KEY MEN IN INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23931, 5 October 1939, Page 11

KEY MEN IN INDUSTRY

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—There is a single men's Public Works camp at the Homer Tunnel. This is a good recruiting ground for troops, and I understand that many of the men are keen to enlist, but they have received instructions not to enlist as they are making a military road. Similar advice has, I understand, been passed on to the workers on the Rangiiata irrigation scheme, on the grounds that they are doing.an important job. Many farmers' sons have joined various units. These men, I would say, are more important on their farms than the men on the " military" Homer road, yet these farmers' sons have been accepted as part of the magnificent response. I would like to inquire what exactly is this Government's scheme? " ■ We all know there was one job which should have been done 24 hours after the war started, and that was to transfer men back to the farms from the Public Works, and thus increase production. If it is a question of money, I say their wages should be subsidised to the Public Works rate. Give them any amount at all, but for goodness sake get the Government to do something. The day of talk and promises should be past. It is time that the Government got down to a job of work, which is that of producing farm products for England. Might I say a military road to the West Coast will not be necessary if the Empire is defeated in the war. In fact, it is not necessary either way at the moment. Let me suggest that if the Government were to do something constructive it would be appreciated.— I am, etc., Tin Tacks. Dunedin, October 3.