PRODUCTION MUST BE KEPT UP.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1917, Page 5

PRODUCTION MUST BE KEPT UP.

ADVICE TO FARMER RESERVISTS. , BY ACTING-PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Hon. Sir James Allen, in his capacity of chairman of the Rccruitin:.' Board, has forwarded ' the following statement lor publication: -My attention has been drawn to the fact that in many parts of the Dominion farmer reservists who have been called lip for service are not taking steps to Jiave their iarms carried on, and are not 1 t-pi esenting to the Military . Service Beards the difficulties with which they sue confronted. It has been reported to i.ie tnat sonic farmer reservists are not appealing for exemption, biu are selling oil thc.r stock and "shutting up their properties, because tliey feel that any other course may reflect lipon their patriotism and loyalty. I.fully appreciate the .spirit- which prompts them to time tins course, but do not think; it is «nc that is in the beat interests of the Empire. It seems to me a national necessity at tho present time to lceep all farms going at their normal Etock-carry-ing and grain producing capacity, in order to mafntain the Dominion's output of foodstuffs. Indeed, it is essential,, in my opinion, that sufficient wheat should be grown in New Zealand during the next season for tlr.: year's consumption. 1 therefore urge every farmer reservist ivho is called up by ballot, and who is iinable 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 a t race approach the National Efficiency Board for advice and assistance. In iact it 13 not necessary for any farmer reservist to wait- untii he is called up by ballot before consulting the National Kfliciency Board, as the latter proposes to deal with the cases of farmers called ap, 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.