SINGLE MEN ON FARMS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 185, 6 July 1945, Page 8

SINGLE MEN ON FARMS

FIGUKES QUESTIONED.

“I don’t think the figure can he correct; I defy any man to prove it, and I think it is a long way out. The thing is ridiculous.” This comment was made by Mr It. MacDonald (Ashhurstj at a meeting of the Manawatu District Council of Primary Production yesterday, when a letter was read from the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Nash) stating that of 12,000 single A grade men who had not been called up for service 8000 were on farms. This, the letter said, was proof that farming had been granted a higher priority in manpower than other forms of industry. The letter was in reply to one from the council with reference to manpower on farms.

Mr E. W. Cowdrey (Halcombe) said the statement was ridiculous when it was remembered that 20 per cent, of the population was in the rural areas and 80 per cent, in the towns. Mr Nash, in his letter, referred to tlie war with Japan and said it would involve the call-up and training oi additional men, because it would ho unfair to ask those who had had a considerable time in the battle zone to continue. The replacements would have to come from those who had not so far been called up. It was decided to write to Mr Nash pointing out that the figures could not be correct. "If he gets away with that lie will get away with anything,” added Mr MacDonald.