FARMER SOLDIERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23488, 27 October 1939, Page 13

FARMER SOLDIERS

Sir, —My business puts mo in very close touch with the farmer, and, in spite of any assurances from the Government to the contrary, I find fanners, their sons, and farm labourers, are enlisting freely and being accepted. A case in point—a bachelor farmer, running his farm entirely .single-handed, called up at a few days' notice, is now in camp, and his cows left to friendly neighbours to milk. Now, just where does this lead us? Firstly: Are we doing tho right thing by the Knipire? To it wo have promised our utmost production, but by taking qualified men off the? land are we fulfilling our pledges? Secondly: If tillers of the soil are going to be accepted as at present, finite apart from reduced production while the war lasts, what is going to be our position after it is finished, with extremely heavy financial commitments fo bo met, made all the heavier by recent London loan negotiations. Naturally, after the cessation of hostilities, lOngland or others for a time will not be in a position pay highly for our produce, consequently our duty to ourselves is to maintain production at the highest level. Conscription is the only sound basis of handling this position, but if farm workers must ho taken, let it be on the basis of ratio in proportion to the eligible population. All honour to all in our community who have enlisted rather than await compulsion, but at this juncture, if to fill our first quota it has been considered necessary to accept our farmers, then the blame lies wholly at the feet of the Government if they continue to take these men. Look Ahead.