HARVESTING SEASON

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 26, 23 November 1943, Page 5

HARVESTING SEASON

ARMY LABOUR AVAILABLE

SCUKME TO HKLL' FAIIMKRS

The Primary Production Council draw farmers. atlentioa to a scheme arranged in conjunction with the Army authorities to make available territorial units for the purpose of assisting in the harvesting of hay and ensilage. It was first intended to establish four camps in the Council's area; one each at Kdgeeumbe, Taneatua, Waimana and Opotiki, but in collaboration Avith Lt. Col. Da we., the Commander of this area, it is now arranged to use the permanent camp at Matata to serve, all the Plains and Taneatua. Waimana farmers will be required \to billet their men, s it is not practicable to provide any accommodation; an allowance of 4/per day will be made. Opotiki will be accommodated in the Home Guard establishment. The Army will j>rovidc all the necessary transport to convey the men to their respective jobs. The hours lof work are between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. beyond that time, it is to be voluntary on the part of the worker. •Representations have, been made to alter the time to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. which is thought would be more .preferable to the. employer. The rate of wage is 2/(5 per hour (the Government gives a bonus to the men in addition to ordinary Army pay). The Department of Agriculture will charge the fanner with the. work done. In the event of inclement harvesting conditions, the men may be employed on other essential farm duties at same, wages. The men will be mostly inexperienced farm workers, so key men Avill have to be provided by the. farmers themselves. The camps will open at the beginning of December, • provided, the demand is there for the men and will' continue into the new year. It is desirable, that some orderly system of distribution should be arranged to take full advantage of the men available., so it will be necessary for farmers to group and plan their operations in some. rotational mariner. An itinerary will .have, to be drafted setting out the approximate date when assistance is required, so employers are requested to Intimate, to their local Council committeemen, when, and what help will be wanted. The onus is entirely on the farmer to give attention to the scheme;, the committeemen Avill do their utmost to help, but they cannot be expected to phone all and sundry inquiring After their needs. To leave consideration until the last moment may be a sure cause for disappointment,