LAST MAN ON FARM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1843, 22 June 1918, Page 3

LAST MAN ON FARM.

PRODUCTION TO BE ]\L\INTAINED.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT

POLICY.

The following statement of Government policy has been issued by Mr Gray (secretary to the Recruiting Board) to the chairman of the various Military Service Boards throughout the Dominion, for their guidance in regard to tliQ “last man on the farm,” and similar problems: “Cabinet has considered the question of indefinite exemption already granted, particularly to farmer reservists, and 1 am directed to advise you that Cabinet are of opinion that production should be maintained as nearly as possible at the present standard; and that the last man should be retained on the farm, provided that your board consider his retention essential to maintain production, and provided, further, that, neither by subdivision of farms nor by other means, shall there be evasion of military service. WHEAT, GOLD, AND SCHEELITE. “The Government are of opinion that, the country should produce, if possible, sufficient wheat for the year’s needs; and, if satisfied that a teamster on wheat land will be used for the purpose of wheat production, the board should'grant indefinite exempttion on condition that the teamster does continue in the work of wheat production, “In response to direct inquiries, the Imperial Government advise the New Zealand Government that the gold production of the Empire, if possible, should not be allowed to fall below the present level, and also the production of scheelite is considered by the Imperial Ministry for Munitions as most essential. The Government, therefore, do not propose to recommend any alteration in the present policy with respect to men engaged in these industries.”