FARM APPEAL CASES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23969, 9 June 1943, Page 2

FARM APPEAL CASES

COMPLETE SURVEY IN PROGRESS RESERVISTS IN CATEGORY A A complete survey of the farmers and farmhands in their district who have been retained in the industry on sine die adjournments is now being undertaken by the No. 1 and No. 2 Armed Forces Appeal Boards in Christchurch. Most of the cases that are being dealt with are reviews of appeals, but a number are initial hearings, and all concern reservists in category A. Wherever possible, the boards are endeavouring to replace category A men on farms with grade 11 or 111 men with farm experience who are in camp at present. As a result of the recent manpower survey conducted by the Army, the district manpower officer has a list of men whom the Army is agreeable to release and who are available for farm work. This information is at the disposal of the boards. Many of the reviews affect fit single men who were called in the early overseas ballots, and who were retained as a result of appeals. Some of the cases date as far back as December, 1940. Many of these cases were adjourned on the grounds of public interest, as it was felt that at the time the farming industry could not afford to lose the men. From time to time the cases have been reviewed and further adjournments have been granted after the boards have considered reports made by the district primary production committees. For all farm appeals the reservist on employer concerned now has to sign an affidavit giving details concerning the size of his farm, the stock carried, the number of men working on it, and the production figures. This information is then referred to the local district primary production committee. which makes a recommendation to the boards.