FOOD OR MEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20075, 23 October 1939, Page 5

FOOD OR MEN

WHICH MOST IMPORTANT? MANY FARMERS ENLIST Some concern at the large number .of men who have been taken from farms for military service was expressed by Mr. S. Freeman, organizing secretary of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of New Zealand, during an address in Christchurch, to young farmers. Mr. Freeman said that a committee had been organized to see that men from essential occupations were not drafted for service, but that seemed to him like shutting the stable door when the horse had escaped.

"I was told in Wellinton that, of the men enlisting. 75 per cent were from the country.'' said Mr. Freeman. ■’Something is being done now, I believe, to sec that men are being kept in essential industries, but it seems rather like locking the stable door when the horse lias :elt. Which is of more importance to Great Britain. men or food ’

Mr. Freeman said that the Young Farmers’ movement now consisted o' 208 club' with a total membership ol nearly (>OOO. He suggested that (he clubs could do a great deal to assist in increasing production in Hie country by such means as organizing emergency gangs to help with harvesting or even sheaving. By doing so the young farmer: would not only be helping the country and the Empire, "but would' be helping themselves.

A number of clubs, lie said, since the war, had stated that they would disband for the duration of hostilities, but this was a false step. The organization had grown into something of great value to the farming industry, and unless it was kept going row, when there were more opportunities than ever for useful service, it. would be very difficult, if not impossible to rebuild. i( later to the same strength.