2nd October 1942
Notes and Comments

Leaders of the Pontefract Branch of the National Farmer’s Union are thinking of themselves as somewhat neglectful in that they have not done anything for two years to help the Red Cross Agricultural Fund. Tonight [Friday] they are setting out to remedy the omission. Indeed they have already set out, but they are now moving to extend the operations. Yet, on top of all their preoccupations, it is still to be remembered that their effort two years ago produced more than £700. Perhaps no one but farmers themselves would condemn them as neglectful in the circumstances of the day.

Mention was made last week of the national crops they have doubled during the war and the livestock have increased. Last year they increased food output by 5%, and by doing so they saved over one million tons of shipping. How they did it only they and their workers know. It is difficult to find an adequate description for the figures quoted of infinitesimal allowance of extra rations made for workers during harvesting or threshing operations. Remembering the quiet generous arrangements which have been found possible for other workers - whether the equally important workers in mines, through their pit-head canteens, or the less important general industrial workers, who may use British Restaurants at will, and assuming that there is no other allowance of which we have not heard, both farmers and farm workers might be forgiven for threatening some form of reprisal on the question of food. Instead, the farmers [whatever the workers think] turn round upon themselves and condemn themselves for allowing £700 to be counted as twenty-four months contributions to the Red Cross Fund. Nearly £30 a month is not enough for them! It could be hoped that the generous attitude would breed a reply in kind, in spite of obvious difficulties.

1942 INDEX