NO LABOUR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32404, 8 March 1944, Page 5

NO LABOUR

FARM HOUSES EMPTY POWER BOARD AFFECTED MANAGER’S REPORT TO BOARD That the shortage of labour on farms was also having its effect on the Thames Valley Electric Power Board was reported to Tuesday’s meeting of the board by the manager, Mr R. Sprague who stated that quite a number of farm cottages were being disconnected because farmers were unable to secure staff who had formerly occupied these houses. The report read as under: “The total number of consumers connected to the board’s mains is 12,814. Thames and Te Aroha boioughs are included in this total and -number 1233 and 842, respectively. “ Five ranges, four industrial and -nine motors on farms, of which three are milking motors, were connected during the month. “ There are now connected and operating 3581 ranges, 6419 water-hea-t -ers, and 7342 motors on farms, of which 3501 are milking motors. “ Eight consumers had additional heating and lighting connections made. “ Quite a number of cottages on farms have been disconnected owing to the labour position on farms. This month’s total numbers 13. However, some of the farmers have now single employees in lieu of the married employees who occupied the cottages previously.”