MEN FOR THE HARVEST

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23805, 26 November 1942, Page 6

MEN FOR THE HARVEST

CONTRACTORS SEEK COOPERATION CRITICISM OF ARMY “SILENCE” Strong dissatisfaction with the manpower position as it affects the harvest was expressed, in a statement issued by the North Canterbury Agricultural Contractors’ Association after a meeting yesterday. “Very strong feelings were expressed about the release of men from the Army for maiming harvesting, baling, and threshing plants,’’ said the statement. “Examples wfere-given in which one of these, a key man. had been applied for on for a pick-up baler to handteaaSg Incoming hay and lucerne crotfS.TOTUt! application was approved by the Primary Production. Coucil and handed to the manpower office on October 17. The man was wanted on October 20, as that was 1 the date it was anticipated that this baling would start. Although the application was approved by the Primary Production Council and the manpower office, this man has* not yet reported for duty, although it is now November 25, It would appear that the delay is caused by the Army authorities. Numerous applications have been made by other members of the Contractors’ Association, approved by the Primary Production Council promptly, and, so far as can be ascertained, approved by the Manpower Committee and forwarded to the Army authorities—and then silence.' This association takes very strong exception to this method of handling applications for the release of men for this most important industry.” After detailing the steps taken to secure the release of men the statement observes: “But so far the Army is concerned neither- men, answer, advice, nor anything else, is forthcoming.” The statement concludes by stressing that unless the fullest co-opera-tion is obtained there is a danger of the whole production plan being jeopardised in the next few months of harvest.