PRODUCE GROWERS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 574, 12 October 1920, Page 2

PRODUCE GROWERS.

GENERAL MEETING. A general meeting of the Pukekohe District Produce Growers' Association was held in the A. and P. So* ciety's office on Saturday night, the president, Mr. J. Russell, occupying the chair. Prices for Digging. Discussion ensued on the question of fixing prices for digging. Some members thought that,this could not be done until nearly all of the principal growers belonged to the association. • A member stated that the Maoris sometimes struck for higher rates, falsely saying that they were offered higher prices elsewhere. It was also difficult to get the Maoris to grade properly. A member suggestod that- steps should be taken to attract more labour to Pukekohe during the busy season. Under present conditions grading was out of the question. If the standard earnings by diggers were well advertised labour would be attracted, for the wages earned were even greater than those of the miners.

Mr. Ryan considered that a price should be fixed which would enable a good worker to earn 18s in 8 hours; if he worked longer hours it was only fair that he should make more money, up to 25s or 30s in the case of those working from daylight until dark.

The practice of one grower offering another grower's men higher rates in order to tak-? them away was roundly condemned as a mean and dishonourable procedure. The suggestion to invite more labour was adopted. Members were all in favour of paying a fair price for digging, and did not wish to "sweat" labour. Eighteen new members were elected.