CONSCRIPTION OF LABOUR.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15182, 29 March 1917, Page 6

CONSCRIPTION OF LABOUR.

WHEAT GROWING AND HARVESTING. OFFER BY MR E. S. ; SUTTRELL. In the course of a letter to the Christchurch Sun Mr E. S. Suttrell gave his views on conscription of labour. He said;—“lf an attempt to conscript labour is carried out either the Government or under the direction and advice of the Efficiency Board, the people of this Dominion will have made the greatest mistake that has ever been made in New Zealand. ' , . If individuals would, instead of criticising the Government and rushing to them for relief from'every little ot, imaginary pain, show a better national spirit by forgetting • their own worries and help alleviate their brothers, I am sure a thousand and one imaginary difficulties would disappear. “I read with interest the report of a meeting of North Canterbury farmers and their deliberations. Some were worrying as to how they were going to harvest the next wheat crop if they sowed 9000 acres. I confess I know nothing of farming, but I am willing to enter into the following agreement at once: To undertake the harvesting of 3000 acres of wheat, provided the farmers supply the machinery at a price 10 per cent, above + he average pre-war rates, and I agree to deposit forthwith £6OO to be held os a bond of good faith that I.will undertake the work. I will forfeit £IOOO if the work is not done efficiently and-well. Any profits I may make out of the undertaking to be handed to the Red Cross Fund. I fur; ther agree not to employ any country labour, drawing the whole amount reouired from Christchurch, thereby leaving the country labour free for the farmers. “If I were not going to England 1 would be most happy to undertake the harvesting of 50,000 .acres on the abovementioned lines, for I feel confident that there is enough energy going to waste in Christchurch to do the whole harvesting of Canterbury. “Certain spiteful people are doing their best to set town against country, but I am sure that 75 per cent, of city folk wish the farmer good luck in getting a little better price for his wheat and further will be quite glad to <»ive him a hand with his job. ° 1 The surest way to beat the Germans is unity, and the cry should He "When there ;s work to do • boys, do it with a will.”