SHEARERS WANTED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 308, 5 October 1940, Page 6

SHEARERS WANTED

ASSISTING WAR EFFORT. SHORTAGE IN MID-CANTERBURY. PROVISION FOR LEARNERS. There is a shortage of shearers in Mid-Canterbury. Yesterday afternoon representatiA-es of fanners’ organisations- met- Messrs J. B. Pearson and H. M. Blazey, of the National Service Department to discuss methods by Avhich the production of this season’s clip could be assisted. The shortage lias arisen partly because Australian shearers Avill not be available this year, as so many are abroad on active service. It Avas stated at the conference that skilled shearers Avould not be called up for military service this season. The number of sheep shorn in the Ashburton district last season Avas over 900,000 and required from 80 to 100 men, the Avork being spread over 14 Aveeks betAveen NoA'ember and January. Records held in the State Placement Office regarding shearers on subsidised and Public Works Department jobs slioav that, there are approximately 30 men available, although it is considered that there are more in the district. Appeal to Farmers. To get over the difficulty it is suggested that farmers avlio have not yet arranged for shearers should get into touch with the State Placement Office, Ashburton, giving particulars of their requirements, the dates of starting, shearing, etc. Men avlio have already entered into agreements with farmers are asked to notify the State Placement Office, as to when they will be available for further Avork. Shearers Avorking on Public Works are listed in the State Placement Office, the “Guardian” Avas informed, and they Avill be released immediately to take up shearing. The Government’s attitude toAvard seasonal Avork is that full co-operation between farmers, shearers and the State Placement Office should be brought about. Tuition at School. Last year the Ashburton Technical High School trained 12 youths in shearing and all of them Avorked in various sheds in the latter part of the season. This year as many men as possible are required. There is saidtto be some difficulty in securing dry sheep for training Avork at the school. HoAvever if they are made available to learners, a youth Avill be able to shear upwards of 60 sheep after three Aveeks’ tuition. Some men Avith special aptitude can get through 150 sheep a day, at the end of the year.. Meantime offers of sheep will be Avelcomed by the headmaster of the Ashburton Technical High (School (Mr W. CraAvford).