REHABILITATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 84, 25 June 1943, Page 3

REHABILITATION

* . „ BOARD AND COMMITTEES

DISCUSSION BY FARMERS

Tlie question of representation on local committees to be formed, under the direction ol' the Rehabilitation Board was discussed at the monthly meeting of the Auckland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union on June 1(>. A circular from the Dominion secretary of the Union stated that the Rehabilitation Board had established *28 committees which were operating in the larger centres. It had been decided also to appoint additional committees in a large number of smaller towns, a list of 4 Which was enclosed. Provision liad been made, for the appointment of only one representative on each committee of business or farming interests according to the type of district. It was suggested that the Executive, make contact with branches of the Union in order to facilitate the nomination of representatives to act on these additional committees, such nominations to be forwarded through local members of JParliament. - It was stated that it should be the function of the committees to advise the Board on various matters including employment, training and study for civilian occupations, land settlement, housing and financial assistance in the purchase 1 of land, stock, implements and tools, furniture or businesses. The Board would advise the committees from time to lime of its general policy and de»cisions on rehabilitation matters.

The secretaries of committees would be Government officers .. appointed by the Board. It was suggested that the Executive should nominate a farming representative for each committee within the jn'ovincial area. The Dominion Executive would continue to press for the independent representation of fanners *>n the committees.

The President (Captain H. M. Rushworth) said they should decide whether the Union was willing to have a minority representation «n these, committees. Mr J. H. Furniss (vice-president) moved: "The Farmers' Union will gladly nominate members for rehabilitation Committees as soon as the Government enunciated a political, economic and industrial policy which will assure, a livelihood to those on the land comparable with that of other sections of the community rendering equal servicc. Apart from this service, the Fanners' Union will give to those settled on the hind, all the assistance in its power." He said it would be useless to quarrel as to whether they were going to have, one or two representatives on the committees. If farmers' conditions were coming to such a pass that they could not make a decent, living it would be only an act of treachery to induce soldiers to enter a calling that was now regarded as unremunerativc, and which must be changed very drastically if they were to live at. aIL The function of the committee would be only to administer the. policy of the Government. If tliny had the whole committees to themselves it would not alter the position greatly if the Government's policy proved to be unsatisfactory. If they asked for more members the Gov-

eminent would he able to say, "You are so satisfied that you ask for increased. representation." Mr A. McConaughy (Paparoa) said that carc should be taken not to put on the. land men who were not suited to farm life. The president referred to a statement in Parliament by the Hon. FLangstone (ex Minister of Lands) that lie doubted whether more than 6000 soldiers could bo put on the land. Mr A. Brisco Moore (Pipiwai) said that it might be found that thousands oL' men, for whom no provision was made, would want to on the land. Mr Heath Mason (To Kuiti): "If the statements as to the deplorable condition of agriculture, in Europe are correct there will be a tremendous demand for all foodstuffs for about, three years. Mr Hallyburton Johnstone (Waikato) said the danger of placing men on land where they could not be successful should be kept in mind. Mr N. J. B. Dougherty (Ohura): "Wo should protcct returned soldiers to the fullest degree."' The motion was lost by 7 to fi. Mr A. Brisco Moore moved: "The Farmers' Union will be glad to appoint representatives to rehabilitation committees on the distinct understanding that the3 T can take no responsibility for the successful rehabilitation of men on the land, except under the condition set out in the Union's statement of polic} r I made in May, 1943."

(Tills statement definccl conditions for economic farming.)

The motion was seconded by Mr A. C. Harrison (Tauranga) and carried by 8 to C.