LABOUR FOR THE HARVEST

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2627, 24 November 1915, Page 8

LABOUR FOR THE HARVEST

DEPARTMENT TAKING ACTION.

In order to guard against any shortage of labour with regard to the coming harvest,, Mr. J. W. Collins, chief clerk of tho Labour Department, has been in Christchurch to make arrangements to obtain volunteers for the work, should it be found that the fanners afo unable to scoure the, necessary labour. To a reporter, Mr. Collins stated' that the position in Wellington was that within a few days the Department had obtained the names of over 100 men willing to help. A register is being kept m which the names of volunteers ; are recorded, and it is felt that the time is opportune for'commencing a similar ' register in Christchurch. Therefore the head office" has instructed the Christcliurdh branch to call for volunteers now, instead of waiting until the harvesting work has commenced, When probably greater difficulty would bo' experienced in securing hands. . The Department will classify the names of volunteers and give pref- , erence to those-who are used to the . .work and to those out of employment. , "In Wellington," said Mr. Collins, ; "assistance has been offered by school teachers, by pupils of the various 'high schools, and from" employees engaged in various industries in the city, who , will he released by their employers if the necessity arises/' The question of wages aud accommo'dat'ion, said Mr. Collins, would 'be watched by the special "committee to bo 'appointed. He further stated that it was not- known at present how much labour would be required, \ but an undertaking had been given by the Public TTorks Department that the men employed on co-operative works would be made available. The position in Canterbury is at prei sent uncertain, but opportunity will be taken of discussing' the question at a meeting of the Farmers' Union, to bo held on November 24, as to how many hands will be required.