APPEALS AGAINST, MILITARY SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24685, 14 August 1941, Page 5

APPEALS AGAINST, MILITARY SERVICE

TO THE EDITOR Sir,— Kindly grant me space to enlighten “ Disgusted,” in connection with appeals for the sons of farmers. It is the woolpack and the grain sack that keep the soldiers and “ Disgusted fed and clothed. When the war started the Farmers’ Union decided that it would place no obstacle in the way of farmers, their sons, and farm workers enlisting. But the National Council of Primary Production was soon concerned about the number of enlistments by the men on the land, and decided to set up committees to examine overseas army lists, and appeal where they thought necessary. As primary production is the mainstay of New Zealand and has to be maintained, and as a majority of the farmers haw* been referred to as nhvsical wrecks, it is obviously necessary to retain some youm? men to do the heavy work on the land —in many cases against their own wish. No section of the community responded more l oyally to the Government’s call for production than the farmers—methinks too well after reading your leading article on Saturday Jast. I would remind “Disgusted ” that other sections of the community. working a 40-hour week, are appealed for sometimes in groups. If the working hours were extended some of these men could be released for service. On the other hand, the farmer’s hours are unlimited. My connection with farm ins aopeals sives me -a first-hand khowledse of the situation. In many cases it is a last son, or an only son, who is appealed for. ' Very few farmers’ sons appeal themselves. 1 would advise “ Disgusted ” not to the woolpack. the grain sack, the cheese crate the fruit and butter box or the men who keep- them full. They keep all classes clothed and fed and nay the interest on the national debt,.—l am etc., Alex, Renton. Balclufha. August 12.