HARVESTING LABOUR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 24, 16 November 1945, Page 5

HARVESTING LABOUR

ARMY SCHEME DISCONTINUED SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVES No servicemen l'rom the Army will be available for harvesting this season so farmers will have to make provision for their own individual requirements. The Primary Production Council has been advised that the • Army scheme will not be in oxjeration j nor will there be any Army pool from which; labour can be drawn.

It is quite apparent difficulties will be encountered in securing adequate help because of the continued shortage of manpower the Hon. Minister of Agriculture is appealing to all sections of the community who can assist to offer their services. There will be no compulsory direction all has to be voluntary.

The Chairman and Secretary of the Council have had a conference with National Service Officers and it has been arranged that the Man. power Office at Rotorua is to be the central agency in the Bay for registration of volunteers. It is expected offers will be forthcoming from High Schools, Training Colleges and other sources during vacation terpss.

Any farmer desiring such assistance for harvesting, should immediately indicate to the P.P.C. his requirements stating the period wanted wages offering and accommodation conditions. Travelling expenses will have to be paid.

It was also suggested that workers'in the various native settlements should be organised. That is a subject which the Manpower Officer will take up with the Central National Native Authorities in Rotorua. It Is intended to discuss with the district tribal committees the possibilities of arranging for the transport of small lots of as the farmers have only limited time between milklngs also the matter of wages and travelling time.

When any organisation of the ns lives has been definitely arranged fuller Information will be publish ed.