FARM WORKERS AND THE ARMY

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23750, 23 September 1942, Page 4

FARM WORKERS AND THE ARMY

Sir, —"Not a Shearer” says he knows most of the shearers in and around Cheviot and could count those in camp on one hand. Well, he evidently is not in possession of the knowledge of the number of shearers v in camp, or out on release and liable to be called up within seven days for military service. “Not a Shearer” should not be suspicious. Let him bear in mind that these 12 men are ready to lay down their shears and go to the war zone when and where required. They are at present protecting the rear, and all old soldiers know the importance of that.— Yours, etc., E. G. ABBOTT. Honorary Secretary, Cheviot Primary Production Council. Cheviot, September 19, 1942. Sir,—A report in “The Press” gave prominence to statements about the scarcity of shearers in the Cheviot dis. trict. Numerous similar reports from other districts throughout .the South Island have been circulated. Apparently in response to these, the Minister of Primary Production for War Purposes, the Hon. W. J. Poison, intends to proceed south next week to discuss the matter with the primary production councils. So far as this district is concerned. Mr Poison will find that the report above referred to is misleading, ambiguous, and not in accordance with fact. The war position is critical enough and causes our politicians and military authorities sufficient concern without exaggerations.—Yours, etc., F. C. de LAMBERT. Glenoya, Ethelton, September 20, 1942.