ENGLISH FARM WAGES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2228, 17 September 1889, Page 2

ENGLISH FARM WAGES.

Judging by the results of the various hiring fairs recently held in England and Scotland, tbe wages of farm servants navo a deoidedly upward tendenoy. It seems that what occurred at tUe statute hiring fair held at Uiversteu, in the middle of Jane, was quite a surprise to the masters. Relying on this being bat twenty-two weeks lu tbe next term to Martinmas, they were hopeful to effeot a reduotlon ia r»tes. But It would seem that as mauy farmers aa oould do so have kept on their old hands, consequent upon the hay harvest being upon us, and at tha fair it was soon aaoertained that the demand exoeeded the supply, so the objection of but twenty-two weeks was met with the counterblast, '-bay-time la upon us," By two p_m, there was not a man or hand left unhiied; not a solitary straw was to be eean In a hat ; and the rise is at leant £2 over tbe corresponding term of 1888, youths of aeveotaan obtaining at the rate of 10s per week, with bourd und lodging, up to jVlartlnmiis. The following rates will givo a fair- estimate of those ourrent In the northern counties : — Best men, £16 to £18 ; second class, £13 to £15 ; third-class, £10 to £12 ; boys, .£_ to £6 ; beßt women, £10 to £12 ; seoond-olass, £6 to £8 ; girls, £3 10* to £5, for the next term te Martlntoru, board and lodging included,