A FARM ARMY

Evening Star, Issue 23526, 15 March 1940, Page 3

A FARM ARMY

MILITARY STATUS AND CONDITIONS READY TO SERVE OVERSEAS IF REQUIRED NOVEL SUGGESTION [Per United Press Association.] TAURANGA. March 14. At a meeting of the Bay of Plenty District Council of Primary Production which was held here to-day the chairman (Mr D. S. Ross) moved that it be a recommendation to the National Council that ways and means should be found for forming a land 1 army under military status and conditions, and that those men who have already enlisted and been placed on the reserve form the nucleus of this army.

Speaking to the motion, Mr Ross pointed out that many boys were anxious to enlist, but felt it a duty to remain on the farms. This was apt to place them in a false position. Many were prepared to sign on for the duration of the war and place themselves at the disposal of the Government. If allowed to do this they would have military status and army pay working on the land or ready to serve overseas if required.

The motion was unanimously agreed to. The following further motion by Mr Ross was unanimously agreed to: — “ That, in view of the request of the Imperial Government to increase primary production, an authoritative statement be made immediately to the effect that workers on the farm_ are undertaking work of the first national importance, at least equal to that of the fighting forces, and that all farm workers be requested to stay on the farms and not offer themselves for active service’until such time as the Government indicates otherwise, and that, in recognition of this, farm workers will receive equal consideration in any land settlement schemes offered for soldiers at the conclusion of the war.”