RHODESIAN LOYALTY

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 November 1939, Page 8

RHODESIAN LOYALTY

COMBINED WAR EFFORT

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

RUGBY, October 31

Southern Rhodesian farmers are determined to do their utmost to increase their agricultural output for the benefit of the Empire’s war efforts. At a special congress at Salisbury, all farming interests discussed war-time policy by agriculturists. A resolution was unanimously adopted to meet the position if there! were a necessity for the early institution of general conscription and for the distribution of adequate manpower to agriculture. More men will shortly be called up to undergo training at the camps at Salisbury and Bulawayo. The first battalion of the Northern Rhodesian Regiment js up to war establishment and an ad'ditional battalion and auxiliary units of the defence force and a force of special constables are at full strength.

The people—European, Indian, and African —from the first were determined to offer loyal support, and volunteering has been so heavy that there is a waiting list for several units. Intensive training of personnel is now progressing. Men in the key industries have been kept at their posts. Farmers want to fight but agricultural production must be maintained, and so must the exports of Northern Rhodesia’s metals which are vital to the Allies. The output of copper has 1 been virtually taken over by the British Government and a producing company is supplying copper at less than the current world price. INDIAN TERRITORIALS.

RUGBY, November 1.

For the Indian Territorial Force registration is to be entirely voluntary, and the accepted recruits will be registered and sent home, awaiting their calling up. The Indian Government is most gratified at spontaneous offers received from all quarters, but it will not be possible to accept all offers at once. The Government states that it is its every desire and intention to provide adequate opportunities for those wishing to serve, but any hurried expansion would be unwise.

CANADIAN WAR SUPPLIES

OTTAWA, October 31

To finance purchases by the United Kingdom War Supplies Mission in Canada, a fund of 91,000,000 dollars has been established through, the repatriation of Canadian securities held in London. It is estimated that the British holdings of Canadian investments exceed two billion dollars.