FARMERS AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3093, 25 May 1917, Page 5

FARMERS AND THE WAR

iA. "NQVEI/'PEOPOSITIONEEJECTED Bj Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, May 24. , At the provincial conference of the Tfarmers' Onion to-day, a rather novel proposition 'with regard to the supply of men for soldiers was contained in an , Ashburton remit, ; which, read: 'T?hat we ask the Government to ascertain, and if it is possible to make arrangements with the War Office to get sufficient men from the United States, when our First Division, is all called lip, bo that the Second Division will not be needed." ' The mover said that when ten per tent, of our manhood had gone that ehould'be the limit. He would not prevent Second Division men enlisting, but conscription should , not be enforced against them. America could put men in the field 'quicker than New Zealand, and her wounded, if 6ent baclc to the States, would not be a drain on the food resources of Britain. After some discussion the remit was .■withdrawn! .■'-■;.. ./■ .... ....„...., Other remits - were carried as under.:— ''That the Government be urged to grant men in charge of teams exemption from attendance at territorial camp for the duration of the war." "That the conferenoe_use its influence to assist returned soldiers bask to their previous occupations or to go on the land." /'That the Government should provide allowances to' reservists brenkiDg down in training until their health is restored or regular employment secured." "That we ■urge the immediate removal of the but-ter-fat tax." .

It iras agreed to urge the removal of the excess profits tax ae applied h> Farmers and protest against any proposal to levy an export tax. The proposal to inaugurate «■■ producers' shipping oompany was supported. It irae decided to urge the Government to take measures to secure further shipping accommodation for frozen produce and to make the commandeered price of n-heat on tracts, instead of f.o.b. .