SAID TO BE CHAOTIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 303, 24 December 1942, Page 3

SAID TO BE CHAOTIC

MANPOWER POSITION ON FARMS (0.C.) Marton, Dec. 22. In discussing the manpower position at yesterday’s meeting of the Wellington Central Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union, members criticised the absence of any organisation to handle the question of sufficient labour for primary production. Mr. L. Hammond spoke on the proposals to deal with this major question which had been drawn up by the Farmers’ Union and said that they were far reaching and if adopted would mean that some industries which were to-day non-essential would have to go out of business for the duration. The proposals had been placed before the Government because it was realised that urgent action was desired if the present unsati; facto! y position was to be arrested and the situation stabilised. He felt tiiHt the Government had failed to tackle the problem with a mind apprehensive of the real position and was reluctant to interfere with the problem. Mr. J. B. S. Dudding voiced 'the opinion that the manpower position on farms was simply chaotic. Some farms were working with full staffs while others adjacent could not gel any labour at. all and were working under real difficulties. There was an urgent call for some equitable adjustment. It did not appear to be fair that some farms could secure all the labour they required while others couidd not get any help. He was satisfied that there were cases “getting through the mesh” and these he suggested shouldd be subjected to the consideration of a board of review in otner to comb out. those cases of fit si.igie men and men without domestic responsibilities in order that they couidd render militaiy service bet re those with children were sent o-er-Othor speakers endorsed the remarks of Mr. Dudding and said Lhai endless dissatisfaction was prevailing among farmers who felt that the (existing appeal system was not working equitably. One member slated that his son aad telephoned him that he was leaving lor overseas service despite ihc fact that he was Grade H a.id had not been given any final leav -. He knew his box - wanted to serve and thought something was wrong that. the authorities should send a. Grade 11. man overseas without any final leav'. to see his parents. After fur. her discussion the following resolution was carried: "That in view of the unsatisfactory manpower position and the anomalies existing in the matter of exemptions from military service this executive urges that, all exemptions from mditurv service he the subject of immediate review and that in the case of farm labour and farm needs the opinion of distiNct Primary Production Councils he sought before further exemptions arc granted.”