NATIONAL EFFICIENCY BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1917, Page 4

NATIONAL EFFICIENCY BOARD.

WESttANO AN VlJ^-Ct COM V- MITTEE.

Monday, July 23

The Westland County Advisory Committee of the National Efficiency Board niet at the County Chambers at noon. , Present: —Messrs H. Norman (County Chairman in the chair), J. S.' tang, R. Houliston, G. APerry, J. J. Mclntosh and B. Ward. . The minutes of the previous ineeting-werfe read and confirmed and outward correspondence approved. 15? WARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Commissioner, Chris church, approving the propqsed trustees for soldiers farms, namely Messrs Perry, Mclntosh and Evans, and stating same had been sent forward for gazetting - Received. From Same, appreciating Committee’s action regarding the case of Jus. Cropper.—Received. From Same, acknowledging appointments for central committee and stating printed pamphlets would shortly be circulated for the information of all committees. Received. -Copies to be applied for for auxiliary members. From Same, acknowledging names of auxiliary members who would be supplied with all possible information. —Received. From Same, re case of Robert Ferguson, reservist, outlining procedure for appeal.—Received. The Hoh Secretary reported the appeal had been dealt with prior to receipt of the letter. The Commissioner had since been interviewed and had agreed to recommend the Military Board to re-open the case for further enquiry. The Secretary’s action in tlie matter was approved with thaliks. From Same, forwarding circular for trustees and committees as to expenses incurred. —Received. Froni Same, notifying list of names, of men open for employment on farms and in agricultural pursuits.—Received. It was resolved that the lists be open for public inspection at tlie County Office, and those interested notified by advertisement that the lists were available, and many farm laborers (including married couples) offering their services for -various pursuits in connection with farming. In connection with the foregoing Mr Mclntosh mentioned the case of a focal returned soldier who had been compelled to give up heavy sawmilling work, and was prepared to assist at a dairy factory. It was resolved to notify the dairy factories in the district.

From Commissioner, Christchurch, asking reports as to three reservists whose cases were held over by the Military Service Board. -—Received. One case was out of the district and was, reterred to the Committee of Advice at Greymoutli. In the two other cases the Commit tee discussed the position very fully, and agreed to replies to the questions put which are,to be sent on for the information of the Commissioner who who will make his report to the Military Service Board. From T. A. Murdoch, Mayor of Kumara, agreeing to act as an auxiliary member of the Advisory Committee.—Received with thanks. From G. S. Robertson, Hari Hari, to same effect. —Received with thanks. From J. Ritchie, complaining of a charge being made for a cable in respect to a casualty in France.— Received, the Hon Secretary to reply and explain the usual procedure. POTATO GROWING. The matter of increasing local food supplies by increased potato growing was again discussed. A suggestion was put forward to the effect that the Westland A. and P. Association organise a competition among the farmers, aiid Messrs Rang, Houliston arid Perry agreed to contribute towards the prizes or trophies which might be offered.

Mr Mclntosh said he was prepared to place five: acres of land at Sdiitli Hokitika at the disposal of those who were prepared to Undertake potato growings the proceeds to go to the patriotic funds tor soldiers arid their dependents. Members appreciated the offer. Mr Ward was strongly of opinion th 6 public should be urged iri a general Way to do all they could to augirierit, food supplies, aiid this proposal it was agreed should he put before the people through the press. The Chairman' was empowered to arrange for sairle on the lines Re suggested. Mr Laiig moved that the Commissioner be ashed to ttrge the Mines Department to issue a regulation protecting mining privileges during the harvest season, while miners are following harvestingpursuits. Mr Ward seconded.— Agreed to. The meeting then concluded.