LABOUR FOR FARMS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 255, 26 September 1942, Page 2

LABOUR FOR FARMS

FEILDING DISTRICT FLANS. The desirability of setting up a large committed representative of the district and an executive to assist the Primary Production Council in its work was stressed by Mr'E. IV. Co (hoy, of Ilalcombe, at a meeting of fai,.,..s held in Feilding. Unfortunately, there Was a very email number present. Mr D, W. Reid was elected chairman of the proposed committee, tile setting up of which was deferred until a further meeting is held at Awahuri, Mr Cowdrey (a member of the Primary Production Council) said that while wheat-growing was the matter of primary importance other cropping, including vegetables, had to bo encouraged. The local committee would bo able to supply information regarding farm labour required in the FeildingAwahuri area and facilitate the appeals mado for the release 6f soldier farmers from camps; and in the case of further farm workers being called up in ballots the committee would bo in a position to make recommendations. 110 stated that some farm workers would not appeal themselves and might be taken into camp, the industry thus losing their services. Statistics as to the amount of wheat to bo planted in the North Island Wore required by Hon. W. J. Poison, and unless the figures supplied Were satisfactory compulsion would bccomo necessary as an incrcaso in tho acreage under wheat ih the North Island was essential. Dairy farmers could render national service by growing suitable crops for wintering pigs, and a. premium for baconer pigs was to be paid. In addition to the need for retaining farm workers, appeals would need to bo lodged for shearers, and tho local committee would give assistance also in that direction. The speaker advised farmers to get their appeals in as early as possible. It waH considered that tho direction given by Appeal Boards for the release of manpower should ho complied with by the military, who should not have Ihe final Say except in respect of Air Force or Tank Corps trainees. Food had to bo produced and an effort made to balanco the economy of tho country. In determining where best a reservist could servo his country the Appeal Boards wero impartial and acted in the best interests of the Dominion said Mr Cowdrev when asked by Mi* I*. C. Saxton whether he thought the Appeal Boards were doing a good job. He considered that tho Armed Forces Appeal Boards should bo the finnl discretionary bodies to determine whether men should ho released for farm labour. Mr Saxton, referring to the appeal to grow wheat, drew ntlehtion to the fact that oats for racehorses and barley for beer Were being imported from Australia and shipping space was being used. for that purpose. Wheat-growing in this district was not a sound proposition economically, he contended; that was why many farmers would not voluntarily grow wheat. There was also risk of a failure in the crop. Mr Reid agreed that many farmers could but would not grow wheat because of the risk entailed, but ih his opinion money was not evervthing and unless wheat was produced tho soldiers, their wives and children would be let down and that could not be allowed to happen. lie was therefore going to push for compulsory sowings to bo made by farmers wliobo lands wero suitable for wheat-growing. Ho instanced a number of farm properties in tho Feilding district on which no wheat was grown simply because tho owners were utilising their areas on production which required the least effort on their part. The meeting Was convened by Mr 11. A. Stewart.