LABOUR FOR FARMS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 245, 13 September 1940, Page 6

LABOUR FOR FARMS

MAN-POWER POSITION RETENTION OE WORKERS Some of the latest steps to organise labour for farm production in the light of the depletion of man-power ior military service were outlined in a circular letter from the Director of Primary Production (Mr 11. B. Tennent) received at a meeting of the District Production Council yesterday. An assurance that all essential men were being retained on farms, At least until the season was over, was given by the Placement Officer (Mr J. L. C. Merton), who was in attendance at the meeting. In the circular letter the Director of Primary Production stated that the National Council had given full consideration to the farm labour position, and had the matter discussed in conference with the Government. It appeared that farmers needing labour were relying on single men, and had not realised that practically none were available and would not become available. However, there was a reasonable chance of obtaining married men. It was not possible to build Public Works Department quarters for farmers rapidly enough to provide accommodation for immediate requirements if the labour demand was to be met with married men, and the Government liaa decided to increase the separation allowance from 12s Gd weekly to £L where a married man is obliged to live away from his family in order to work on a farm.

It was imperative for district councils and primary production committees, to impress on farmers the absolute necessity for applying through the Placement Service ior married farm workers, it was stated. Councils and committees were advised ,to keep in touch with placement officers and manpower committees regarding the labour situation. While Public Works Department houses for farmers might not be made available without some delay, it would be wise for farmers to apply for them so as to obviate having to improvise when the arose in a more acute form. To bring about the transfer of men to farms the 4B Scheme had been suspended in the meantime and no further, contracts would be proceeded with on the comnletion of those now being carried out. Suitable men on Scheme 13 and those on public works who had 'had farm experience were being offered positions on farms, and refusal to accept such positions resulted in suspension and dismissal.

“Something was done last season to organise shearing activities, and this must be done again with even more vigour,” added the communication. “Steps should be taken to save labour, by inducing farmers to use tlieir machinery' to the very fullest on a cooperative basis. It will he realised that in organising to meet the labour position councils arc faced with a stern task which will need their fullest exertions.”

WORKERS STAYING ON

Mr Merton said that as far as possible t’he Man Power Committee at Wanganui was doing its best to keep men on jobs on farms. Many men who had previously received notification that they would be released from farms to join tlie Fourth Reinforcements now had been told to remain where they were. Men such as herd testers and dairy factory employees who had accepted employment were being retained until at least March 31 next. Men on sheep farms called up for the Territorials or for overseas . service were definitely being held until the beginning of February. Once shearing was over t'he position would not be so acute. It was difficult to lay down hard-and-fast rules, because some farmers could make arrangements. However, if farmers could not make arrangements, employees were instructed to stay on. Infantry were mainly drawn from the towns, but the Mounted Rifles units comprised chiefly men on farms and they would not he going into camp until after Christmas. Mr Merton outlined steps being taken to assist farmers in the district on the lines of the circular from the Director of Primary Production. He mentioned that many secondary school boys in the district would probably be available during the summer holidays to assist on farms. Girls from the auxiliary volunteer service had offered to help during week-ends. Mr Linklater mentioned that in back-country areas women for 'house and domestic work would be especially welcomed. Mr Merton said every encouragement should be given to induce married men to go on farms. At present he had about 40 applications for farm positions and if accommodation were avo ilable he could fill them' with married men. On the motion of Mr B. E. Keiller, it was decided to circularise local production committees asking them to ascertain the requirements of farmers in their districts for the guidance or the Placement Officer. A resolution was passed urging the Government to re institute the 4B Scheme, as it had been of valuable assistance to farmers in improving their land and increasing production.