PATRIOTISM FOR FARMERS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 179, 2 June 1916, Page 4 (Supplement)

PATRIOTISM FOR FARMERS.

The duty of farmers was referred to by Lord Selborne in an address to the War Agricultural Committee in London last month. "1 want," he said, "'the farmer to a.-.k himself, 'Am I straining every muscle of my body and every nerve of my bram to produce all tho food I possibly can on my farm, in th"-e -times of my country's need? Am 1 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 question* they are not serving the King, but the German Emperor. When men go from agriculture tho first substitu'-.'.s arc men who are not fii. to fight. Ihe other substitutes for tho men ir'mni the war has taken from agriculture are children. A vciy large number over 12 years of age have been released ly the education authorities; but the Minister for Education fools, and I agree with him, that we should not take children under 12, because to do so uould destroy in many cases till chance of their obtaining an education for the rema'ndcT of their lives. The better substitute is women. Except in tho North of England and the South of Scotland, I rejoice that ill peace it is not the custom nowadays to employ women on the land, but in a national crisis like this we are justified in calling upon the women. Fanner--* are nut doing badly, and they can afford, and should pay tbe women a fair wage. I believe that the higher wages now paid to agricultural labourers will continue alter the war, and there must be a complete change in the whole attitude of the Slate towards ag.-ii-tihuiv. This struggle depends upon the v. omen nisi a-i much as upon the men. Food production is ti vital no'-essity in time of war. When 1 appeal for the help of women for agriculture J mean women of every class. What i> ihe tee if pouring all the men into ihe army if the people starve, and if you are not abl... to pay your way r The production of feed is of just as great importance ;!.- the making of munitions ~:• ; > i :l .-.r 0 army, i look forward with coniich-i'.-.-o i" being able to >,iy hit -r on. v,h. v. the He-d of soldier-; may be t \<-n greater than now, that tho fanner. an- able (~ -pare sc.ires ~ft! snds „; yoim !j; i,i--i for l!o- a now"