WAGES OF DAIRY WORKERS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21867, 21 August 1936, Page 15

WAGES OF DAIRY WORKERS

CftmCISM OF RECENT LEGISLATION DECREASE IN PRODUCTION PREDICTED ( . [THE PRESS Special Service.] DUNEDIN, August 20. “That this executive considers that the scale of wages and conditions for dairy-farm workers, as set out in th e act, will make the dairy farmers’ position (in spite of the guaranteed price) a much less isatisfactory one than under the' previous working conditions with the open market and, in our opinion, will have a tendency to lea to the increased use of the farmer s wife and children, ultimately leading to reduced production,” was a resolution approved by the provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers Union this afternoon.

“While I welcome any attempt made by the Government to improve the conditions under which dairy-farm workers have to live, I am convinced that the scale of wages set is higher than the industry can stand at present,” said Mr W. Lee, in presenting the motion. “It sets out the ideal which all of us would like to see reached, but we have to face facts as they are to-day, not as they may be 10 years hence. I know of some farmers who candidly admit that they will have to dispense with good employees, because they cannot pay the scale oi wages as fixed by the act. I feel that prnv sion for four week’s holiday on full pay pltis half board a'lowance will only cause irritation to many dairy farmers who are at present treating their men as liberally as possible.” The motion was seconded by Mr E. J. Iversen. “While many dairy-farm workers are just as bright as any other workers in industry, it must be admitted.” he said, “that through inability to get a brighter type of lad. the dairy farmer irutne past has been a dumping ground for slow and backward boys. These lads, in many cases, are good workers under ’ supervision, but they could not make good at any other type of occupation. I feel that this class of labour will be dumped on the open market and will go to swell the present Unemployment problem.”

Mr C. R. Sheat took strong exception to a minimum wage of 17s 6d a week (and found) for lads of 17 years. Many lads were worth it, but others were not. In the city boys began at 15s a week and had to “find” themselves. He congratulated the Government upon not interfering with dairy farm workers’ hours.