EFFICIENCY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12176, 27 November 1917, Page 8

EFFICIENCY.

SPRINGS COUNTY ADVISORY

COMMITTEE

A meeting of the .Springs County Advisory Committee, held at the council office, Springston. was attended by Messrs M. F. Ryan (chairman). R. E. Alexander, J. H. -Williams. F. Hubbard and J. W. Kime. The Commissioner lor the Canterbury Military District wrote urging the committee to do v what it could to encourage co-operative' effort amongst farmers, especially during the shearing and harvest seasons. .Mr Frostick further wrote stating ' that a conference of delegates from the various advisory committees was being arranged. Regarding the medical examination of Second Division men before being drawn in the ballot, the Commissioner stated that recommendations .on. the subject; had been discussed by the Efficiency Board, and Cabinet had adopted the suggestions made. The 1 emulations would enable Second Division men to know whether they would be liable to serve or be free to go about their ordinary vocation undisturbed so far as the medical examination might determine. The committee approved of the action taken in the. matter.

Mr Frostick wrote again to the effect that complaints had been made to the authorities that men drawn in the ballot and granted extension of leave or exemption, sine die, for particular reasons, as for the purpose of performing certain specified work, frequently failed to perform such work, to the detriment of national production and to the disadvantage of others who desired to discharge, their national obligations in the fullest degree. The committee was asked to notify the Commissioner of any such case that might come under its notice.

The committee expressed approval of the decision of the Minister to allow uncertificated men to drive traction engines used in connection with farming operations, subject, to permission being obtained from the inspector of machinery.

The committee also' strongly approved the principle ihnr at least one petent man should be allowed to remain on each farm in order that, production might, bo maintained as far as possible. At the conclusion of the ordinary business the chairman said that in v'ew of certain refloetxins that had been cast upon the. committee and himself in particular as its chairman, lip felt, reluctantly compelled to resign from the committee. Up was sorry io have to take such a step, as Ihe work had appealed to him and he had carried out his duties to the host of his ability. The other members of the committee strongly urged the Hi.n'.'rman to reconsider his decision and stated that if he carried out his intention they, too, would resign. Mr Ryan had performed his duties in a businesslike and impartial manner and had done nothing without the full sanction of the committee. The allegations that had been made in certain quarters were, the members stated, untrue. Mr "Ryan ultimately agreed to withdraw his resignation and to remain a. member of the. committee for the present.