LACK OF FARM LABOUR

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

LACK OF FARM LABOUR

GOVERNMENT'S ATTEMPTS TO MEET PROBLEM RELIEF WORKERS TRANSFERRED (PRESS ASSOCIATION TBLIGBAM.) WELLINGTON, January 21. In a statement to-day, the Minister for Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) claims that the Government has done a great deal more than is generally appreciated in meeting the demand for farm labour. A central register had been arranged of persons listed as available for, and willing to accept, farm work, and a complete system of co-ordina-tion between placement offices and employment bureaux had been organised, whereby farm labour requirements could be met with a minimum of delay, he said. In those cases where experienced men were not available, farmers were encouraged to take on unexperienced men. and in such cases were assisted by the payment of a subsidy on wages while the men were being trained. Referring to single men who had refused to accept farm employment, the Minister said a firm' stand had been taken and relief denied while faim work was offering. As a result of the action taken, nearly 1000 men had gone off relief in the North Island alone. 240 of whom had been transferred to farms.