RURAL WORKERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 306, 22 September 1919, Page 4

RURAL WORKERS

AMENDING J,K«IKLA.TJON si'dUEinm 1 Representatives of the Agricultural and Pastoral Worker?' Union interviewed_ the Minister of Labour (Right Hon. W. P. Massey) on Saturday. T'liej- were accompanied by Messrs. IT. Holland, M.P., P. Fraser. Jl.l'.j K. Seinple. f11.1'., W. A, Veitch, M.l'., ami'' J. M'Combs, M.P.. The deputation asked that the Government should take precautions to safeguard the jural .workers in the event of another outbreak of influenza. The postilion, in the country districts during the Inst outbreak had been very serious indeed. Several matters connected with shearers' accommodation were mentioned. ■ The deputation asked that separate Accommodation should be provided for women in eases where Maoris were employed, and that an improved standard of accommodation should be required. Tlio adoption of\ Mr. Veitch's Farm Workers' Accommodation Hill was suggested. Complaint was made lint Die Labour Department had not compelled the Canterbury farmers to enforce the accommodation conditions specified in the award. Mr, Massey replied that an amendment of the Act dealing- with shearers' accommodation hail been prepared by the Labour Department, but owing to tlio lateness of the session and the approach of the shearing season this legislation could not bo made to meet immediate requjj'einents. Another method ot dealing \\;iHi tjle matter would be necessary for the present season. He would . look into the matter and see what could ,be done to secure reforms that might be required at once: Mr. Massey added that i he would communicate with the Health Department regarding the question of health precautions. The request for safeguards was reasonable,-