HOURS ON FARMS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 48, 25 January 1938, Page 8

HOURS ON FARMS.

ONE-MAN PROPERTIES. DISCUSSION IN WAIRARAPA. MASTERTON, Jan. 24. The number of working hours necessary for a one-man unit milking 30 dairy cows to accomplish the essential work of production was a subject which evoked considerable discussion at to-day’s meeting of the Wnirararapa provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. According to a Featherston remit, a representative meeting of Pihantea dairy-farmers was of the opinion that not less than 70 working hours a week were required. The majority at to-day’s meeting concurred with the opinion of the Pihautea farmers, but two members stated definitely that any farmer who worked his farm correctly and efficiently had no need to put in those hours. Tlie following,routine for seven days a week was submitted by one fanner, who for three seasons milked unaided 30 cows, finally to be ordered off the farm by a doctor and not allowed to work for three months. 5 a.m.—Leave house to get in cows, light copper, put plant together. 5.30 to 7.3o.—Milking. 7.30 to B.o—Feed calves (in spring), take cows away to paddock, put cream on road for carrier. 8 to B.3o.—Breakfast. 8.30 to 9.3o.—Feed pigs, wash separator and plant. Clean out cowshed and yard. 9.30 to 12.0.—F0r at least eight months of the year in the Wairarapa these hours will be occupied in giving cows supplementary feed, hay in spring and soft turnips pulled by hand and carted out to cows, or lucerne, or some such feed in the autumn. 12 to I.—Lunch. 1 to 3.3o.—Ploughing, cropping, repairs, etc. 3.30 to 4 p.m.—Afternoon tea. 4 to 4.3o.—Feed pigs, put milking plant together, and fetch in cows. 4.30 to 6.3o.—Milking. 6.30 to 7.—Clean up for the night and take cows away. Feed calves in spring. “This routine,” it was stated, “must be carried put in its infinite detail, seven days a week, wet or fine, bad cold, influenza or any other ailment notwithstanding.” No inquiry was made concerning mammitis, though it was known the man’s herd suffered from it. The incidence of mammitis was greater in a herd where labour was in short supply. The seasons covered were 1933-34-35, and the statement was made by a dairy-farmer who was embarrassed during the slump (his case has still to be heard), but who is stated to be competent and able. After further discussion a committee comprising the president and Messrs Daniell, Thomas and Jansen, was appointed to investigate the position and report to the next meeting.