GREAT DRIVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 February 1942, Page 3

GREAT DRIVE

GERMAN PRODUCTION EFFORT RUTHLESS MEASURES. EVERY OUNCE OF STRENGTH BEING USED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 18. Information reaching the Ministry of Economic Warfare suggests that Germany within the last few weeks has begun the greatest productive effort she has ever known. Most determined and ruthless efforts are being made to maintain war production, in spite of the blockade at the high level reached at the end of 1941, The way has been prepared by several administrative changes. Fischbock has replaced Wagner as price commissioner and, Wehrlin has been appointed inspector-general of motor transport. Syrup has retired sick from the Ministry of Labour and is replaced by Mansfeld as manpower organiser. The Labour Front leader, Ley, went on tour to encourage the people who are working 16 hours a day by telling them it was a last six-months effort “in order that Germany'might live.” Civilian consumption is being further reduced to the absolute minimum. In spite of a severe shortage of clothes, textile factories are being closed to release workers. A Minister of Rationalisation has been appointed to subject industry even further to the needs of the State.

A new and strict comb-out of workers for the forces is being undertaken, and the recruitment of foreign labour has increased. Plans are being made also to recruit juvenile labour, and the German agricultural youth service is being increased from 20,000 to 200,000. Efficiency -wage rates and bonuses for extra work have been introduced, and in the building trade, for a start, deductions are made when the work falls below standard. Tubercular workers are allowed inio the factories. Youths of 17 are being called up for military service. All points to a tremendous effort to put every ounce of strength into . the 1942 campaign. As regards military preparations, it is known that large numbers of gliders are being made.