"LAST MAN ON THE FARM."

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16256, 5 July 1918, Page 6

"LAST MAN ON THE FARM."

SIR JAMES ALLEN AGAIN STATES THE POSITION. (fbess association telegram.) WELLINGTON, June 4. Sir James Allen has deemed it advisable to ro-state the position taken up by the Government as to "the last man on the farm" as follows: — "The Goversment is of opinion that it is absolutely essential that production should be maintained as nearly as possible at the present standard in order to safeguard the finances of the Dominion. This is of paramount importance. We are being called upon to face an enormous ana ever-growing war expenditure, and must maintain to the fullest possible extent the only source of onr finances. As the nccossary corollary to this decision, therefore, the Government has recommendod that the last man should be retained on each farm, provided, of that the Military Service Board considers, _ after full investigation, that his retention is essential to maintain production, and that he cannot be replaced; and provided, further, that neither by subdivision of farms, nor by any other means, Bhall there be evasion. The position with respect to appeals of farmer reservists, therefore, is that each enso is to bo decided on _its merits, t.ho Military Service Board in arrivip<r at its determination, being guided by the opinion of the Government that no farmer should be called np for military sorvi"e if h's removal from the farm w'll imperil the maintenance of production. "The position as to whont-jzrowin<r has also fully contriclered. and it has hppn deemed exponent. in the public interest, that Dominion should produce. if possible, sufficient cereals for a x*ear's consumption a«d needs. Tim Military Service Boards have. aobeen ndrieod to nflrtif'ninrly (Mvn«i"der t'm exemption of teamsters, and if cnficfiorl that such ffwrnsters wiTl he used for the purpose of wheat-trrow-?n<r. to pra"t them leave sine d ; e. im-rw-iciTur nt thft sn.Tie time a condition these rftenrvists trmfrfc ePWIETB in wheat production while so exempted."