MEN FOR ARMY

Grey River Argus, 26 November 1942, Page 1

MEN FOR ARMY

DIFFICULTIES EXPLAINED CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 25. Hon. J. G. Barclay stated at a meeting of the South Canterbury Primary Producers’ Council that though a system of release from the Army for seasonal work last season had not been 100 per cent, perfect, the harvest, had been gathered. This year there would be continued difficulties and while the- danger in the Solomons was by no moans over the Army would give all assistance possible consistent, with defence requirements, Ho indicated that a check-up of areas planted in potatoes was being undertaken, and from estimates to hand it was anticipated that 23,000 acres would uC planted. Mr Barclay slated that next year it might be necessary to register potato growers, and in his direction the primary production epuneds could be of material assistance. He considered that, during thn war period it was less embarrassing to have a surplus of essential food supplies than an undersupply. Dealing with wheat production the Minister stated that a minimum requirement fop next season would be 350,000 acres, or an increase of at least 60,000 acres over this year’s sowing. A general discussion on the question of manpower ensued, during which a remit passed by the council at its previous meeting was discussed. The remit read: “In view of the important part primary production was playing in the war effort and the urgent need of retaining sufficient manpower to maintain production, and also in view of the.uneasiness in the minds of so many reservists engaged in the vital work of primary production the Minister of Primary Production was urged to make an early a denouncement, setting out in its true perspective the duties and responsibilities of those so engaged in relationship to services rendered by men in the armed forces of the nation." It was stated that owing to conflicing interests, guidance was urgently needed and it was considered that in these cases the word “direction" rather than “appeal" would help the position. In reply, the Minister said that the primary production councils were- set up to overcome this difficulty, which applied to other industries asi well as primary production. He considered that the necessity of food production ranked alongside that of the Army and he undertook to make a statement on the subject. The question of shortage of shearers and musterers and the necessity for training shearer learners to maintain the supply of this class of labour, was raised by Mr J. G. Leckie, and it was pointed out that while a certain number of these men were available this year from the Army, it was possible that many would not be available next year. Mr J. C. Hay pointed but that production this year was being maintained by obtaining men from time to tim e for short periods from the Army, but as these men were sent overseas a critical position would develop as these men were not available- and farmers would be unable to nominate men to do this worlc.

The Minister stated that he fully appreciated (ho position and he consider'd the council should watch the position carefully and, if ' blocked, refer it to the Minister.