FARMING AND MANPOWER

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23804, 25 November 1942, Page 4

FARMING AND MANPOWER

—* — MINISTER EXPLAINS DIFFICULTIES POTATO GROWERS MAY REGISTER The greatest difficulty facing primary production councils was the question of manpower in agricultural areas, said the Hon. J, G. Barclay at a meeting of the South Canterbury Primary Production Council at Timaru. While the system of release from the Army for seasonal work last season had not been 100 per cent, perfect, the harvest had been gathered, said Mr Barclay. This year, there would be continued difficulties, and while the danger in the Solomons was by no means over, the Army would give all assistance possible consistent with defence requirements. The Minister stated that he would issue a statement on the small seeds position as soon as negotiations with the British Government had been completed. He indicated that a check-up of areas planted in potatoes was being undertaken, and from estimates to hand it was anticipated that 23,000 acres would be planted. Mr Barclay stated that next year it might be necessary to register potato growers, and in this direction the primary production councils could be of material assistance. He considered that during the war period it was less embarrassing to have a surplus of essential food supplies than an under-supply. Dealing with wheat production, the Minister stated that a minimum requirement for next season would be 350.000 acres, or an increase of at least 60.000 acres over this year’s sowing. In conclusion, Mr Barclay paid a tribute to the work of the South Canterbury Primary Production Council, which, he said, was considered in Wellington as one of the most efficient in New Zealand. Lodging of Appeals A general discussion on the question of manpower ensued, during which a remit passed by the council at its previous meeting was discussed. The remit arose from the fact that many primary producers were averse to lodging appeals, and yet in order to supply the requirements for the Army and civilian heeds, and for other Allied troops, it was imperative that production along certain lines should be increased. It was pointed out that this could be done only by maintaining manpower on the farms, yet many reservists definitely refused to lodge appeals. The remit read: "In view of the important part primary production was playing in the war effort, and the urgent need of retaining sufficient manpower to maintain production, and also in view of the uneasiness in the minds of so many reservists engaged in the vital work of primary production, the Minister of Primary Production was urged to make an early announcement, setting out in its true perspective the duties and responsibilities of those so engaged in relationship to services rendered by men in the armed forces of the nation.” It was stated that owing to conflicting interests, guidance was urgently needed, and it was considered that in these cases the word “direction” rather than “appeal” would help the position. In reply, the Minister said that the primary production councils were set up to overcome this difficulty, which applied to other industries, as well as primary production. He considered that the necessity of food production ranked alongside that of the Army, and he undertook to make a statement on the subject. Shortage of Shearers The question of shortage of shearers and musterers, and the necessity iov training shearer learners to maintain the supply of this class of labour, was raised by Mr J. G. Leckie, and it was pointed out that while a certain number of these men were available this year from thp Army, it was possible that many v/ould not be available'next year. Mr J. C. Hay pointed out that production this year was being maintained by obtaining men from time to time for short periods from the Army, hut as these men were sent overseas a critical position would develop as these men were not available, and farmers would he unable to nominate men to do this work. The Minister stated that he fully appreciated the position, and he considered the council should watch the position carefully and, if blocked, refer it to the Minister. The Minister undertook to investigate' with the director of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture the question of some method, of control of small seed crops affected with wild turnip.