FARM WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 64, 12 September 1942, Page 8

FARM WORK

MAN-POWER POSITION

WITHDRAWALS FROM ARMY

Commenting today on the manpower position as it affects primary producers, the Minister of Primary Production for War Purposes (Mr. Poison) said that one or two production councils had been complaining of the shortage of men antl stating that increased production had been tackled on his assurance that labour would be made available. Mr. Poison said that he had given an assurance that as far as was possible the Army would assist the production campaign by releasing men who were not essential. Since that arrangement was made the Army had informed him that 8000 men had been released and that men were still being released.

"Japan regards this as a war of extermination," said Mr. Poison, "and- the menace of invasion from these fanatical and savage enemy forces has not decreased in the last few weeks. The need to maintain the Army in the utmost possible degree of efficiency is now greater than ever. Nevertheless, as I have already informed production councils, there is no interference with the instructions given in the original letter of advice I sent to all production councils regarding the procedure to be followed. They can continue to deal with appeals as before, except that men allocated for reinforcements and for those forces likely to be required in other theatres considered front lines of defence, who have received a substantial proportion of their training, shall not be withdrawn from the armed forces except in exceptional circumstances. These exceptional circumstances also apply to single men, grade 1, between the ages of 21 and 41, who, being necessary recruits for these forces, should not otherwise be withheld or withdrawn from the Army. ASSURANCE FROM ARMY. "I have obtained a promise from the military authorities that where releases are recommended of other than the above-named forces they will be made as rapidly as possible," added Mr. Polson. "I would remind those councils who have reproached me for not sending all the labour they desire for an increased production drive that the re-

lease of men has been very considerable and that other industries are making claims on the Army also. I would ask them to remain steady and carry on with the work." Regarding appeal boards, Mr. Polson said that their decisions were recommendations to the Army for release or the reverse. The Army must have the right to decide who were essential personnel. In view of the agreement not to ask for the classes mentioned above it was expected that sympathetic consideration would be given to other releases.