FARM PRODUCE IN WAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 28, 3 February 1941, Page 6

FARM PRODUCE IN WAR

The praise given to farmers by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Barclay, for their war production effort has been well earned. At the outbreak of war a call was made for increased production of food and wool, and tbrs farmers responded with a will. At that time the call was made in general terms. It could not be stated what kinds of produce would be most needed or what conditions would govern shipment to the United Kingdom. The position has since become clearer, and New Zealand has been asked to supply greater quantities of cheese and bacon and some special crops, s such as linen flax. Also, new difficulties have been encountered, first in the inability to export more than a part of the fruit crop and now in the curtailment of meat shipments. Through ail the times of uncertainty and change, the farmers, however, have concentrated on doing their part of the task. In this they have given an example to the whole community. Two things are essential for a great war effort: | first, wise and energetic leadership, land, next* that each man should do his part whether in production, manufacture, commerce, or 'marketing. The farmers have had their difficulties and ( grievances (justifiable grievances in that their industry has been "stabilised" while unionised workers have had compensation for rising costs), but, while stating their case strongly, they have never held up production for an hour or slackened their effort.