SCARCITY OF BLACKSMITHS.

Taihape Daily Times, 30 November 1917, Page 4

SCARCITY OF BLACKSMITHS.

A fortnight ago we drew attention to the shortage of blacksmiths and farriers in this district, which, owing to men having been drawn in the ballot, becoming really alarming. The shoeing-smiths in Taihape were Quite unable to do the work that was increasing, as “smithies” in the country were under the process of being wound up so that their owners could go into camp. Mr Logan, of Ohutu, is preparing to get away, Mr McCombie? of Moawhango, is settling up his affairs, and the Mataroa “smith” is doing similarly. When we previously drew attention to the subject the Military Service Boards had, most probably, not received the classifications of industries and occupations that they now have; therefore, they may be excused for sending blacksmiths with others into camp. While the Military Service Boards will now without doubt, exempt the men we have mentioned, the real trouble lies in whether either of them will appeal for exemption. We are convinced these men can render better service to the Empire by remaining at thenown anvils than by going into the trenches in France, or we certainly would not say so. It is now pitiable to stand in a shoeing forge and see horses coming in with worn down and broken feet for lack of attention from the shoer; their feet have to be nursed back into a sound condition. This lessens the usefulness of the animal, and adds to the attention and time required of the “smith.” Then, in one “smithy,” the proprietor who hitherto employed two men is toiling away himself from morning till night, endeavouring to keep working horses fit for the road. ''Ho has been advertising for men for months but with no good results, not a single application coming in. In remedying this state of affairs as far as possible the Military Service B'oard will, we are quite sure, readily exempt the men we have mentioned. but that is not the trouble. Will the men apply for ex emption, or will they shut up their “smithies” and go into camp? There is nothing in this district so essentia] at this time as blacksmiths, but if those we have walk into camp without appealing because, realising their duty to their country, they will not have it said they tried to shirk their responsibilities, something should be dene to stop them before it becomes too late. Any man having'a'’number

of -horses on the road will be perfectly justified in appearing before the Military Service Board ancflappealing against tbe last blacksmiths we have to depend upon being sent into camp. The Farmers’ Union should, if the men themselves cannot be urged to send in appeals, take action to prevent them leaving the responsibilities which are far more urgent than any they can seek in camp.