RECRUITING AND THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1915, Page 6

RECRUITING AND THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

To the Editor. Sir, —Just a few words in reply to "Reader's" letter of October 30. "Reader" seeni3 to think I did not like anybody having anything to say in opposition to ray views. But no. Everybody is justified in explaining their views on public matters. It seemed to me that the scheme which I suggested might easily be pu.t into practice successfully, and I am still of the same opinion. It was with no ill-feeling that I left a way open for "Reader" to prove for himself whether the military rejects which I referred to were strong and healthy or otherwise. In regard to "Reader's" proposal, the matter ends here, as the difference in weight is two stone eleven pounds. "Reader" informs us that by ''profession" he is a "Jactis extractor"— in other words I suppose he means a dairy farmer. Well, I was always of opinion that dairy farming meant early rising, but as "Reader" seems to think the sporting world is still endeavoring to find a "white hope," I am rather inclined to think he has been following in the footsteps of Rip Van Winkle. Thanking "Reader" for his good wishes, this correspondence for my part is closed. —I am, etc., FACTORY MANAGER. (This correspondence is now closed.— Ed.)

Sir,—On reading the report in the Daily News of the patriotic meeting held in Stratford on Tuesday re recruiting I notice that some of our young men when applying for enlistment were refused that privilege by the recruiting officer, Mr. Kirkwood, until such time as he interviewed the chairman of- certain dairy factories, to ascertain whether or not they are agreeable to their employees going to the front. As I understand the duties of a recruiting agent, he is appointed by the Defence Department to assist in every way possible the obtaining of recruits, and it is not for him to say who shall and who shall not enlist. I do not think for one moment that the department intended Mr. Kirkwood to act as selector. One case was mentioned at the patriotic meeting where four strong and able young men applied for enlistment, and before they could be enrolled Mr. Kirkwood decided to interview their employers. The consequence was that, /through the influence of their, employers, three of the young men were lost to the defence department. Now, sir, this question is of much importance. I see that the Minister of Defence has decided to write to business men and employers of labor impressing on them'the seriousness of the position, and asking them to assist in every possible way to help recruiting. A question: Has any recruiting agent a right to refuse co enrol any man within the specified ages for enlist-' ment? If so, the appointment of recruiting agents is a farce. If not, Mr. Kirkwood should be asked to explain his action in refusing to enrol men when application is made by them.—l am, etc, PATRIOT.

To the Editor. Sir,—Your report of the Stratford Patriotic Committee re recruiting would leave people to believe that ihe dairy industry would be "busted" if any more of the assistants volunteered to keep the way open for our staple product; to reach the Homeland. ''Bunkum!" Any director or manager whj in any way attempts to stop an employee is liable to be heavily fined, and what is more should be branded pro-German. The trouble, if any, is that t'ae Department have not picked the right mm for recruiting officers. We have, in Stratford, a very excellent- citizen acting as honorary recruiting?agent, but Keing an hotelkeeper he cannot get n touch with the right sort. One reason given for not volunteering by one family is: Sam has got to look after the Jer3e7s, and brother Tom has the dogs to care for, and another has something eUe to look after. Shoot the dogs nnd we can guarantee milkers for the Jerseys.—l am, etc., JERBMTAH,