SUDDENLY KEEN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21156, 4 July 1940, Page 11

SUDDENLY KEEN

MEN FOR FARM WORK OPINION IN TARANAKI WAR SERVICE COMES FIRST vl —Special to Times) STRATFORD, Thursday Under no circumstances would he employ on his farm a single man eligible for active service, declared Mr R. A. Sangster at a meeting of the Stratford production management committee. The first call was for men to shoulder rifles, he believed, and production came second. “We should not make funk holes of our farms,” added Mr, H. A. Hunt, “We should rather close down than have that.” The point was raised by Mr Sangster when the secretary, Mr J. C. Robins, was reporting that the Government had about 3000 men available for farm work, about half of whom had farming experience. The men who, it was understood, were mostly ex-Public Works Department employees, could be employed by farmers under subsidy from the Government. “I feel very strongly on this point and I would like to know whether these men are fit for active service,” said Mr Sangster. “They seem to be suddenly very keen on farming.” “Good Times Over” Most of the experienced men were originally employed on farms but left to take on Public Works employment for increased wages, so that they could be married, said the chairman, Mr L. Marfell. They now realised that their good times were over and they were willing to settle down to farm work again. Nevertheless he agreed, continued Mr Marfell, that farms should not be “hiding grounds” for men who were unwilling to go to the war. On the other hand it was desirable that it be understood that condemnation was not being levelled at young men who were on farms at the beginning of the war and who, although they volunteered, were classed as being in a reserved occupation. He did consider, however, that the strongest condemnation was due those who turned over to farm work to “dodge their responsibilities.” Although speakers’ views were in accord with those of the majority present there was no resolution and no action was taken.