MEN CALLED UP FROM FARMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25514, 19 April 1944, Page 4

MEN CALLED UP FROM FARMS

PRODUCTION COUNCIL’S PROTEST

The attention of the Otago Primary Production Council was recently directed to the fact that a number of skilled farm workers had received mobilisation notices for overseas service, and in view of the recent pronouncement by the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser) on'the vital need for increased production it was felt that some action should be taken to have these men retained. As a result, the following telegram was sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr B. Roberts, and the Director of National Service, Mr J. S. Hunter:—

“ Many competent farm workers in Otago are due to go into camp this month. In view of the Prime Minister’s recent statement, this council strongly urges a review of the position of all these men and that appeal boards should be instructed regarding the importance of keeping up primary production.” The Minister of Agriculture replied that he was advised by the Minister of National Service, Mr A. McLagan, that if the Otago Primary Production Council would submit details regarding any specific cases of farm workers in Otago being called up for military service he would have the cases reviewed.

The Director of National Service, in his reply, recommended the council to communicate with the secretary of the Appeal Board immediately. Probably, he added, the cases of the farm workers concerned were not before the board during recent months. Mr E. H. Calder, secretary of the Otago Primary Production Council, said yesterday that as steps were being taken to release from the armed forces large numbers of men it seemed reasonable that men who were at present employed in key positions on farms should be retained. The position had become more difficult since the appeals for many thousands of these men were made, he added, and their removal at this stage would bring about a disastrous state of affairs.