AGRICULTURAL LAROURERS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8998, 9 November 1907, Page 2

AGRICULTURAL LAROURERS.

When the House went into commit, tee on the Agricultural Labourers Accommodation Bill, wliich provides that farmers employing labourers shall provide sleeping accommodation tor them in- accordance with regulations prescribed by Ordor-iu-Oouucil there w T as an interesting discussion.

Clause 10 provides that the Actshall not apply in the case of agricultural labourers whose residences are in the immediate neighbourhood, and wno sleep at home and who otherwise provide their own accommodation. The Minister for Labour who.

took charge of the Bill, moved a new sub-clauso" to provide that the Act shall not apply to cases where a contractor is employed bv the i'armor, and the contractor himself employs the labourers. Mr Tanner said that a large amount of agricultural work was now done by contract, and the effect of this sub-clause in exempting the owner of laud from liability under the Bill would bo to perpetuate the evils wliich the Bill was intended to icmedy. He urged that the Minister should" nmor-d tho sub-clause so that contractors should provide accommodation for their labourers, The Minister agreed to this suggestion, and added the following words to the clauso : "Such accommodation shall bo provided by the contractors.''

Mr Massey pointed out that that meant contractors must provide tho | same accommodation for their hands as the farmers had to provide under the Bill for their permanent hands. He urged that the clause should be withdrawn and another drafted. The clause was agreed to on the voices. The Bill with amendments was thon reported. The Minister announced that be would have clause 10 recommitted.'