THE FARM FRONT.

Evening Star, Issue 23373, 16 September 1939, Page 12

THE FARM FRONT.

The appeal to the farmers of New Zealand to sow more wheat should not go out unheard. The Controller of Wheat and Flour (Mr R. M'Pherson), who has prepared a circular stating that by obeying this behest the farmers can help to avert a national disaster, puts the matter in an appropriately colourful way by building on the theme: “ You are fighting on the farm front.” As was the case in the last great war in which the Dominion was engaged, there will be many young tillers of the soil willing to play an active part in any hostilities occupying the attention of our forces, and it may be difficult as time goes on to persuade them that if

their land is suitable for wheatgrowing their first duty to the community and to the Empire is to carry on with the reinforcement of the economic front. Profiting from the experience of 101-1-18, Empire nations are rightly taking nothing .for granted in regard to optimistic suggestions that the conflict may be brief. They are also more deeply aware than ever of the value of the primary product from which springs “ the staff of life.” The warning is given that the Dominion itself must not depend on outside supplies, and the reminder offered that every extra bushel of wheat grown in New Zealand releases a bushel of Empire-grown wheat for the war area, “ where the destiny of every one of us will be decided.” Weight to the appeal is lent by the words of the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. Lee Martin), who widens the issue so as to include production generally of agricultural and pastoral commodities. To this end the setting up of a national organisation to marshal the whole of the resources of the Dominion signifies another sound step onward by the Government. As supervision.and co-operation develop and the authorities obtain a better grip of the situation young men on the land either working for themselves, for their fathers, or for farmers who urgently require the services of such as they, will be able to judge more clearly where their first duty lies. If it is eventually found that they can be spared from their home tasks it will be time enough then for them to consider taking up arms in .the groat Empire defence scheme. A similar cry for more tilling of the soil is being heard in. the United Kingdom. Earlier in the week the British Minister of Agriculture announced that an additional 1,500,000 acres must come under the plough in the coming year. The attempt is being made to speed up all types of farming to such an extent that as much will be achieved in one year as was achieved in four years during the last war. This is a big order, but such is the indomitable spirit of the British people that nobody is likely to doubt that the outcome of the efforts will be successful.