ENLISTMENT OF FARM WORKERS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22921, 18 January 1940, Page 4

ENLISTMENT OF FARM WORKERS

TO THB EDITOB Of THB PBEBB ' Sir.—ln the cities and towns, extensive recruiting campaigns are being held I would like someone to tell me why these campaigns are being confined to the cities and towns. Why not start some recruiting m the country as well? , Certainly quite a number of the sons of farmers sincerely think they are doing their country a wonderful service by staying at home to milk a few cows, feed the pigs, and now and again dig the garden. there are pllnty of boys, too young for military service, who could be used in filling the places of non-essential men on farms? I" sincerely think some of the citizens of Christchurch would do well to start an extensive country recruiting campaign, because I am oi me opinion that the majority of the young men in country districts are unaware that we are at war.— Your |,' R^^TE . January 17. 1940.

TO THE KDITOB OW TUB *M!SS. Sir,—ln my the country in general would be better served if, instead of condemning farm workers to stay on farms, they were permitted toj judge for themselves the sphere ol greatest service. . '. •• ..■'■ The Farmers' Union is apparently greatly concerned about us, now we ire entering on the busy season; but what does it propose with us next winter? Most probably the farm workers will as usual be stood down over the winter months, and expected to answer with a smile when the whistle blows again in the spring. Apparently, once registered and listed.in the essential services, one may change to a non-essential occupation and still be restrained from joining the armed forces, as the; Farmers' Union can refuse to effect one's release fATrGJ 0 F U oI%WOHKER! Hawarden, January 17, 1940.