FARM LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23781, 8 October 1940, Page 8

FARM LABOUR

THE COMING HARVEST MEETING THE SHORTAGE MILITARY SERVICE FACTOR The view that many farmers already were encountering difficulty because of the calling up of men for military service was expressed at yesterday's meeting of the Auckland District Council of Primary Production. Fears were expressed that the trouble would be intensified. The chairman. Mr. R. C. Clark, suggested that in the coming holidays tlic council might arrange for the employment of secondary school hoys on harvesting and other operations, mi a more organised basis than formerly. However, the question could be deferred pending inquiry into the situation. lie did not think the Man Power Coniniitt.ee would turn down any request by a fanner to postpone the calling up of a man where it was desirable that he should be retained to increase production. Regarding the position of farmers under the petrol rationing scheme, Mr. Clark said that, where any difficulty had arisen in obtaining supplies for tractors for harvesting, he was satisfied that the Oil Fuel Controller would meet the situation if proper representations were made. If any farmer were experiencing difficulty, the council would be propared to make representations on his behalf, if it considered the position warranted such action.

MEN- FROM No. 13 SCHEME BOROUGH COUNCIL'S DECISION A decision to take no action in cases of men on No. 13 scheme who were selected by the Labour Department for country work was reached at the Otahuhu Borough Council last night Avhen a request was made by the borough engineer for the retention of the services of one man. After ft long discussion, in which members agreed that £he national needs were paramount, the council unanimously decided not to interfere in the case.