THE WAR AND FARMERS

Southland Times, Issue 17967, 7 March 1917, Page 5

THE WAR AND FARMERS

APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISORS. INSTRUCTIONS TO EFFICIENCY BOARD. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, March 6. Replying to a deputation representing the Franklin and Manukau County Councils, Sir .las. Allen said that the difficulty regarding the calling up of men from farms had been recognised by the Department, and Military Boards had been asked to exercise careful discrimination in regard to farming and other industries. The Efficiency Board would be asked to deal with the question of placing soldiers on farms where the owners were unable to make a swift arrangement. He was not yet in a position to say anything regarding the purchase of farms by the Government, but action was being taken. In regard to supervision the Board had been asked to appoint honorary expert advisers. Part of the duties of the Board would be to organise industries so as to supply the necessary labour. The Board had already been authorised and would appoint a supervisor for each farm, and an arrangement for keeping accounts had already been made. It might be necessary to bring women in. There was no power of compulsion at present to send men where required, and he could not say whether it would be necessary to legislate to obtain such power.