TO FARMERS IN THE SOUNDS COUNTY.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 27, 9 April 1918, Page 2

TO FARMERS IN THE SOUNDS COUNTY.

The Canterbury Commissioner of the National Efficiency Board, in a communication addressed to committees of advice throughout the district, draws attention to the fact that the time has arrived when the people of the Dominion must carefully consider the claims of returned soldiers to secure adequate means of subsistence. These men, who left their country to fight its battles, have, on their return, undoubted claims upon every section of the community in assisting to provide work, and where necessary, instruction, in what may be, to them, a new occupation. Many will be incapacitated for hard work, and quite unable to undertake out-door employment, whue others, no doubt, will desire out-door occupations, and of these it is hoped that many will take up farming. The Commissioner therefore appeals to committees of advice to move amongst the farmers in their districts and ask them to render this important national service by finding or making an opening for one or more returned soldiers on their farms, notwithstanding that the returned men may ndt have had previous experience. Many soldiers no doubt will be most anxious to avail themselves of instruction which farmers could give, in order that they may qualify themselves for taking up land on their own account with a reasonable prospect of success. The Sounds Committee of Advice have accordingly undertaken to make a canvas in their district, and to furnish the Commissioner of the National Efficiency Board with the names and addresses of farmers who are willing and able to render this service to their country, and thus show that those who havp stayed at home in peace ahd comfort all the time have a due sense of gratitude to those who have endured hardships and risked their lives to free the world from the ruthless grip .of Prussian tyranny. In the meantime the committee appeals to farmers and their wives to think this matter over earnestly, and although some may be only able to offer temporary billets to returned men, even so they will be helping to bridge over that difficult time between military service and the re-absorption of our soldiers into civil life.