FARM LABOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 May 1938, Page 9

FARM LABOUR

CENTRALISATION PLAN. EXTENDED BY GOVERNMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 20. The farm labour centralisation plan, which was inaugurated last year, but restricted in its application to the North Island, is to be extended this year to both islands. The Minister of Labour, the Hon H. T. Armstrong, said this evening that by means of this scheme available labour was directed last season to the source of demand, thus avoiding a surplus in one district and a contemporaneous shortage in another district.

The Minister said that farmers desiring labour during the forthcoming season were strongly advised to notify the nearest placement office or certifying officer (in most cases the postmaster is the certifying officer) of their requirements, giving the fullest information in regard to wages, accommodation, duties, plant to be operated, duration of engagement, locality, age-limit, whether single or married men preferred, and, if the latter, the number of children acceptable, and for whom accommodation is available. “To those farmers who are prepared to employ physically fit but inexperienced single youths and men between 18 and 25 years, the Government offers a subsidy of 17s 6d to £1 respectively, but the minimum period of engagement is six months. Another condition is that the worker shall be trained solely in farm work upon the employer's own property,” said the Minister.