PRODUCTION AND DEFENCE

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23191, 30 November 1940, Page 14

PRODUCTION AND DEFENCE

More Co-ordination Urged WHEATGROWERS’ LABOUR A request that the military authorities should' v 'co,-ordinate the needs of production and defence by rearranging the times of callings :Jarm labour for territorial service is contained in a resolution passed by the annual meeting of United Wheatgrowers (N.Z.), Ltd., yesterday. United efs represents practically every grower in New, Zealand. It was reported that the meeting spent some time debating the effect of military service op farm labour, and was unanimous In the opinion that every assistance should be given the military authorities. “As the war progresses the drafting of men for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and territorial service will naturally be a strain on' our labour,” said the chairman, Mr H. F. Nicoll. “While this is hard to reconcile with Increased production we must do our best to fill the gaps with all our strength. One way is in increased mechanisation —something we did not have in the last war when a far greater proportion of our young men were lighting overseas. Mechanisation is difficult for many and impossible for others, go that there is quite a body of growers with a very difficult problem before them.” The following resolution was carried:—"That this electoral committee of wheatgrowers, while recognising the duty of all citizens to train for military service, at the same time views with concern the withdrawal of so many skilled farm workers from primary industries during the ensuing six months and requests the Minister for Manpower to grant an alteration of the periods of time in which these men may be trained for territorial service.”