FARM LABOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 November 1940, Page 3

FARM LABOUR

MINISTER ON EXISTING DIFFICULTIES POSITION THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND. MUCH DONE TO MEET SITUATION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A review of the farm labour position throughout New Zealand was given last night by the Minister of Labour, Mr Webb. He said this season had been particularly difficult because, in spite of all the manpower committees had done, thousands of farm workers had gone into the military forces. The withdrawal of these men from the industry had intensified the problem of meeting the demand for farm workers. Much had been done to meet the abnormal situation.

"If ever the farm labour problem has been honestly tackled by a Government, it. has been so dealt with by Labour,” said Mr Webb. "Though we do not claim to have solved all the problems, it can be claimed that the Government has adopted new measures to ensure that farmers get the necessary labour to maintain the production which is an essential part of the country’s war effort. “Steps have been taken to enable farmers to obtain seasonal workers without delay. This year, farmers distant from placement offices may apply direct to the local bodies employing Scheme 13 labour. In the past application had to be made through the State placement officer, who had to communicate with the local body, and this meant a certain amount of delay. The advantage today is that men wanted for such operations are hoeing, weeding, thinning of root crops, turning or harvesting of hay. and so forth, may be applied for direct if a placement. officer is .not reasonably accessible.”

SUBSIDISED TRAINING. Some of the other measures the Government had taken were outlined by Mr Webb. He said that what was known as Scheme 4F provided for subsidies to farmers who employed less experienced men. The subsidy was 30s a week for the first six months and 15s a week for the second halfyear. By that subsidy the Government had encouraged the employment of more than 800 men whom farmers would not. otherwise have employed. At the same time the men so employed had gained practical knowledge of farm work.

The Government had also arranged temporary accommodation to be supplied by the Public Works Department for married and single farm workers. The latest return showed that 315 units of accommodation had been provided —233 married and 82 single—through the facilities made available by the Government. Figures expected shortly would show an increase, and further applications were being received which would be dealt with expeditiously. In addition, there was the farm housing scheme under which farmers could obtain financial assistance. In order to encourage the employment of married men. an allowance of £1 a week was paid to men separated from their families. More than 100 men were receiving this allowance in cases where married quarters were not available.

ASSISTED DEVELOPMENT. The Minister also referred to the assistance that had been given to farmers tinder the scheme known as 48. which aimed at the development and improvement of farm lands. Assistance was available up to 75 per cent of the labour cost for land, clearing, drainage, sub-divisional fencing and • topdressing of difficult country. “During the past 18 months,” said Mr Webb, “about 138,000 acres have been cleared. In addition. 1232 miles of drains have been dug or improved, 359 miles of fences have been erected, and other extensive developmental work carried out. At present there are approximately 3000 meh employed against more than 4000 men six months ago. This reduction is due to diversion of a great number to ordinary farm work. First consideration is always given to supplying suitable men for regular work on farms.”

Mr Webb mentioned the assistance which the Public Works Department had been able to give to farmers in developing farm lands with heavy machinery. “The State Placement Service has played a prominent part in the difficult problem of filling farm vacancies,” he said. “The big majority of vacancies was in the North Island, but the placement service has transferred many men from the South Island where plenty of labour was available. While there is still a considerable demand for farm labour of certain types, the vacanices recorded with the placement service have dropped considerably during recent weeks.”

Mr Webb expressed satisfaction with the manner in which many farmers had shown willingness to co-operate in obtaining farm labour with a view to increasing production of essential foodstuffs. The Government was ready nt all times to do everything possible to help the farmers. Though considerable success had been achieved in providing farm labour, farmers would rest assured that the Government would not relax its efforts.