FARM WORKERS

Evening Star, Issue 24096, 17 January 1942, Page 6

FARM WORKERS

m MWH.IBATMHI DIFFICULTY MEM MAY BE RELEASED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan, 16. Fanners with farm workers affected by the recent mobilisation orders, who are urgently required for the harvesting of essential crops and who are not “replaceable by other labour, may apply at once to the local Man Power Committe for the temporary release of these men. This announcement was made to-night by the Minister of National Service, Mr Semple, who said that, while defence was, of course, the main consideration, tho Government was anxious that both harvesting and planting should be facilitated as much as tho military situation permitted. He said that farmers making such applications should state as nearly as possible the date and duration of the release desired, the full name of the worker, his military rank, and the name of the unit to which ne was attached. Provided the application was supported where necessary by the local Primary Production Council and the State Placement Officer had no other labour available for the purpose, the Man Power Committee .could secure temporary leave of absence from military duties for the worker concerned. The Minister added that m regard to planting operations recent developments in the Pacific had made it more necessary than ever that an adequate acreage of all essential crops should be planted. If necessary, and provided the military situation permitted, the Government would consider a similar release of men for planting purposes.