DAIRY FARM LABOUR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 72, 15 May 1945, Page 7

DAIRY FARM LABOUR

question of increase

DISCUSSION BY PRODUCERS The question as to -whether or not the dairy industry should move immediately lor an increased labour reward J'or dairy farmers and dairy farm employees was raised at the Whakatane Ward Conference of the Dairy Board by the Board's Chairman Mr W. K. Hale. } "Last year the industry was unanimous on the point that if stabilisation could be held } reserves should be built up so as to cushion the fall of prices in the post-war period," said iMr Hale. '*At a meeting of the Dairy Industry Council held early in April we discussed the question of increased labour rewardThe Council was of opinion tliat f in view of recent movements in prices and costs, the industry had a case for some adjustment of farm wages in line with the recent pronouncement of the Arbitration Court." As those present would realise, that pronouncement would affect the whole wage structure of the Dominion but—knowing that all sections of workers were preparing their case for increased wages—the Council felt it would be advisable to wait for a lew weeks at least until some of those demands had been decided. At the same time they were anxious to know the opinion of the industry on the and •wanted' their opinions that day. Although it might appear that the lid was off stabilisation they had still to consider whether or not the best that could be retained of stabilisation was desirable from the producers' point of view. There was another matter in addition to adjustment in labour reward that the industry would have to consider. The capital costs ol iarni equipment had increased very considerably during the war period, and the time had arrived when they should consider an adjustment in the guaranteed price to cover increased costs for capital charges. It would be wise for the conference to consider the matter carefully and express its opinion on that issue also.