PRODUCTION DRIVE

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 193, 13 May 1944, Page 6

PRODUCTION DRIVE

Minister Assured Of Farmers’ Support FOOD FOR BRITAIN Dominion Special Service. PALMERSTON N., May 12. In furtherance of the primary production drive to aid Britain, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Roberts, addressed members of primary production councils in Palmerston North today and was assured of the farmers’ wholehearted support and co-operation. Stressing that the reason for the calling into existence of the primary production councils was the necessity for utilizing the primary industry to the fullest to ensure victory, Mr. Roberts praised the farmers for the splendid response given to previous calls for greater production, but intimated that an even further effort was needed to meet Britain s requirements. Referring to the friction arising from the censorship previously imposed, he said this was necessary at the time, as Britain was so unprepared for war that it would have been unwise to give the facts publicity. Thus it was impossible then to make known Britain’s dire need. But just as Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt had snatched victory from defeat in the military field, so must the farmers do so in the production field. They had done magnificently in the past and be was sure they would do so again. The changes of directions given to producers from time to time had been most irritating to farmers, but these were due to different appeals from Britain arising from her changing needs caused by the fluctuating military position. “Me have to be subject to the authority of Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt in mutters of military needs, which often interfere with the plans we have already made, said the Minister, "but I am sure there would be no holding back were we asked for the impossible.” t ' If any sense of frustration existed among the farmers, he looked to those present to strive to dissipate it. In this drive for greater production it was the privilege of all to do their utmost. Mr Churchill had promised blood, tears, and sweat. Some had already given their blood overseas and those at home would give their sweat. In New Zealand thev still had enough and to spare and they would carry out Britain's wishes not only to the letter but in the spirit also. Mr. Roberts referred to increases already made in various farming activities and mentioned the Government s direct entry into the production field Manpower and lack of fertilizers .were the main problems at present, but every endeavour was being made to free men from military service in the Pacific for farm work. He thought he could promise moro fertilizer also, in view of information recently supplied to the Government. At the conclusion of his address Mr. Roberts was tendered a vote of thanks and assured of the farmers’ eo-operation to the full.