A GALL TO FARMERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 114, 24 January 1940, Page 4

A GALL TO FARMERS

"AS Chairman of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Council of Prim ary Production, a body representative of the farming community in this district and set up by the Government for the sole purpose: of endeavouring to stimulate additional farming production within the limits of its aiea (Whaka tane and Opotiki Counties) as a special war effort of paramount importance, I would like to take this opportunity of appealing to farmers to do everything within their power to bring about the increase in production that the Governments in this Dominion and Great Britain have asked for. As a farmer myself I fully recognise the many difficulties standing in the way of immediate large scale developments in this direction but I equally recognise, as I am sure others will do also, that if this war is to be concluded in favour of the Allies as it must do if we are to preserve our independence and democratic institutions, then our task as producers of foodstuffs and raw materials for clothing etc. is just as important as that of the armament manufactuiers who, at this moment, are straining every muscle of their organisations to supply the fighting- forces with essential arms and munitions. A moments reflection will clearly show the-little value of these materials without men to operate them and if men are to operate them efficiently they must be healthy and fit. What then does this condition involve? Surely nothing less than that an adequate supply of good food and suitable clothing be always available to those men who have gallantly undertaken the perils of active service so that we might live as we have .been accustomed- to live. This, then, is our job as farmers and I am sure that none of us will be found, wanting despite the Difficulties and pit falls that might beset the way. Let us adopt the motto of tne Silent Navy," "Carry On". The above statement has been issueVl by Mr. R. Ruddick, (Taneatua) Chairman of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Council of Primary Production.