FARM LABOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 119, 23 May 1938, Page 10

FARM LABOUR.

SEASONAL DEMAND. CENTRALISATION SCHEME. EXTENSION DECIDED ON. (From Our Correspondent.) WELLINGTON", Saturday. According to an announcement bv the Minister of Labour, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, the farm labour centralisation plan, which was inaugurated last year, but was restricted in its application to the North Island, is to be extended this year to both islands. The Minister said that, by means of this scheme, available labour was directed last season to the source of demand, thus avoiding a surplus in one district and a contemporaneous shortage in another district. The Minister said that farmers desiring labour during the forthcoming season were strongly advised to notify the nearest placement office or certifying officer of their requirements, giving the fullest information in regard to wages, accommodation, duties, plant to be operated, duration of engagement, locality, agelimit, whether single or married men preferred and, if the latter, the number of children acceptable and for whom accommodation is available. Upon a request to any placement officer or certifying officer, a form of application for farm labour would be supplied. This form included all the information necessary to guide the selection of candidates. _ "A little thought will lead to the realisation that only by knowing the full facts in relation to a . particular farm job can the most suitable available man be selected, and satisfactory selection will go a very long way toward ensuring a more valuable and harmonious association between employer and worker," said Mr. Armstrong. "The placement officers will do their utmost to supply suitable workers, but are seriously handicapped if they do not know the details of the work required and of living conditions. "To those farmers who are prepared to employ physically fit but inexperienced single youths and men between 18 and 25 years, the Government offers a subsidy of 17/6 and £1 respectively, but the minimum period of engagement is six months. Another condition M| that the worker shall be trained solely in farm work upon the employer's own property. Full details of this plan can be obtained upon application to any employment bureau. "As was the case last year, every registered single man who is physically fit for farm work, even although he be inexperienced in that occupation, will be required to accept offered work of thi* nature, and it is hoped that, in their own interests, farmers will cooperate with the Government with a view to meeting the seasonal .demand."