Farm Wages.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 356, 10 February 1937, Page 2

Farm Wages.

Wages of farm workers in England have risen. The decision has been taken by several country wages com mittees and approved by the Agricultural Wages Board. In Berkshire, the minimum rate is to be raised by 1/- to 32/- a week of 50 hours. In Buckinghamshire the minimum rate becomes 33/- instead of 32/-. In Derbyshire the minimum rate is 7a an hour, and provision is. made for payment at not less than 36/- a week of 54 hours lor wholetime workers. In Hampshire and Wiltshire the minimum rate remains at 31/- a week and at 32/- in Nottinghamshire. In Norfolk the minimum rate for 56 hours in summer and 48 in winter becomes 33/6 instead of 31/6-, with an additional 5/6 for teamsmen, cow men, and shepherds. The minimum rates in Surrey for skilled workers (horse- men, stock, men, and shepherds) is to be 40/- and the rate for other male workers 33/4. In Denbigh and Flint the genera] minimum rate becomes 31/ for day men and 36/6 for stock men. These changes in minimum wages rates are’ further evidence of the general rise in farm wages. Farmers realise that higher labour costs are inevitable if skilled men are to be kept on the farms, and not induced to leave the land for other employment. Unfortunately, farm incomes are not keeping pace with the rise in wages, and many farmers are faced with the necessity of employing less labour. The wages quoted are “without keep.” Farm workers in Britain do. however, have definite hours of work and are paid overtime when these are exceeded. Generally, the basic wages given approximate 8d to 9d an hour.