ON THE BLOCK.
Ancient Custom Of Farm
Labour Auction.
WORKERS SCARCE IN FRANCE. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 10.30 a.m.) SAINT ETIENNE, December 26. The annual auction sale of farm labour was held here in accordance with ancient custom and illustrated forcibly France's labour shortage. Only a dozen farm labourers and shepherds were put on the block and there were eight bidders for every one offered. Girl shepherds, hardly over thirteen, brought 3000 francs (approximately £24) each for a year's labour, plus two new dresses. Adult farm hands brought from 4000 francs ( £32) to 5000 francs ( £40) with extra inducements. The auction presented the usual colourful scene. Tradition permits that every year, on the day after Christmas, farm workers who are dissatisfied with their jobs may try their luck in the market.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19281227.2.78
Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 306, 27 December 1928, Page 7
Word Count
133ON THE BLOCK. Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 306, 27 December 1928, Page 7
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