MEN FOR HARVEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 27 November 1942, Page 4

MEN FOR HARVEST

CONTRACTORS SEEK CO-OPERA-TIOX CRITICISM OF ARMY “SILENCE” Strong dissatisfaction with the manpower position as it affects the harvest was expressed, in a statement issued by the North Canterbury Agricultural Contractors' Association after a meeting on Wednesday. “Very strong feelings were expressed about the release of men from the Army for manning harvesting, baling, and threshing plants,” said the statement. “Examples were given in which one of these, a key man, had been applied for oil" 14th October for a pickup baler to handle the incoming hay and lucerne crops. This application was approved by the Primary Production Council and handed to the manpower office on 17th October. The man was wanted on 20th October, as that was the date it was anticipated that this baling would start. Although the application was approved by the Primary Production Council and the manpower office, this man has not yet reported for duty, although it is now 25th November. It would appear that the delay is caused by the Army authorities. Numerous applications have been made by other members of the contractors’ Association, approved by the Primary Production Council promptly, and. so far as can be ascertained, approved by the Manpower Committee and forwarded to the Army authorities—and then silence. This association takes very strong exception to this method of handling applications for the release of men for this most important industry.” After detailing the steps taken to secure the release of men the statement observes: “But so far as the Army is concerned neither men. answer, advice, nor anything else, is forthcoming.” The statement concludes by stressing that unless the fullest co-operation is obtained there is a danger of the whole production plan being jeopardised in the next few months of harvest.