SHEARING SHORTAGE

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1940, Page 2

SHEARING SHORTAGE

MEN FOR SEASON'S CLIP ENLISTMENTS A DRAIN It is likely that a shortage of shearers will be experienced in Taranaki during the coming season. Although much of the shearing in past seasons had been done by married men, there were many gangs of shearers, consisting of single Maoris, who worked from shed to shed during the season. Some of the single men who formerly worked in the gangs have enlisted and are serving overseas. Additionally many Australian shearers who normally come to the Dominion will not be available this season. The difficulties facing sheep farmers in South Canterbury because of the shortage of shearers in consequence of enlistments and other causes were discussed at a meeting of the committee of the Timaru Agricultural Association, when it was decided to communicate with the Minister of National Service, the Hon. r. Semple, and other primary industrial organisations. Mr. a. s. elworthy said that from information he had received it appeared that there would be a shortage of about 56 shearers in South Canterbury because of men having enlisted for overseas or home Service. These men would in ordinary circumstances have been able to handle about 200,000 sheep, so that it appeared there would be a serious shortage unless steps were taken at once to meet the position.