FARM WORKERS AVAILABLE

Southland Times, Issue 24860, 28 September 1942, Page 4

FARM WORKERS AVAILABLE

RELEASE FROM CAMPS PROMISED WELLINGTON, September 27 The Minister of National Service (the Hon. W. J. Broadfoot) in an interview stated that he and the Minister of Primary Production for War Purposes (the Hon. W. J. Polson) had discussed the question of farm labour with the War Cabinet which had agreed that the labour necessary to meet the commitments of the primary producers for the preparation and planting of crops would continue to be found. Mr Broadfoot stated that in the event of other labour not being available the Army would be directed to release on 40 days’ leave such men as the appeal boards determined would be urgently required for this work. Such releases would not include grade one men between 21 and 41 years attached to overseas units nor personnel in the Army Tank Brigade. Where men nominated by the employer were not available arrangements would be made to supply alternative labour. Further, when other labour is not available the Army would release shearing shed hands, pressers, musterers and shearers for seasonal operations. The men would be released from the Army for harvesting in the same way as last year. exemption~from home GUARD (P.A.) ASHBURTON, September 26. After a conference with Brigadier E. T. Rowllings, officer commanding the southern military area, and other officers about Home Guard conditions, the Ashburton County Council decided to suggest to the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) that members of the Home Guard of more than 50 years of age be relieved of weekly guard duties so that the time could be devoted to primary production. It was decided to emphasize that other workers were exempt from Home Guard duties and the council felt that farm workers were entitled to at least equal consideration as no man could be expected to last long on a seven-day week. Other industries were mostly on a 40-hour week and had a day of rest, but the farm worker had none.