FARM LABOUR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 163, 10 June 1940, Page 10

FARM LABOUR

MEN FROM PUBLIC WORKS. GOOD RESPONSE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 7. “The occupational survey of men employed on public works is now well under way and reports already handed in indicate that the Government’s drive to'place more men on the land is meeting a most favourable reception,” said the Minister of Ma.n-Power (Hon. D. \yilson) to-night. “Public works employees who . Were interviewed during the first week, particularly inarried men, responded generously to the national appeal for co-operation in the war effort, and there is every reason to believe that this move to increase the availability of farm labour for maintaining and, if possible, increasing production, will be crowned with success.” "The progress of the survey, continued Mr Wilson, had already manifested tlie need for suitable accommodation for married men who are prepared to accept farm positions, and he drew attention to the steps which had been, taken to assist- farmers in this connection under the Rural Housing Act, particularly tne Government’s decision to grant a subsidy of 10 per cent, in respect of all dwellings erected under this Act in- which were commenced before December 31, 1940.' This meant that for a loan of £540 the farmer could erect a house, costing approximately £6OO. The ‘question of providing temporary married accommodation on farms pending the erection of permanent dwellings had also been studied, and where circumstances warranted temporary structures would be made available at a rental of 5s a week. One-man hutments would also be provided at a purchase price of approximately £4O or a weekly rental of 2s. Mr Wilson made a personal appeal to farmers needing labour to make tlieir requirements known, to the nearest placement officers, and lie felt surethat with the willing co-operation of both farmers and workers New Zealand’s efforts to increase the production of foodstuffs and other commodities so essential to the Mother Country at present would not.be in vain.