CHILDREN GIVE THEIR HELP

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 13331, 18 December 1943, Page 2

CHILDREN GIVE THEIR HELP

VEGETABLE PICKING AT STATE GARDENS •

Fine Effort by School Pupils

Work Gives Satisfaction

Recently the supply of vegetables at the State garden at Otumoetai became greater that the permanent staff could conveniently handle. A supply of surplus labour was required urgently and an appeal was made to the Tauranga District High School,

Although a large number of boys are already doing seasonal work on farms the response was most satisfactory, i Pupils were conveyed to the garden in covered lorries under the charge of a teacher. In every case a teacher or other adult was seated at the rear of each lorry. For the morning sessions milk was taken out for each child.

Except for the first day the children worked either in the morning or the afternoon only, the actual picking time being about two and a half hours.

The pupils’ work gave every satisfaction to the supervisor. The children worked at piece work rates, a penny a lb. As payment has to be made from Auckland a slight delay takes place, but payment for the first two days' work is being made at present.

The total weight of peas picked was 82541 b. and of beans 26201 b. The effort was well worth while. Had the vegetables been gathered by the permanent staff neglect of other essential work would have taken place. In such undertakings seasonal labour is essential and it is fortunate that the children were able to give assistance.

An effort is being made to send out parties during the holidays as required.