THE COMING HARVEST

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2526, 29 July 1915, Page 8

THE COMING HARVEST

'' AND THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR. "Everything points to a bumper harvest," said Mr. R. F. Coulter, of Blenheim; at. yesterday's sitting of tlie Farmers' Union Conference. If anticipations were, realised, the farmers, he said, would require more labour than was in sight at the present time. For that reason he moved the following 'resolution:'■'.'.' That in view of the larger area to be sown tliis season with cereals; the probability of increased production,. and the shortage oHabour that is anticipated, '.'the. Government,.be• requested to close';, down Vail l jmblic works- during the' harvest season, in order, that labour utilised there may ba available for the ...

After some discussion, it was, f agreed that the resolution was a trifle too drastic, in: regard to the proposed stoppage of public works, and it was withdrawn. A similar , resolution from South Canterbury was' also withdrawn. \

1 At'.the jsnggestion- of the- president ffiir Jaiiies Wilson), the conference then resolved that tlie'various executives of tho union should co-operate with the Labour Department, the Public Works Department, and any other bodies finterested'in the supply of labour for the next harvest. If it be ascertained that the available labour is not likely to suffice. the Minister :'is to be -approached with suggestions.as to' the partial -stoppage of public works. It is also proposed to open'a register for names of those ill towns who are willing to assist. "