FARM LABOUR PROBLEM

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1940, Page 8

FARM LABOUR PROBLEM

A FARMERS WIFE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — May I express one opinion in regard to the difficulty in obtaining farm hbour. I do not condemn farm work, rather the opposite. I think it is a fine life, particularly for youth out in the open air and the care of animals is to me a chosen way of living. But what concerns me is the lack of the attention to meals. Most farmers' wives prepare good wholesome meals, but lately my attention has been drawn to the case of a youth who is willing, clean and fond of ' the life; but he complains of the irregularity of meals. Consider a lad getting up at about' 3.30 a.m., refreshment then, breakfast at 10.30 a.m., dinner at 2.30 p.m., no more till after milking at about 7 p.m. This particular lad comes from a good home and is used to regular meals, including refreshment before going to milk in the evening and tea afterwards. It is impossible- for youths to carry on willingly with long hcrurs between tneals. A hungry man is an angry man. No man can work properly on an empty stomach. Is it fair or encouraging either to parents or youths? I for one believe in regular meals and treating my assistants either male or female humanly. Hoping this matter can be righted— I am, etc.,

Sept. 14.