MEN FOR WORK ON FARMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 10 August 1942, Page 4

MEN FOR WORK ON FARMS

RELEASE FROM ARMY Wellington, This Day A reply to suggestions that men who had been released from the Army to resume farm work had not done so, was made on Saturday by the Minister of National Service, Mr. Broaftl’oot. "I think it necessary,” said the Minister, “that the procedure adopted should again be stated lest any misunderstanding on the matter should give rise to concern or uneasiness. As has already been announced, the War Administration recently decided that the withdrawal of men from the forces was unavoidable if primary production were to he adequately maintained. "In view of the commencement of the new farming season, the matter was one of great urgency, and arrangements therefore were made for officers commanding units to grant a period of up to 14 days’ leave, landing further consideration of the circumstances by the appeal board, to any man who satisfied his officer that he had substantial grounds to justify his release. All cases of release in these circumstances are at present being reviewed by the appeal boards. Primary production councils arc making a very careful survey of the labour situation in relation to the farming industry’ in tlicir respective’districts, and the assistance of these councils i« being made available to the npix-ul boards. Extended leave from the forces is being granted only on the recommendation of an appeal board. “Admittedly,” Mr. Broadfoot said, “a few instances have occurred when men have obtained a temporary release under tin’s arrangement without adequate justification. Their numbers however, are few indeed, and the pub lie may rest assured that these mer will be required to ref urn to their units, as no recommendation from tin appeal boards will be forthcoming.”— P.A.