PRODUCTION CAMPAIGN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 50, 2 March 1943, Page 4

PRODUCTION CAMPAIGN

WANGANUI. DISTRICT DRIVE Good progress was being made with the campaign for increased production, said Mr. A. R. Donaldson, secre-tary-organiser of the Wanganui District Primary Production Council, referring yesterday to activity in the district. The first of a series of meetings for farmers was held in Wanganui last Friday. Further meetings will be held at Hunterville and Taihape' to-day, and at Waverley next Friday. Addreesses will be given by Mr. Donaldson, and also by Mr. J. Sorenson, organiser of the Taranaki District Pig Council and a recognised authority on the industry. Wheat, pigs, and eggs formed the major part of next season’s production requirements and their importance had been stressed by the Minister of Primary Production for War Purposes, Hon. J. G. Barclay, said Mr. Donaldson. These items were considered even more important than beef, mutton, butter and cheese. It was also important that each district should start compiling a list of shearers and harvesters who are likelv to be available for next season. Mr. Donaldson added. Fortunately, the weather was such that during the shearing season just concluded, the men available were able to get through the heavy work in reasonable time. Had the weather not. been so good conditions would have been very difficult, as the number of shearers available was only 75 per cent, of the normal strength. It was obvious that a large number of the men engaged in shearing last season would return to the Army and may be overseas when, the next shearing season starts. Shortage of labour had also caused some anxiety on farms, said Mr. Donaldson. Competent authorities had stated that “serious manpower shortage” on farms has been felt in places so far apart as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and U.S.A. In New Zealand farms were manned, on the average, by about 50 per cent, of the labour normally employed in primary production, and it was essential that the manpower position should be reviewed.

“We have the definite assurance given by the Minister of Primary Production that, as far as is humanly possible, adequate, experienced labour wil be made available for harvesting. Mr. Donaldson added. “The Army authorities are now engaged on a census of all the men attached to the military forces in the Dominion. Those who have had actual farm experience are to be listed and the lists made available to district manpower officers, from whom primary production councils will be able to apply for assistance for farmers. The Wanganui District Council of Primary Production is assured that all reasonable applications for the release of men from the Army will be speedily effected.”/