SLOW PROGRESS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 271, 15 November 1943, Page 5

SLOW PROGRESS

SCHEME FOR HARVESTING

THE USE OF TERRITORIALS

(0.C.) WANGANUI, this day. No advice regarding the employment of Territorials on harvest work in the Area 6 Military District has yet been received by the Army Office in Wanganui, nor by the Wanganui District Primary Production Council. Furthermore, no camp sites for the accommodation of troops who will be engaged in harvest work have been decided on in Wanganui, Rangitikei or Manawatu area. The subject was discussed at a meeting of the Wanganui District Primary Production Council, when the secretary, Mr. A. R. Donaldson, reported that the military authorities had seen him regarding farmers' requirements, but little progress had been made in respect of these camps. Mr. Donaldson said that organisation was proceeding so slowly that it was unlikely that any Territorials would be available for this season's harvest.

The council discussed the general manpower position and the difficulty in getting men released from the army for farm work. It was decided to advise the Dominion council that the Ministers of Defence, Agriculture and »Manpower should be asked to review the Dominion manpower problems as it was felt by members of the council that there would be a further drop in production unless the position improved.