FARMERS CONFER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21206, 31 August 1940, Page 9

FARMERS CONFER

PRODUCTION PROBLEMS SHORTAGE OF LABOUR HAIRINI ENTERPRISE (Special to Times) TE AWAMUTU, Friday Representatives of committees interested in increased production met in conference at Te Awamutu yesterday, Mr A. S. Wyllie, president of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union, presiding. In opening the business, Mr Wyllie gave an outline of the scheme and suggested that a chairman and secretary and executive be appointed to operate under the Primary Production Council, which had headquarters at Hamilton. Mr Wyllie was appointed chairman and Mr S. A. Ammon secretary, the latter to act with Mr C. J. Flay, secretary of the Farmers’ Union, which had initiated the district committee scheme.

Mr W. J. Hodgson reported that Messrs C. S. Alexander, S. A. Ammon and he had interviewed officials in Hamilton and they had come to the conclusion that there was a definite shortage of farm labour and that hutments were not available. The Placement Service was doing its utmost and had scoured the country for single men. even bringing some from the South Island. A number of married men were available provided that there was a possibility of getting accommodation on the farms within a reasonable time. It was expected that the output of huts would be increased and arrears overtaken within two months. The committee inquired into the question of payment of the subsidies on 4B contracts but there appeared to be little chance of speeding up the payment owing to staff conditions and petrol restrictions. It would appear that reports and information given in the initial stages had been over-optimistic and, in some cases, not clear.

Lack of Permanent Work With regard to labour, a considerable amount of the responsibility rested on the farmer-employer for the reason that there was the failure to provide permanent employment for the whole year, with the result that no regard was given to necessity of the men having to find employment for the off period. The men had no other course but to seek employment which gave a full year’s work. As to married and single farm labour, there was definitely a case for the Government to answer in regard to the industry’s ability to pay competitive wages. The problem would become more acute as the war went on and urgent stock must be taken of the position. Mr Alexander gave it as his impression that farmers could not rely on getting labour from the. Social Security branch at Hamilton. Men available at the outset had been quickly taken for other purposes. There appeared to be justification for the statement that farmers sought only seasonal labour and expected later to be able to re-employ the men. He considered that thd whole question of farm labour and accommodation was in a chaotic state and there was a call for emancipation from red-tape. That departmental officials were doing their best but that there was delay between the various departments, was the opinion of Mr Ammon. He understood that £ISOO was being paid out for subsidies at Hamilton.

Mr W. McGill mentioned the Korakonui-Cross Roads Committee’s recommendation that the unimproved portion of the Waikeria block should be cut up for closer settlement, which would increase production. It was stated that an offer to break up and put in grass the area at £2 10s per acre had been declined by the department, yet it would not allow others to use the land. It was decided to press for an area of this land being made available for_ closer settlement.

Mr Hopping reported for the Te Kawa Committee, which advocated that blackberry should be tackled in the same way as ragwort. In this he was supported by Mr C. S. Alexander, who mentioned that the Waipa County Council had proved the efficacy of spraying both ragwort and blackberry. It was decided to take up the matter with the Waipa and Otorohanga County Councils. Scheme At Hairini The proposal for improved drainage was dealt with by Mr Ammon, who stated that efforts were being made to obtain the use of a bulldozer to clear 200 acres of land in the Hairini area, and this would be followed by a rotary hoe and tractor. The work would be done by contract, several farmers combining to ensure full time to the contractor. It was proposed also to form a gang of men under scheme 13. There was practically an agreement between the drainage boards, but the failure of the department to get enabling legislation allowing the boards to rate for detriment as well as for benefit, as obtains in the Taupiri area, caused the delay. Crown land at Kairangi would be probably liable for the detriment rate, and that probably accounted for the department’s attitude.

It was decided to give support to the scheme, members congratulating the Hairini committee on its enterprise.