FARM LABOUR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 25, 9 November 1940, Page 2

FARM LABOUR

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY.

REVIEW BY THE MINISTER. (Per Press Association'/. WELLINGTON, November 8. “If over the farm labour problem has been honestly tackled by a Government, it has been so dealt with by Labour (the Hon. P. Cf. Webb) in a review of the farm labour position throughout New Zealand. “This season has been particularly difficult because, in spite of all the man-power committees have done, thousands of farm workers have gone into the military forces. The withdrawal of these men from industry has intensified the problem of meeting the demand for farm workers. Much has been done to meet the abnormal situation .

“Although we do not claim to have solved all the problems, it can bo claimed that the Government has adopted new measures to ensure that farmers get the necessary labour to maintain the production which js an essentia] 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 to local bodies employing Scheme No. 13 labour. In the past, application had to he made through the State placement officer, who had to be communicate with the local body, and this meant a certain amount of delay.” Some of the other measures the Government had taken were outlined by Mr Webb. “What is known as scheme 4F provides for subsidies to farmers who employ less experienced men,” he said. “The subsidy is 30s a week jor the first six months, and 15s a week for the second half-year. By that subsidy we have encouraged the employment of more than 800 men whom farmers would not. otherwise have employed. Providing Accommod'ati'on.

“Then wo have 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 have been provided through the facilities given by the Government. Further applications are being received, which will be dealt with expeditiously. In addition, there is the farm housing scheme, under which farmers can obtain financial assistance. An other point is that to encourage the employment of married men an allowance of £1 a week is paid to men separated fi'om their families. More than 100 men are receiving this allowance in cases where married quarters are not available.” The Minister also referred to the assistance given to farmers under what was known, as scheme No. 48, which aims at the development and improvement of farm lands. Assistance is available up to 75 per cent, of the labour cost for land clearing, drainage, subdivisional fencing, top-dressing of difficult country, etc. 4 “During the last 18 months,” said Mr Webb, “about 138,000 acres have beep, cleared. In addition, 1222 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 men employed against more than 4000 men six months ago. This reduction arises from the diversion of a great number of men to ordinary farm work.

Other Types of Assistance. “I must also mention the assistance which the Public Works Department has been able to give farmers in developing farm lands with heavy machinery. War-time needs have prevented us from .doing all wte wanted to do, but farmers on the West Coast and in the King Country aye thankful for this kind of assistance. “Every farmer knows about the operations 1 of the State Placement Service and the benefits it has brought to them. It has playied! a prominent part in the difficult problem of filling farm vacancies. The big majority of vacancies was in the. North Island, but the placement service has transferred many mem from the South Island, where plenty of labour was available. While there is still a considerable demand for farm labour of certain types, the vacancies recorded with the placement service have dropped considerably during recent weeks. “The Government is ready at all times to do everything possible to help farmers,” he; said l . “Although considerable success has been achieved in providing farm labour, farmers cam rest assured that the Government will not relax ifs effort.”