FARM WORK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 May 1942, Page 4

FARM WORK

PLANS FOR EMERGENCY THE POOLING OF LABOUR. POSITION IN THE WAIRARAPA. Further consideration was given at today’s meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union to the carrying on of essential farm work in the event of ’an emergency. A sub-committee was set up with Mr W. G. K. Wiggins as convenor, to go into matters relating to the provision of alternative schemes for running milking machines, etc., in case of power failure. Mr L. T. Daniell referred to the excellent'work already done, by the Greytown branch of the Union in that direction and in other ways to meet an emergency as it affected farm work. Mr A. B. Martin drew attention to the need for some authority, either local bodies or the E.P.S., to have the power to order men to do specific tasks. The proposed regional controllers might be given authority in the direction desired. Mr Daniell said it would be desirable to obtain a list of all farmers who had belting, stationary engines, tractors with pulleys, etc., and also to ascertain what reserves of petrol would be available. In a letter read to the meeting from Mr Alex Morrison, the view was expressed that in each district sheepfarmers should get together and that a plan should be arranged to carry on farm work in the district. The interests of men serving in the military forces could also be looked after. Cooperation would be needed between the districts, the leaders of which could meet and discuss each others problems. The aim would be to pool the labour resources of the district. Mr Daniell said what was wanted was an occupational status list throughout the Army, so that men could be released for essential work. Key men should be kept on the farms. Mr J. McDonald said every young man should be trained for the Army. Men who had received sufficient training should be released to allow others to be trained. He did not think it was right that men should be continually appealed for and not' receive Army training. A committee was set up to confer with a committee from the Sheepowners’ Federation and prepare a report for presentation to the next meeting, in respect to arranging for a scheme regarding work on sheep farms.