who, it was understood, were mostly e:: Public Works Department employees, could be employed by farmers under subsidy from the Government. "I feel very strongly on this point, and I would like to know whether these men are fit for active service," said Mr. Sangster. "They seem to be euddenly very keen on farming." Most of the experienced men were originally employed on farms, but left to take on Public Works employment for increased wages, so that they could be married, said the chairman, "Mr. L. Marfell. They now realised that their good times were over, and they were willing to settle down to farm work again.

Nevertheless, ho agreed, concluded Mr. Miufi'll. that farms should not be "hiding grounds" for men who were unwilling to go to the war. On the other hand, it was desirable that it be understood that condemnation was not being levelled at young men who were on farms at the beginning of the war and who, although they volunteered, were classed as being "in a reserved occupation.

He did consider, however, that the strongest condemnation was due those who turned over to farm work to "dodge their responsibilities."

Although shakers' views were in accord with those of.the majority present, there was no resolution and no action was taken.