MEN OR PRODUCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15192, 12 April 1917, Page 6

MEN OR PRODUCE.

THE FIRST KEED. STATEMENT BY DEFENCE MINISTER. Discussion has been renewed in recent weeks (with special reference to the appeal that is being made to farmers 1o sow as much land a*> possible in wheat this year) of the question as to whether or not the Government is following the best course for the good of the Empire in sending men out of the country to fight when our producing industries are hampered for lack of workers. There ure critics who say that the Defence Department knows nothing about anything but the rai-nng of fresh drafts of men, and that the Government, forgetful of all other considerations, is accepting the advice of the military authorities on this matter. This question was brought before Sir J times Allen by a reporter. "I want to say—and I am speaking after very deliberate consideration and with information —that the most urgent claim on New Zealand at the present time is that reinforcements be kept up," said the Minister. "It is evident to any thinking man that it is to the advantage of the Mother Country and her Allies that they should exert as much pressure on the enemy as they can during this summer in order to bring the war to a climax this year. And from the point of view of ourselves and our Allies it will be our mast economical plan with regard lo food supplier, men, and money to endeavour to tinish the war if we can this summer. If we have to drag on with the war into another year the cost will ha heavier upon us in both men and money. We must not slacken in our effort*. Next to need for men to keep up our reinforcements—and we are not asking for more than the usual drafts —comes the nerd for keeping up our exports of food supplier for the use of the armies and of the people in the Homeland. But thifi need is eeeond to the need for men to fill our reinforcement drafts. Even for those engaged in the producing industries it will be good policy to try to finish the war this year."