SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20270, 12 August 1937, Page 2

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE

DEMAND FOR FARM LABOUR PLACEMENT OFFICER’B VIEWS. EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT SCHEME. Although the position in regard to the successful operation of the State subsidy plan for farmers employing labour was rather acute a few days ago, the difficulties have been alleviated since, according to a statement made by the State Placement Officer in Hamilton, Mr J. D. Hislop, yesterday. Only six applications, four of which were from Hamilton, were received at Auckland during the first week of the plan. Since that date the office in Hamilton has received a substantial increase in tho numbers and last week was the busiest experienced by the service. Government placements amounted to 62, while private placements were 47. The previous week private placements amounted to 58, the greatest number so far, while in the Government division 3i positions were found. Through making application to the nearest certifying officer, farmers may have their requirements for eligible youths and single men between the ages of 18 and 25, filled. Farmers employing such labour are to pay rates of remuneration laid down in the Agricultural Workers’ Act. in addition to accommodation. Employers may claim reimbursement am<sunting to 17s Gd a week in the case of youths of 18 and 19 years of age. and £1 per week in the case of men of 20 years and under 26. Suitable Men Lacking. The difficulties which arose during the first week of the operation of the plan were mainly through the shortage of application forms, but people inquiring for them have now been supplied and the demand for labour is even greater, said Mr Hislop. The farmers were incessantly inquiring for youths and it had been found necessary to go further afield for their requirements as there were no suitable single men in the Hamilton district. Most of the applications were being filled from AucklandIn the future* said Mr Hislop, the question will be how to obtain the most suitable types of young men. Tho types required are those who will stay on the land. “Although there will be a number of failures,” he continued, “it is hoped that a sufficient number will prove adaptable, in order to alleviate any shortage that may occur.” In Auckland, according to a recent, statement, there appears to he plenty of jingle men available, who are suitable and willing to lake on farm work. If the farmer would show himself to be tolerant and patient there was no doubt the youths would be of sufficient Intellect to learn the business of farming. The man on the land was demanding experienced labour, and In Hamilton 80 applications of that type had been received. In Auckland the requirements were not so heavy and It was possible to keep pace with the demand. Beoomlng Difficult. Mr Hislop said rt was becoming difficult in the Hamilton area to secure physically fit married men for subsidised works. Throughout the district the majority of the men were being absorbed in some undertaking or other. Difficulty was being experienced in obtaining youths of 18 and 19 years of age, owing to the great number entering on other industrial careers, and farmers are advised by the department to that effect. However, there appeared to he a fair supply for the 4F scheme, that was men ranging in age from 20 to 25 years. As the department paid the subsidies it was expected, but not imperative, that the farmers paid the raii fare from Auckland to the nearest station.