THE LAST MAN ON THE FARM

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 26, 25 October 1917, Page 6

THE LAST MAN ON THE FARM

PLEA FOE EXEMPTION IN BUSINESS ALSO. Mr. S. Poland asked the Minister of Defence in tlie House whether, in view of the instructions given to Military Service Boards regarding "the laet man on the farm," the Government will give similar guarantees-to business firms that I tTiek staffs will not be absolutely de- ' plet'ed of essential trained workers? He said "that possibly about half of the population was dependent upon industries in the towns, and serious interference with this branch of the country's, activities must prejudice the primary I pioducers. ! Sir James Allen replied that the Military Service Boards had been informed of the Government's classification of industries, trades, and professions as most essential, essential, partially essential, and non-essentiaT, and had been asked t< i deal with the appeals of men engaged there in in accordnnce with the recommendations- prefacing ea«U category. If the honourable member would refer to this classification as laid on the table of the House in July last, he would see that the boards had been 'specially recommended not to send into camp any appellant whose -emnval would imperil t.hc successful maintenance of the iudnstry or occupation in -which he was piiffased. Tn addition, a classification of the men in nccorclmce with the importance of the position held by them in each industry and inclination had been prepared, and would be circulated f'-; tho information m<l guidance of the Military Service Boards as soon as it was priririxl. Nft iwstnietinns |\nd been issued tn tli» Military Service Boards,but they had been informed ns to tin s policy of the Government liotli with regard to the fnvinins industry and other essential industries.