LABOUR FOR HARVEST

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2525, 28 July 1915, Page 10

LABOUR FOR HARVEST

ORGANISATION NEEDED. An important New Zealand question just now. is that of labour for tko next harvest. On this subject, Sir James Wilson, when addressing the Farmers' Union Conference yesterday, said: — '.'Olio point in connection i.'itli the coming '.harvest 1 should liko to mention, viz., the supply of labour. In/some districts it is fairly, certain that scarcity of hands will either unduly prolong tho harvest.or bo the means of considerable loss. I am quite. satisfied that there are in town ; who would assist, but here again organisation is wanted. The Canterbury district is' likely to feel tho want, more acntoly than others. I am firmly convinced) that if in the towns a register wero opened by the branches of the Farmers' Union, there are many who would volunteer to leave their occupation for a,while to go into the fields to help to garner the grain, and I think tho Union should take steps to bring this before the public in town. "One matter in connection with this I should again like to allude to —it is workmen's cottages in the country. The Act is now a very liberal one, and certainly should be taken advantage of. There is no restriction now as to tlie number of workmen applying before the Labour Department can purchase land for this purpose. The limit is now £550 for land and £500 for cottage, and it is eminently desirable that comfortable cottages should' be provided. A few acres around them would enable the workmen to produce most of the food needed for the family. 'Tho Labour Department can supply plans and specifications free" and the Tent pays off the whole in various periods according to the class of home required. A consider-' able sum was appropriated, by Parliament, but the war lia; interfered with tho spending of it-. , Full particulars can be obtained from the Labour Depart ment. The benefit of .this system.; is tlmt the lai;d is freehold and is bought by instalments. I hopo members of tho Union will'help workers t-o become free.holders in this way." . v