WORKERS ON FARMS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22307, 22 January 1938, Page 14

WORKERS ON FARMS

SCALE OF WAGES TO BE PAID

Doubt seems to exist about details of wages payable under the Agricultural Workers Act for employees on agricultural, sheep, and dairy farms, according to a memorandum from the dfncer in charge of the Labour Department at Christchurch (Mr R. T. Bailey). From November 1, 1937. the weekly Tates are:—Workers under 17, 18s 6d; 17 but under 18, £1 4s; 18-19, £1 9s; 19-20, £1 14s 6d; 20-21. £1 19s 6d; over age of 21. £2 ss.

For casual workers the hourly rates are:—Harvesters, 2s an hour with rations: other workers. Is 8d if found, otherwise 2s; youths up to 18 years, Is found, otherwise Is 3d. The daily rates for casuals are:—Found. 13s 4d, otherwise 16s; youths to 18 years. 8s found, otherwise 10s. Harvesters are not specified in these weekly rates.

STEADY DEMAND FOR FARM LABOUR

REPORT OF PLACEMENT OFFICER

There has been a steady demand this week for farm labour of all descriptions, according to the report of the Placement Officer. Experienced teamsters have been much sought after, and though several placements have been made, there are still vacancies to be filled. There has been no difficulty in answering the calls for general farm workers. With the harvesting work now in progress it is anticipated that there should be a good call for labour at an early date. All requests from mill owners and farmers for seasonal workers have been met, and the Placement Officer said yesterday that he did not anticipate any difficulty in filling all demands. Several threshing mills have already booked the labour they require, although the men will not be required until about the end of thp month. Those who require this class of labour are asked to nominate the number of men they require so that there will be no delays in obtaining the men.

There has been no special caJU-"ft>f tradesmen, but—.there are positions vacant on the West Coast for carpenters, which should last for some time.

Since the break during the .holidays there has been- more activity in the youth campaign, especially with adult tpprenti.es to the building trade. Since the inception of this campaign 69 young men, from 18 to 25 years old, have been placed in positions with good prospects. This number includes 34 placed under the Government subsidy scheme relating to carpentering, joinery, and bricklaying trades.

Positions were found for 40 men during the week. Nineteen were permanent placements, and 21 were temporary