FARM LABOUR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32522, 10 January 1945, Page 5

FARM LABOUR

DEMANDS ON THE ARMY POSITION IN THE FUTURE PRIMARY PRODUCTION COUNCIL The supply of manpower on farms, about which District Councils of Primary Production recently made representations. was the subject of a circular received from the National Council by rhe Thames District Council of Primary Production on Thursday.

The representations made were referred to the National Service Department. which pointed out that during the last two years there had been a steady demobilisation from all branches of rhe forces of home service and down-graded personnel. In addition, large numbers of men had been returned to New Zealand for release to essential employment, including farming.

-As a result, it is probable that the labour position on farms in New Zealand generally is now better than at any time since shortly after the outbreak of war,” said the circular. “Home defence units have been so

reduced by releases to essential industries that further relief from this rjource could not be looked for. “The Air authorities have undertaken a much-expanded programme in the Pacific area, with the result that they are. as a general rule, unable to approve the release of men trained in skilled trade, even though fit for home service only.

“The replacement of long-service personnel in the European war zone has placed a very heavy burden on the manpower in this country and made it almost impossible to obtain the release of further men who are fit for overseas service. The Pacific draft could no longer be looked to to provide men skilled in farming. It appears, therefore, that there was little possibility of further men becoming available from the forces. Few Being Called Up

“Very few men are being called up for military service from the farming community. In respect of ‘Notice of lodging appeals’ on account of ‘Necal’ men working on farms in some districts, it was not proposed that any of these men be taken from farms until the close of the present season.

“The National Service Department suggested that large numbers of men recently released from the armed forces have not been placed to the best advantage from the primary production point of view, and that it vas prepared to co-operate with district councils in the reallocation of some of this labour. Any men with farming experience now returned to New Zealand from the Middle East and who desired to return to farming would be permitted to do so.”