APPEALS FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24020, 7 August 1943, Page 6

APPEALS FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS

* NORTH OTAGO COUNCIL’S VIEWS From Our Own Reporter OAMARU. August 6. An important expression of opinion was made by the North Otago Council of Primary Production at its meeting this afternoon, in connexion with appeals made before the Armed Force,Appeal Boards in respect to men engaged in primary production, when the following prepared statement was submitted by M. Malcolm: "I very much regret that at various meetings people have voiced ill-consid-ered views regarding men who have been appealed for A section of the general public has failed to realise that a nation's v. ir effort is not solely confined to building an army. A nation at war must build its army, supply it v ith a never-ending .low of modern equipment, and produce sufficient foodstuffs for all requirements. If any one of these three great activities lags behind the national war effort must suffer. Why should men who arc giving willing service, and thereby assisting the war effort, be insulted by those who voice their criticisms in general terms? All men who have appeared before appeal boards feel their position keenly. If those who criticise have any genuine interest in the war effort, they should refrain from making pub'ic statements which only embitter workers who are giving good service in the common cause. This council has always endeavoured to keep an open mind regarding the question of suitable replacements when such replacements are available, I have no doubt that the powers that be would willingly consider constructive suggestions dealing with the manpower problem." The statement was adopted on the motion of Mr J. Kingan. seconded by Mr R. F. Lcdingham.