CROP PLANTING

Evening Star, Issue 24137, 6 March 1942, Page 2

CROP PLANTING

LEAVE FROM MILITARY CAMPS EXPERIENCED TO BE RELEASED FOR TWO MONTHS tP.A.) WELLINGTON, March 5. New arrangements made for the granting of leave from military camps for men experienced in agricultural Avork to enable them to assist Avith the planting of Avhoat and other essential cereal and root crops Avere announced to-night by the Minister of National Service, Mr Semple. “The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Barclay, has made an appeal for the increased production of Avheat and other essential crops,’’ Mr Semple said, “ and he states that in order that this country may be self-supporting it is necessary for at least 300,000 acres of Avheat to be grown this year. One of the difficulties to be faced in this connection is the provision of adequate labour. A scheme lias therefore been adopted by Avliich experienced men Avill bo granted leave from Territorial service on the recommendation of the Man Power Committees. The period Avill bo for not more than tAvo months, although there is authority to extend this period in special circumstances. “Farmers avlio have been asked by the district councils of primary production to plant Avheat and other essential crops and Avhq are in need of labour should make application in the first instance to the local placement officer. These officers are arranging for tbo zoning of the labour required so that every man granted leave from camp will be used to the best advantage. “ Calls are being made in the camps for volunteers from those Avith the necessary experience, and the placement officers Avill make application to the local Man Power Committee for military leave for approved men in those cases Avhere other labour is not available. It Avill be recognised that owing to weather it may not be possible to commence the Avork as anticipated, and in such cases the Man Power Committee Avill recommend that leave be granted from a date to be advised Avhen conditions are suitable.

“ I wish to join the Minister of Agriculture in his appeal for increased production this season,” Mr Semple concluded. “ I trust the farmers will not be discouraged from planting wheat or other essential crops by undue apprehension that they will ho unable to obtain the necessary labour. I should like to emphasise, however, that cooperation with the placement officers is most necessary for the satisfactory allocation of labour, and that all applications should be made to these officers in the first instance.”