THE LAST MAN ON THE FARM

Taranaki Daily News, 6 October 1917, Page 6

THE LAST MAN ON THE FARM

PRICE OF LAMB. STATEMENTS IN THE HOUSE. By Wire.—Our Parliamentary Reporter. Wellington, Oct. 4. The question on the subject of farm labor, the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald said to-day that the Military Service Boards understood the mind of the Government that when a reservist was the last man on a farm and was essential to the maintenance of production, his appeal should be adjourned sine die. Members: They do not do it! The Minister said he would look into the question again. ' Mr. Massey said that the whole question was receiving the consideration of the Government It was not the intention of the Government to take the last man off any farm if that man could not be replaced. He could not go further than that at present, but would have a statement to make on the subject within the next few days.

Jt was stated in the House to-day that lamb was being purchased on the hoof at ninepence per pound. "In my opinion," said 'Mr. Massey, "whoever is buying Ihis lamb is taking a very great risk, because I do not think that all the lamb is going to be exported from this country Jhis year. As far as I can judge, and I do not want to say anything alarming on this point, shipping is not going to be plentiful. Beef has first preference and then mutton. I think it may be necessary to prevent lamb going out of the country after, say, February."