PRODUCTION MUST BE MAINTAINED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10106, 13 October 1917, Page 5

PRODUCTION MUST BE MAINTAINED.

(From Odh Parliamentary Reporter.) 1 WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. A memorandum addressed to the chairmen of the Military Service Boards by the Recruiting Board emphasises the seriousness of the position which is arising owing to the depletion of skilled farm workers through enlistments. The Government is of the opinion, says the Board, that production must be maintained to the fullest possible extent in view of the enormous financial burden imposed on the Dominion by the war. It is considered absolutely essential, therefore, that each farm should be left with labour to work it, and that in no case should the man who is doing the whole of the work on his own farm, or the fast son on the farm of parents who are unable, through age or infirmity, to do the work themselves, or skilled agricultural labourers, be taken for military service, unless with respect to the last-named efficient labour is available to replace them 1 am, therefore, directed to say that the Governmerit deems it necessary to advise your Board to adjourn sine die all cases where the appellant comes within the foiegoing category, in order that he may continue in work which is now as important and as essential as military service. It is, further, recommended that all such exemptions should bo made conditional on the reservist remaining in his occupation, and reporting to that effect at regular intervals at the nearest Defence Office. In view of the decision of the Government that productivity must be maintained to the fullest possible extent, the Minister for Defence has decided to defer the calling up of those appellants who are duo to proceed to camp with the October draft, in order that their cases may be re-submitted to the Boards for further consideration.