“FARM OR FIGHT”

Evening Star, Issue 23525, 14 March 1940, Page 10

“FARM OR FIGHT”

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM CONDEMNED PRIMARY INDUSTRY SUFFERING [Pm U kited Press Association.] HAMILTON, March 14. Grave concern at the Government’s alleged half-hearted method of obtaining men-for the New Zealand Second Expeditionary Force and its apparent unwillingness to place the . country's war effort on a truly national basis was expressed at a meeting of the Raglan County Council. The majority of members considered conscription inevitable and its immediate introduction essential in view of the apparent failure of the voluntary system. The' following motion was carried, only one councillor dissenting: “Thai this council, fs strongly, in favour of & system, of ‘ universal' pqmpiilSdftri national' service ■being instituted', a-K.lth* earliest possible moment' for .the duration 1 of the war. .The council is in a position ; of being able 1 to view * the effects of the voluntary system of enlistment as it affects the xarming community,’and can definitely state 'that’ farm management and primary production are already -suffering as a result •of the present system.” ’ The chairman - (Mr H. W.- Wilson), in proposing the resolution advocated a definite policy of “ farm or fight. 1 :’ . In spite of what had been said to the contrary by some councils, he maintained that it-was the responsibility of local bodies to do,all within their power to see that a fair and equitable system at national service ■ as instituted.