FARM LABOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 February 1940, Page 6

FARM LABOUR

RESUI..T OF WAIRARAPA SURVEY ONLY EIGHTEEN MEN WANTED. RESPONSE TO PRIMARY COUNCIL'S CIRCULAR. Some surprise was expressed at a recent meeting of the Masterton Council of Primary Production when it was revealed that as a result of sending out over 2000 enquiry forms, requests for permanent or semi-permanent labour had been received from fewer than 18 farmers. The requirements included 6 shepherds. 3 inexperienced and 1 experienced general farm hand. 5 dairy farm hands, 1 cow boy and 2 married couples. The committee had. however, no alternative but to accept the result of this survey as an approximate indication of the real position and endeavours will be made to fill the vacancies. At the same time, it was fully ap-: predated that a real shortage may develop by next season and a review of the position in about six months is proposed. The importance to this district of an adequate supply of scrub-cutters was emphasised and it was suggested that special efforts be made, to assist farmers to contact suitable men at present employed in such seasonal occupations as freezing works. To this end. it was proposed that lists of farmers requiring men should be posted in the works. The importance of securing properly trained, and fit men for this work was also discussed and steps arc to be taken to evolve a scheme that will permit the training of inexperienced men. It was agreed also, that in the interests of increased production, the maximum use should be made of the 4B subsidy scheme and suggestions for making this scheme more elastic were approved for remitting to the National Council.