GREATEST EFFORT YET

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22202, 20 February 1942, Page 5

GREATEST EFFORT YET

Nazi War Production DEFYING THE BLOCKADE (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 18. Information reaching the Ministry of Economic Warfare suggests that Germany within the last few weeks has begun the greatest productive effort ever known. Most determined and ruthless efforts are being made to maintain war production, in spite of the blockade, at the high level reached at the end of 1941. The way has been prepared by several administrative changes. Flschbock has replaced Wagner as Price Commissioner and Wehrlin has been appointed Inspector-General of Motor Transport. Syrup has retired sick from the Ministry of Labour, and has been replaced by Mansfield as Manpower Organiser. Lay went on tour to encourage the people, who are working 16 hours a day, by telling them that it is the last six months’ effort “in order that Germany might live”. Civilian consumption is being further reduced to an absolute minimum. In spite of a severe shortage of clothes, textile factories are being closed to release workers. A Minister of Rationalisation has been appointed to sbject industry even further to the needs of the State. A new strict comb out of workers for the forces is being undertaken and the recruitment of foreign labour has increased. Plans are being made also to recruit juvenile labour and the German Agricultural Youth Service is being increased from 20,000 to 200,000. Efficiency wage rates and bonuses for extra work have been Introduced, and in the building trade, for a start, a deduction is being made when work falls below standard. Tubercular workers are allowed in factories and youths of 17 are being called up for military service. All points to a tremendous effort to put every ounce of strength into the 1942 campaign. As regards military preparations, it is known that large numbers of gilders are being made.