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FARM LABOURERS PUBLIC WORKS COMPARED The contention that men on farm?, had superior conditions of work in the majority of cases to public works employees was expressed by Mr. W. R Cransloun, Workers' Union representative on the Waikato .District Council ot Primary Production, at a council kneeling in Hamilton.
1 Mr. Cransloun said that men on public works earned 1 its a clay but were not paid for wei days. Harm labourers, on the oilier hand, earned £2 12s (id a week, wet. or tine. Public works labourers were obliged to bach and had sacking beds witii straw pallaisses on which lo sleep. In addition the labourer was a member of the "frying-pan brigade,'’ and experienced a fair amount of wcl weather in whatever district lie was working. The farmer usually had a belter bed. wholesome meals, and although he worked longer hours was paid regardless of the weather.
The public works labourer was more often than not a victim of "two-up" and poker, or a frequent visitor to the nearest: hotel, all of which absorbed a great deal of his cash. The farm hand, having fewer temptations, spent less money.
Over a period of six months, the farm labourer would be a great deal better off than the public works labourer, in Mr. Cranstoun’s opinion.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GISH19391117.2.40
Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20097, 17 November 1939, Page 5
Word Count
218BETTER OFF Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20097, 17 November 1939, Page 5
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