WORKERS FOR FARMS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 176, 21 June 1940, Page 5

WORKERS FOR FARMS

PUBLIC WORKS MEN

t EXCELLENT RESPONSE

"The response of employees of the Public Works Departs injpnt has been surprisingly encouraging," stated Mr L. H. Armstrong, Placement Officer for the Bay of Plenty, when reviewing the results of the survey in regard to farm labour at present being made. Although the survey was by no means complete in the Bay of Plenty and Taupo districts, he emphasised that there were already more suitable men offering than

there were positions for them

to go to

So fair there had been about a 90 per cent response from workers stating that they were willing to undertake farm work, said the Place ment and of these over 40 were considered suitable for farm, work. Many of the others might be taken later, but at present, either because of total lack of experience or of age, their oflers were not being accepted. Mr Armstrong added that where it was necessary to train workers under the subsidised scheme it was only reasonable to take the younger men first. Few single men were affected as their numbers had decreased with enlistment and most of those considered suitable were married men willing to accept work immediately whether there was accommodation avaii able or not. If no house was provided for a married worker on the farm Mr Armstrong explained that there was an allowance of 12s Gd a week.' Farmers' Needs Not Known. Although the survey was being continued as fast as the resources of the Social Security Department permitted, it was expected that if would be some time before it* was completed to embrace more than 1.000 men employed by the Public Works, Lands and Survey, and State Forest Service in the district. So far the farmers had not made known their needs for the coming season, Mr Armstrong stated, and there were only seven vacancies, each of which was in the process of being filled. The Placement Officer added that be hoped in the near future to meet the members of the Farmers' Union branches in the different parts of the district to explain the scheme fully and gain some idea f of their requirements.. . "Judging from the demand in past seasons I should say that there will be ample workers offering, provided that the farmers are willing to ; take men not fully experienced." he stated.