FARMER SOLDIERS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4533, 6 February 1942, Page 8

FARMER SOLDIERS

SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS NEW ORGANISATION AT , . ROTO-O-RANGI Realising the necessity for some action to be taken to protect the: interests of those farmers who are called upon for service with, the Forces, a meeting by ‘Mr A. P; Robinson, Was /held /gt /Rotb-o-Rangi recently, when the suggestions put': forward . met, witlt '/ unanimous approval. . Mr A. Robinson was ih the chai/. i': \ In thd course of his address’ to the meeting, Mr,;A. P. Robinson stressed the seriousness of->the, present war situatidp, but expressed complete confidence ’in the out come. “The position of the farmers is obscure,” he Said, ‘“and a lead by the Govemnfentijto define its intentions in protecting ’and-'maintaining the production of food and clothing—the most essential of; all industries, in either -peace or war—is most urgently required- So far we have not been told what is to be done, and are just drifting.

“If farm labour and farmers themselves are to continue being called up, then.the whole food position becomes

very serious and chaos will eventuate,' for at present farmers do not know what course to set.” Mr Robinson pointed out that the object of the meeting was to form a small committee of men from those who are not; eligible for service, and who are_ will-: ing;end able to watch over the inter-/ eSts of those who are with the forces, and generally to supervise the conduct ■ of their, farms. BUSINESS MEN'S SUPPORT “L» have discussed the idea with several prominent business men,” Mr Robinson;‘Went : on, “and they recognise it is a splendid one and that such' a committee’s potentialities are very wide indeed, and could be of enormous benefit to the farming community generally;---/.‘‘Thfti Vmen of this district with whom I have discussed the matter are alive to the opportunities for furthering and protecting the farmers’ interests which the formation of such a committee will give.” : j; The speaker went on to suggest the formation of a general committee to meet when required. From this general committee a small executive of three should be appointed. He then stressed the. advantages of . an administrative arrangement, s “The men required should be experienced, proven practical farmers, versed in- their job and in the conduct of business. They will have no axe to grind,” he went on. ' f “This war will end, and end in our favour, but it is after the war that -there will "be much to do, and the work then of this executive can become veryfar-reaching. WHEN MEN RETURN “When oqr men return there will be many Who', will'take' up country life. It is then that such a committee can be of great service in acting in an advisery capacity. The knowledge that such .advice from experienced men is obtainable will be a. great inducement

to further settlement in this country," Mr Robinson added. “It is quite conceivable that some among those called up may choose to place the control of their farm in the hands of the executive for management until their return. Mr Robinson expressed his gratitude to one of those present for this idea which, he said, opened up vast possibilities. “In this meeting we are sowing the seeds of a movement, which I am sure will be taken up throughout the country,” the speaker went on, “and I visualise a federation of such committees, all working in the interests of the farming community. Once started the functions of this association would become more and more useful, and it can become a power for benefit to the farming community. “A further example of the advantages to be gained is that labour shortage will doubtless become more acute, and thorough organisation and control of the assistance procurable will need to be undertaken. Here again the proposed committee of three would function to good purpose.” UNANIMOUS SUPPORT Mr A. P. Robinson’s outline of his plan was attentively followed by those present, and it was decided that such a body be formed. Mr A. R. Gascoigne spoke further in support of the project and the motion was carried unanimously. It was resolved to call a further meeting early in February, when it is hoped that a large meeting will take the opportunity of electing the district’s representatives.