THE WAR EFFORT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 170, 7 June 1940, Page 6

THE WAR EFFORT

NEW ZEALAND'S' PART FARMERS' UNION OPINIONS Numerous discussions centred about the war, New Zealand's" efforts in the matter, and the part which slic/dd be played by the farm ing community occupied the attention oif many speakers at the annual Auckland provincial conference of the New Zeaalnd Farmers' Union. Most important of the resolutions passed was probably one in which the conference decided unanimously to urge the Government to adopt conscription for military service at home and overseas. "The only way we can win is by an "all-in-" policy"' said Mr H. K. Hatrick, of the Bay of Islands, in moving the resolution. "We have to strain every nerve and the only way to do it is by a compulsoiy system.'" Mr Hatrick said that probably all were pacifists at heart, but there were times when everyone had to scrap his ideals. This was such a time, for we had to kill or be killed. Pacifists who maintained their ideals could only be described as cranks. The speaker drew attention to a newspaper advertisement calling a meeting for that evening "to protest against the imposition of military and industrial conscription and lowering of the standards of living." The idea of these concerned was probably to sabotage the Avar effort. This was another example of the fifth column at work. "As the mover of this motion I wish to point out that I am a member of the Labour Party," Mr Hatrick added. "If they cannot stand criticism from me then God help them." After many speakers had been heard the motion was carried without dissent. National Government Urged. The formation of a Government with a cabinet representing a national union of all interests Avas urged in another important remit which the conference adopted. The" remit also expressed the opinion that a Avar council Avithout full executive powers would be neither acceptable nor effective. In moving the remit, Mr A. Briscoe Moore, of Pipiwai, said he felt that members would be Avilling ro grant "all-in"' poAvers for the prosecution of the Avar to a truly representative administration. He wivequally sure that they Averc not pre pared to give these powers to u party cabinet and have a Avar cabinet appointed Avith no power to enforce its decisions., Remit Adopted. Mr V. Simins, of Otorohanga. said the remit alloAved for the coopting of the services of men right outside the Government and mado it possible to use the best brains available. Mr Hatrick said that if Mr Fraser did not seize the opportunity to form a composite, nonparty Government, he would fail in his duty to the country. Supporting a remit proposing that no single man eligible for mili tary service overseas be accepted for training for farm work under any Government subsidised schema, Mr J. H. Furniss, of Ruawaro, said that it Avas desirable that the farms should not be made funk-holes for those Avho Avished to avoid militaryservice. If a man shirked his responsibilities in such a vital need he would be an unsuccessful and unsatisfactory Avorker in any other enterprise. The remit Avas adopted.