LADS FOR FARMS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 41, 28 November 1940, Page 6

LADS FOR FARMS

SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT.

MINISTER STATES CONDITIONS WAGES AND ACCOMMODATION. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, This Day. The conditions under which schoolboys may be employed on seasonal work on farms during the midsummer holidays was outlined by the Minister of Labour the Hon. P. C. Webb) in a statement to-day, when he referred to the keenness of schoolboys to play an effective part in the national war < ff* rt by this means. The (Government, through the Employment Division and placement officers in various centres, had agreed that everything possible should be done to give these lads an opportunity to help in the war effort. This would tie pu>moted by youth centres at Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, and placement offices elsewhere. Youths were now enrolling and farmers were being approached with a view to ascertaining their requirements.

‘ ‘The youths will he employed i pon the conditions and wages based on the Agricultural Workers Act,” said Mr Webb, “and every reasonable precaution will be taken to ensure that only those who appear physically suitable will be sent forward. The legislative provision prohibiting farm empbyment of any under 15 years of age will be rigidly adhered to. In addition attention will be paid t(> the standard of accommodation and meal arrangements proposed, because for most of the lads this will bo their first employment and their first absence from home under employment conditions.” 'Pointing out that the wages specified under the Act range from £1 Weekly for dairying woirk and 18s 6d weekly for pastoral and other farm work for boys from 15 to 17 years of age. to 52s 6d and 45s weekly respectively for men 21 years or over, Mr Webb said that board and lodging or the cash equivalent in lieu thereof is to be provided. Preference will be given where lads will be accommodated and meals provided in the home. Special rates are provided for casual workers. : The Minister urged farmers desiring the services of youths during the holidays to communicate immediately with the Youth Centre at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or the Placement Officer at the Social Security Office in other towns. He stressed his wish that no farmer ask any lad to a task too heavy or too sustained for his years.