EFFECT ON FARM PRODUCTION

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 43, 14 November 1940, Page 5

EFFECT ON FARM PRODUCTION

Territorial Ballots

WORK OF MANPOWER COMMITTEE

Dominion Special .service PALMERSTON N., November 13. The effect. of the Territorial ballots on farm production was discussed yesterday by tile Alauawatu District Council of Primary Production after receiving u communication on the subject from Mr. K. Al. Lillie, Feilding, who said that though the Government urged the need for increased production it was also, through the military, calling up farm labour for camps. Postponement or training had been granted in many cases but tile position was not satisfied entirely by such postponement. Mr. Little said lie thought the .manpower organization was not working iu the best interests of production and he expected considerable interruption of farming activities unless a more sensible policv was employed. There should be an immediate survey of farm labour heeds, together with an appreciation of production requirements. In consequence of conflicting pronouncements concerning increased production farmers were becoming apathetic, and now the ballots were creating further interference. Mr. J. L. C. Merton. Placement. Officer, said he thought the Palmerston North Manpower Committee was doingall it could to meet the requirements oil the farming community. They were in close touch with him all the time. The chairman, Mr. J. Linklater: AA e don’t want undue interference with production, but we have to protect our country. Mr. Merton said the position from now till Christmas would be static, as few men would be called to camp during that period. During January it was bolted to make good use of schoolboy labour and married men, but. the freezing works would absorb a great deal of the married labour. For instance, oO married men who could reasonably be expected to go on farms he had booked up for tile freezing works ns they had . had previous experience there. Mr. G. A. Monk was deputy-chairman of the .Manpower Committee, and he was a farmer. Mr. Linklater said lie also thought the farmers were well represented by Air. .Monk. Mr. S. R. Thomson said it was to be regretted that farm labourers were being called up at (lie present time. It. would be much more desirable to-call them up from Marell to September. Air. Alorton said the manpower committee was dealing with every ease on its merits and reasonable postponements were being granted. It was decided to send a copy of Air. Little's letter to the manpower committee.