RURAL WORKERS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1929, Page 7

RURAL WORKERS

EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT’S SCHEME. STATEMENT BY SIR JOSPH WARD. WELLINGTON, Oct. 17. The following statement was issued to-day by the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) regarding the published 1 statement telegraphed from Chris church yesterday that difficulty was being experienced in obtaining rural workers: —

‘•The openings for employment on State undertakings have certainly not been framed on a competitive basis against private works, nor will the} have that effect if employers make their needs known to the Government Labour Bureaux. The commencement of the Government operations arose out of the urgent need that existed for bringing about in the interests of the workers a more balanced state in the labour market as a whole. The Cabinet Committee has enquired into the position at Christchurch and find that although the Press statement'indicates that there are vacancies for forty ot fifty farm workers, no enquiries whatever for that class of labour have been received at the Government Labour Bureau there. All these bureaux exist for the purpose c'f placing workers in employment, public and private, and farmers and other rural employers are strongly urged to make application to the Labour Department for any men whom they require. If that is done they can .be assured that if the men are on the books, employers’ wants will be supplied. “In this connexion, I would point out that workers requiring employment have been compelled to register themselves at the Government Bureaux and it is only reasonable to expect thatemployers needing men should look to that source for the fulfilment of their requirements. It is appreciated that the fanning community are as anxious as the Government and the country generally to overcome the question of surplus labour, and by applying to the Government Bureaux, which by now have a complete register of all men requiring work, they will he at the same time extending practical cooperation and having their own requirements met. _ ' “I might also add that there is no intention of sending farm workers to relief works when employment in their, own occupations is being offered and in this connection it would be of assistance if farmers would supply the nearest Government Labour Bureau with the names of any men whom they know to be leaving their normal occupations with the object of being placed on Government works, such men will not be offered employment" by the State. It is only fair to warn workers that a record is being kept of men refusing for inadequate reasons to accept work when it is offered to them and that no further offers of work will be made to them.”