TEMPORARY RELEASE FROM ARMY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 24 January 1942, Page 4

TEMPORARY RELEASE FROM ARMY

TO ASSIST WITH HARVESTING CONDITIONS ANNOUNCED Wellington, This Day. Conditions under which men may be temporarily released from their military duties to assist with the harvesting of crops were announced last night by the Minister of National Service, Mr Semple. He said it was recognised ‘ that the present mobilisation for home defence would affect farm labour just 1 when it was required for harvesting. “Our defence is our first consideraj tion, but, particularly in view of our i greater dependence now on our own : resources, the Government is anxious ( that both harvesting and planting should be facilitated as much as the military situation will permit,” said Mr Semple. “Farmers with farm workers affected by recent mobilisations, who are urgently required for harvesting of essential crops and who are not replaceable by other labour, may apply at once to the local manpower committee for the temporary release of these men. In his application the farmer should state as nearly as possible the date and duration of release desired, the full name of the worker, his military rank and the name of the unit to which he is attached. “Provided that the application is supported, where necessary by the local primary production council and that the State replacement officer has no other labour available for the purpose, the manpower committee, if it deems his return essential, will secure temporary leave of absence from military duties without pay for the worker concerned. This leave of absence will be for the period necessary for harvesting. Farmers must, however, make their applications without delay so that they may be considered by manpower committees and, if approved, tentative arrangements made with units for leave to be granted. The actual date from which leave is desired should later be notified to the secretary of the manpower committee.” Referring to planting operations, the Minister said that recent developments in the Pacific made it more necessary than ever that an adequate acreage of all essential crops srould be planted. Farmers should plan this well in advance. If necessary, and providing the military situation permitted of such action, the Government would give consideration to a similar release of men for planting purposes.—P.A.