MILITARY SERVICE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 March 1917, Page 4

MILITARY SERVICE.

IMPORTANT TO FARMER RESERVISTS. ALETTER FROM SIR JAMES ALLEN. WELLINGTON, March 12.. The following has been received! from Sir Janies Allen, Defence Minister;— “My attention has been drawn to the fact that in many parts of the Dominion farmer-reservists who have been called up for service are not raking steps to have their farms carried on, and are not representing to the Military Service Beards the difficulties with which they are confronted. It has been reported to me that some farmer-reservists are not appealing for exemption, but are selling off their stock and shutting up their properties because they feel that any other course may reflect upon their patriotism and loyalty. I fully appreciate the spirit which prompts diem to take this course, but do not think, it is one that is in the best inteiests of the Empire. It seems to me u national necessity at the present time, to keep all farms going at their.normal stock carrying and grain producing capacity, in order to maintain the. Dominion’s output of foodstuffs. Indeed, it is essential in my opinion that, sujcient wheat snould be grown in. New Zealand during the next season, for the year’s consumption. I therefore urge every farmer-reservist who is called up by ballot, and who is unable to make satisfactory arrangements for the carrying on of his farm,, to either bring his case before the Military Service Board on appeal, or to at once approach the National Efficiency Board for advice and assistance. In fact it is not necessary for any farmer-reservist to wait until he is called up by ballot before consulting the National Efficiency B'oard > as the latter proposes to deal with the cases of farmers called up, or who are likely to be called up for service, and I can assure reservists that they need have no hesitation in seeking its help. J. ALLEN, Chairman of Recruiting Board.”