TERRITORIALS ON FARMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 December 1943, Page 4

TERRITORIALS ON FARMS

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l would like to assure “One of the Wives” that the water episode to which I referred in my last letter happened just prior to December 8. Mr Thomas enquires why I am interested, and I would like to inform him that I was interested to this extent —that I attempted to undo the damage that was likely to be caused by the ill-advised and hastily-carried resolution of the Executive of the Farmers’ Union in unwittingly attempting to wreck (before it was properly started), a scheme that was to my mind a first-class effort and practically the only scheme worth while with the labour available. As we now know the scheme is working admirably. Also n-iy attempt to get the wives of the farmers interested to the extent of supplying these lads with a cup of tea, etc., to supplement the dry rations supplied by the Army, has had the desired effect. Of course the few additions that can be made in this way change the job of harvesting from a drag to a joy. The boys arc keen and as they are too young to go overseas they are trying their best to do their war effort on the home front and should be encouraged.

Seeing that the objects aimed at by me have been attained I can see no reason why 1 should carry this correspondence further. I would like at some future time to meet Mr Thomas and try and convert him to my way of thinking.

In conclusion, Sir, I have to thank you for the valuable space you have allotted to this subject; also to thank you for allowing one of your representatives to get among the farmers and really ascertain the working of this scheme. —I am, etc., “NAUTICUS.” Masterton, December 21. .

THE FARMERS’ UNION

(To the Editor.) Sir, —My old friend, Mr A. E. Hall, had a jibe at the Farmers 'Union at rne P. and A. meeting on Saturday. We all understand Mr Hall, who is an old and staunch member, but the public may be misled. Let me state here, with the exception of one, our organising staff is in uniform, most of our executive members are busy with understaffed farms, while doing extra work for their country and fellow farmers on production councils and committees, repatriation committees and other bodies.

Meanwhile the Young Farmers and the Women’s Division attend to the social side, and where possible, lectures are still on. Let no one misunderstand. This is the only organisation watching the interests of all sections of farmers. And it has still got plenty of kick, but there is a war on, and winning that is the principal job just now. I hope. Sir, that we will now be left alone to get on with it. —Yours, etc., W. J. THOMAS. Carterton, December 20.