SHEARER SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 15, 13 October 1943, Page 6

SHEARER SHORTAGE

Otago May Seek North Island Help Dominion Special Service. DUNFJDIN, October 12. The shortage of shearers in the Otago districts was the subject of a discussion at a meeting of the Otago Primary Production Council when the possibility of obtaining civilian shearers from the North Island was suggested. The necessity for securing shearers for the Strath Taieri district was urged by Mr. F. M. Howell, who stated that only nine shearers had been promised for 63.900 sheep. He suggested that, if possible, shearers should be brought from the North Island after the shearing had been completed there. Mr. John Muir, of Galloway, stated that in the Central Otago area west of Roxburgh and Oturehua some 550.000 sheep were to be shorn, and there was a shortage of 71 shearers. Other speakers outlined the difficulties of finding experienced shearers. An assurance that everything possible would be done to obtain shearers to meet the requirements was given by the district manpower officer, who said that a comprehensive survey was being made of all seasonal workers and every source was being combed for information. Farmers could assist by submitting the names of the shearers they had employed last season. A number of students and school teachers were being directed into seasonal work, and the school holidays would probably be extended.