PATRIOTISM FOR FARMERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1551, 16 May 1916, Page 4

PATRIOTISM FOR FARMERS.

I ho duly ol tanners was referred to by laird Selhorne in an address to the War Agricultural Committee in London last month, “J want,” ho said, “the farmer to ask himself ‘Am I straining' every muscle of my body and every nerve of my brain to produce all the food I possibly can on my farm in Ihese limes of my country’s need ? Am I trying to do this, and at the same time release for service every possible man I can ?’ If they cannot conscientiously answer ‘Yes’ to those fpiestions they are not serving the King, hut t lie (Jerman Emperor. When men go from agriculture the first substitutes are men who are not (it to tight. The other substitutes for the men whom the war has taken from agriculture are children. A very large number over 12 years of age have been released by the education authorities, but the Minister for Eduction feels, and 1 agree with him, that we should not take children under twelve, because to do so would destroy in many cases all chance of their obtaining an education for the remainder of their lives. The hotter substitute is women. Except in the North of England and the South of Scotland I rejoice that in peace it is not the custom nowadays to employ women on land, but in a national crisis like this we arc 1 justified in calling upon the women. Farmers are not doing badly, and they can afford, and should pay, the women a fair wage. I believe that the higher wages now paid to agricultural labourers will continue after the war, and there must be a complete change in the whole attitude of the Slate towards agriculture. This struggle depends upon the women just as much as upon the men. Food production is a vital necessity in time of war. When 1 appeal for the help of women for agriculture I mean women of every class. What is the use of pouring all the men into the army if the people starve, and if you are not able to pay your way ? The production of food is of just as great importance, as the making of munitions or a large army. I look forward with eonhdenee to being able to say later on, when the need of soldiers may he even greater than now, (hat the farmers are able to spare scores of thousands of young men fur the army”