FARM LABOUR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 158, 4 June 1940, Page 2

FARM LABOUR

SUBSIDY SCHEME. MEAGRE RESPONSE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 3. Asked whether there was yet any indication of the measure of success which the recently-announced increased farm . labour -subsidy would command, the Minister of Labour (Hon. P. OWebb) said to-day that it was too soon to form any judgment. v “By a recent mail I received one application,” said Mr Webb, “but that was from a worker, not a farmer employer. it is of interest to mention that this worker, whose stated qua”" fications are impressive, advises that he has applied by letter for at least 12 advertised farming vacancies, bu received not one reply, “However, that was before my recently published request to farmers to engage now the labour they shortly would find essential and thereby ensure that at the commencement of the season they would have the services of a semi-tramed man. I would like to reiterate that at present we have oUU pliysically-fit men who. but for comparatively few exceptions, are perienced in farm work, though willing and eager to learn and to travel long distances to secure private employment. . r “If fanners will notify any office ot the Labour Department or of the Social Security Departnient arrangements will be made for them interview some of these men ’The Government has shown its desire to cope with any farm labour shortage resulting from enlistments from this industry by making this offer and by providing a subsidy of 30s a week for six months, 15s a week for a further six months and 12s 6d per week allowance where married accommodation is not available for a married mail, and assistance to farmers in the matter or accommodation. It now remains foi the farmers of the Dominion to tell us without delay of their present and future labour requirements. _ “J have every expectation that each farmer will desire to co-operate in this wav towards the fulfilment ot New Zealand's war effort, but I specially ask that that co-operation be extended now, and not only when the new season is upon ns.”