OTAGO CRITICISM

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23740, 11 September 1942, Page 4

OTAGO CRITICISM

“Whole Position Is Chaotic ” SUGGESTIONS MADE TO MINISTER (P.S.S.) DUNEDIN, September 10. The new policy approved by the War Cabinet for the release of men from camp for farm work was discussed by the Otago Primary Production Council to-day, and the Council authorised the chairman to send the following telegram to the Minister of Primary Production’ for War Purposes (the Hon. W. J. Polr son) : “Farmers had received repeated Ministerial assurances that men would be released for urgent work in connexion with primary production, provided the appeal boards approved. As a council, we were assured that if production were maintained and increased we could count upon the release of essential farm labour. We now look to the Government to honour this promise. “The primary production committees were reorganised as a result of recent instructions, and now the whole position is rendered chaotic by many of the appeal board decisions being ignored, and the authority of the appeal boards and production l committees is being seriously undermined. , “We earnestly request that the whole position of farm labour be handled by one Minister whose decisions can bo relied upon as authoritative. We urge that grade 1 men recommended by appeal boards for release for primary production be released unless they are in overseas training units, and also that all grade 2 and 3 men whose release .Is recommended by appeal boards be released as required. “We urge the immediate compilation of a list showing the grade 1 men in overseas training units, so that farmers will know which men not to apply for. “The position is acute, as men are urgently required for shearing, spring cultivation, and mustering. We cannot guarantee the growth of essential crops unless some Simple system such as the above is introduced Immediately. The atmosphere created' is anything but favourable for future co-operation.”