FARM LABOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 January 1940, Page 6

FARM LABOUR

SURVEY IN THE WAIRARAPA INCREASED PRODUCTION DESIRED. TO MEET WAR TIME DEMANDS. Replies are now coming to hand from district farmers regarding the farm labour survey at present being carried out by the Masterton Primary Production Council. As an indication of its appreciation of the importance of labour in any scheme for increased production, the council has despatched over 2000 farm labour requirement forms to farmers of the district. There is, perhaps, a proverbial reluctance on the part of farmers to fill in forms and post letters, but any such feelings should not arise in the present case, as the survey is one of some importance and of some value, not only to the farmers themselves but to the country generally. Other factors may contribute to a sense of apathy on the part of a farmer supplying the required information, such as the view, which may be held in some quarters, that it is questionable whether permanent labour is an economic proposition at present wage and price levels. Many may present evidence to show or take the attitude that the extra return obtained is too little to justify the trouble involved in the employment of labour. Under ordinary conditions this may be a farmer’s personal concern, but at the present time it is felt that there is some justification in asking farmers to use labour which no more than pays for itself, providing a definite increase in gross production results. A point of some importance that should be kept in mind is that a farm which is producing at maximum will improve whereas if a farmer tries to mark time deterioration must follow. In that respect the use of labour to keep the farm in good heart provides some ultimate return. General maintenance cannot be deferred too long without detriment to the farm and its productive capacity. Provision has been made under the Rural Housing Act for the erection of houses for farmers or their employees. The scheme is to be financed through* the Slate Advances Corporation and county councils have been asked to cooperate in administering the Act. Farmers who have insufficient accommodation for farm workers are therefore able to secure assistance under favourable terms to relieve any housing shortage. In view of the importance of the survey being carried out by the Primary Production Council, in its bearing on New Zealand's war effort farmers are urged to give the information asked for and to send in their replies as expeditiously as possible.