FARM LABOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1917, Page 6

FARM LABOR.

NEED FOR ORGANISATION. At the various sittings of the Military Appeal Board throughout Taranaki appellants who are farmers have stressed the difficulty of obtaining suitable men or, in fact, any men at all to replace the men who enlist. On Thursday, at Hawera, Captain Walker read a letter that lie had received from a labor agenev, stating that it had on its books several men over military age or unfit for service who would be willing to take up position on farms or would go as sharemilkers. He also read a letter from n member of Parliament, who stated that he knew of a typical family—man, wife and lad of twelve—who would either take on farm management or sharemilking. These instances would show that some labor was available. Mr. Mcliaren emphasised the'urgent need for taking steps to organise labor in Taranaki. The farmers in Wanganui, Wairarapa and Auckland were taking steps to organise, but here in Taranaki nothing was being done. He hoped the press would bring the matter before the notice of the fanners. Another aspect of the question was brought up by Captain Walker during the hearing of the application by the Joll Dairy Company for exemption of one of its experts. Captain Walker suggested the time was coming when women would have to be employed in cheese factories to release some of the Second Division men, and he stated that he thought the time was now opportune for the factories of the districts to organise classes so as to teach women in readiness for next season. In reply to questions, the general manager of the company said he saw no objection to women being employed in factories, as 'he believed they could'lcarh the work.