FARM LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24417, 1 October 1940, Page 9

FARM LABOUR

QUARTERS FOR MARRIED MEN DETAILS OF SCHEME ANNOUNCED (Special io Dailv Times) INVERCARGILL, Sept. 30. Arrangements for the erection of quarters for married farm labourers in Southland have been completed, and the details were announced yesterday to representatives of the Farmers Union by Mr W. G. Simpson, of Wellington, liaison officer to the Minister of Labour. Mr P. C. Webb. A special visit was paid to Invercargill by Mr Simpson to arrange for the erection of the buildings as required by farmers in the initial stages of the scheme. Cottages will be erected within a month of approval being secured to the applications. but it is hoped that this time may shortly be reduced by half. In an interview. Mr Simpson said the Government was determined that no farmer should be short of labour where he was prepared to take advantage of the terms offered because of war conditions. It should be realised that the services of single farm labourers could not be obtained to assist farmers in the drive for increased production. Married men were available, however, and the Government was making an endeavour to meet the difficult problem of finding suitable quarters for such workers. “Cottages which were an improvement on the quarters provided for married public works employees will be erected on farmers’ properties as required, and a nominal rental of five shillings a week will be charged.” Mr Simpson said. These buildings would be supplied temporarily for the duration of the war and 12 months after The cottages would consist of three rooms, with a living room 12 feet by 9 feet. A combined washhouse and bathroom would be attached, an iron cooking ran,ge and other fittings would be supplied, and, where necesary. a tank would be erected for the water supply. The scheme was being utilised extensively in Taranaki and in other parts of the Dominion, Mr Simpson said. In Stratford and New Plymouth factories were turning out the dwellings at the rate of one a day. It was the desire of the Government that any requirements of the farmers should be met as quickly as possible.