SERVICE APPEALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25304, 14 August 1943, Page 6

SERVICE APPEALS

Sir,—The North Otago Primary Production Council has issued a statement that ill-considered views have been expressed at meetings regarding men for whom service appeals have been made. As one who expressed verv definite views on this subject at the annual meeting of the Oamaru Returned Services’ Association, I would state that I fully realise the necessity for the production of all foodstuffs required, but it could not be said by any stretch of imagination that all appeals have had this object in view. Can the Primary Production Council honestly state that there has been equality of sacrifice in regard to military obligations in North Otago? Will the council, on the one hand, deny all knowledge that farms have been bought in order to evade military obligations, and of lamentaoly weak grounds for appeals in some cases, and, on the other hand, of farmers having to sell their properties because they would not appeal for either their sons or employees? The council would be doing a good service by seeing that labour was secured for farmers whose sons and employees have honoured their military obligations, but perhaps the council is following the Nelsonian tradition of putting the telescope to the blind eye.—l am, etc., Alma, August 10. W. Burdett.