RHODESIA'S PART

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 107, 2 November 1939, Page 13

RHODESIA'S PART

SUPPLIES FOR THE WAR

MEN AND AGRICULTURAL

PRODUCTS

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, October 31,

Southern Rhodesian farmers are determined to do their utmost to increase their agricultural output for the benefit of the Empire's war efforts.

At a special congress in Salisbury, at which all farming interests were represented, ; wartime policy by agriculturists was discussed. A resolution was unanimously adopted lo meet the position if there were a .necessity for the early institution of general conscription and for the distribution of adequate man-power to agriculture.

More men will be called up shortly to undergo training at camps in Salisbury and Bulawayo..

The first battalion of the Northern Rhodesian regiment is up to its war establishment, and an additional battalion with auxiliary units for the defence force, and a force of special constables, atfa at full strength.

The mood of the people—European, Indian, and African—was from the first determination to offer loyal support, and volunteering has • been so heavy that there is a waiting list for several units. In-ensive training of the personnel is nsw in "progress.

Men in the key industries have been kept at their posts. Farmers want to fight, but agricultural production must be maintained, and so must the exports of Northern Rhodesian metals, which are vital to the Allies. The output of copper has been virtually taken over by the British Government and the producing company is supplying copper at less than the current world price-