FARM LABOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 280, 26 November 1938, Page 13

FARM LABOUR.

EASING THE PROBLEM. P.W.D. MEN AVAILABLE. POSITION IN NORTH AUCKLAND (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) WHAN'IiARKI. this day. There would he difficulty in tlie way of clas-i licat ion of farm labour. Mr. ■T. Ban-lay. M.l'., told Whanjrarei farmer- yesterday. A memher raised the i|uestion at the meeting of the YVlianuaiei branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. The only way to classify farm workers would lie by the employer, said Mr. Barclay. Different employers had different opinions. It was possible to secure a permit t > employ a physically handicapped man below the award rate, l-.very step taken by the Minister of Labour on the farm labour question liad been taken only after consultation with the representatives of the Farmers' I niou in Wellington and with their approval. Mr. Barclay added that men employed on public works in the Whan.tiarei district would be available for seasonal (arm labour this summer.

'I lie meeting carried a remit expressing appreciation of the action of the Minister of I'ublic Works, the Hon. R. Scinple. in making men available in this manner, and asking that in view of the general shortage of farm labour, tlie scheme be expedited.

"If there is a gang of Public Works men within easy reach of your farm by car, you can get them."' said Mr. Barclay. The Department could not dis- < barge men for the farmer's convenience and have them hanging about the town, but they could be secured when wanted, provided they were paid by the farmer from the time they left the Public Works job.