FARM LABOUR PROBLEMS

Southland Times, Issue 24835, 29 August 1942, Page 4

FARM LABOUR PROBLEMS

Release Of Men From Camps Suggestions for meeting the farm labour shortage were considered at a special meeting of the Southland Council of Primary Production yesterday. Mr F. E. Carter, organizer of the Farmers’ Union, said he had found that many fanners had been afraid that they would not be able to secure sufficient labour for cropping. He had endeavoured to assure them that labour would be available. The position had improved greatly in the last . two months, but there was still a considerable shortage if a greatly . increased cropping programme was to be carried out. Some suggestions had been put forward by townspeople who had interested themselves in the problem and were willing to assist. They were of the opinion, however, that city assistance could not be effectively organized on a piece-meal system at the point of demand. An unofficial committee had suggested that the Army consider the advisability of grouping 20 to 30 men in local halls from which they could be sent quickly to farmers requiring labour. An alternative system of organization of' civilian labour had also been proposed. The acting chairman (Mr G. R. Herron) said the council had much for which to thank the unofficial committee, and he recommended that the various points raised by the committee be considered in turn. The committee had given the problem a great deal of consideration, and some city enthusiasts had done a lot to help the fanning community. EXTENDED LEAVE The secretary (Mr A. L. Adamson) said a number of men had been recommended for extended leave for farm work, and then it had been discovered that they had been posted for special military service and were not available. There were others whose services were available and he was recommending them to farmers who required labour. Real difficulties had been experienced in securing men for farmers who could not nominate reservists.

Mr Carter said it was desirable that a survey be made of the labour required in each district. This could be done through branches of the Farmers’ Union. This suggestion was approved, and it was decided to request all farmers to submit details of approximate labour requirements. The suggestion that the Army establish group camps in local halls for farm labour purposes was also approved. The unofficial committee was asked to continue in office with the name of Labour Committee. It was given power to make representations to city employers that they should make provision for the annual holidays of as many employees as possible to be taken in the harvesting season so that they might assist farmers.