FARM LABOUR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20914, 14 October 1942, Page 4

FARM LABOUR

DEPLETED BY BALLOTS GISBORNE APPEALS RESERVISTS HELD BACK The extent to which the latest ballot had depleted still further the manpower available for farms and stations in the Gisborne district was indicated at to-day’s, sitting of the Gisborne Armed Forces Appeal Board, when appeals for station managers and farmers were considered. In many of the cases the reservists were the only men left on the properties. The first four of the following cases were supported by the chairman ot the East Coast Primary . Production Council, Mr. W. G. Sherratt. All the appeals were adjourned sine die. conditionally, upon the reservists remaining in the Home Guard. On his own behalf, 11. R. Roberts, sheepfavmer. sought exemption from general service. The appeal was supported by Mr. N., tl. Bull, wild said the reservist was fanning two properties totalling 2700. acres at VVbarekopae, 3'6 miles from Gisborne, and at present was the only man on the. two farms. The yearly production totalled 100 bales of wool, 1900 lambs and 150 head of cattle. Even if he could obtain a man to take his place it would take nearly .two years before that man could be trained to run the properties efficiently. The employer of W. B. Clews, station manager. E. Wells, appealed against his general service. • In support of the appeal, Mr. G. I. Parker said that the reservist, was farming without any assistance 3000 aci'es carrying 2100 sheep and 350 head of cattle. Since he took over the property two years ago the production had been increased.

A station manager, S. T. Von Pbin, was appealed fqr by J. B. Vori Peln. Mr. L. C. Parker said, in support that with 1 lie assistance of only a Maori cowboy, the reservist was managing a property comprising 2034 acres at liangaroa, carrying 3500 sjieep and 500 cattle. It was impossible to replace the reservist. J. W. Gardner appealed against tire general service of R. S. Leggett, station manager. Supporting the application. Mr. G. I Parker ,said .that the reservist managed Haunui .station,, an area of 1864 acres carrying 2100, sheep. The property ivas very steep and it was necessary that the ( .reservist be retained for its management. A dairy farmer.. ~W r ,.,TullocE, .was appealed for by, Harold ,R. Tullock. who said the reservist was required on 45 acres sit. Te Karaka. There were 30 co\ys in milk and the reservist was the only; assistant,