PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22637, 16 February 1939, Page 8

PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS

TO TKB SDITOI OF Til PXBSS Sir, —Your correspondent “Jack Hammer” shows a remarkable ignorance of Workers’ Union affairs in his own district. His disgruntled attitude could result only from much brooding and distorted thinking. I assume that “Jack Hammer” really is a piember of this local branch of the union. (A nom-de-plume, like a fur coat, may camouflage an old profession.) It can be taken for granted, also, that he is a non-active member, otherwise he would know that monthly meetings are held, at which complaints (comparatively few of these) are dealt with and, in most cases, amicably settled, locally. Writing as an ordinary mehibcr, I hold no brief for the organiser; and I know that wages and certain conditions of labour and compensation could be greatly improved; but I have yet to learn of “sweated labour” conditions. as implied by your correspondent, in this district, Oaro. I admit that the. average contract earthworker may expend more physical energy than the average tradesman; but I contend that the same earthworker, ovqr any six-monthly period, has received higher wages than the tradesmen.—Yours, etc., D. ROBERTSON. February 14, 1939.

TO TUB EDITOR OF THI TRESS Sir, —“.Tack Hammer” states that discontent is rife bn this section. This, I may say, is only mildly stating the case, as anyone who wishes to interview the numerous co-operative parties can find out. The Hon. R. Semple has been in this locality twice of late; but never once has he asked what conditions the men are working under, or what wages are earned. Has he forgotten his own working day, when I knew him as a fighter for the worker? The Minister has only to inspect the names on the •payroll to see how many of his skilled artisans and other workers have left and are leaving to take other positions where they are not subjected to so much pinpricking. This is only one reason for the discontent which is rife at present, but this alone must have a detrimental effect on the progress of his major undertakings. “Jack Hammer” quotes the Workers’ Union. We must partly blame ourselves, as we do not give the support this cause warrants, even though we are disheartened by the absence for months on end of the organiser or other paid officials. But I suggest thSt we do not give up hope, “United we stand, divided we fall.” The Minister, if he wishes to regain the confidence of his men on this 30b, should once again inspect this line in the interests of his employees. This would automatically aid progress and strengthen belief in the Labour Government. —Yours, etc., HAMMER AND TAP. Puketa, February 14, 1939.

FARM LABOUR SHORTAGE TO TH» BDITOK OF TH« PIII»S Sir, —Recently a letter signed "Bruce” appeared in “The Press. i am sure numerous farmers will gladly endorse it, as it Just meets the position of the overburdened farmers of to-day. I sent in a similar letter just after the General Election, as I could see that the farmer would need protection, and at once. ■ , _ ~ Unity is strength; and I would suggest that the farmers form a branch of the Farmers’ Union in every district, sending a representative to the large centres, and thus holding their own against the unjust treatment of the Government. The importers and doctors are not taking their troubles lying down, and in my opinion they will get concessions and consideration, because they demand them. So with the workers in factories, freezing works, shops, etc. They all make their demands. * Why dp not farmers take a stand and get sometlajng in return for their hard work and isolatton-? '_As I remarked in a previous lettpr, they deserv’e compensation and not taxation; and I trust that they will soon have a strong Farmers’ Union, not to be unreasonable and upset the' country but to protect themselves, so that they can produce at a payable figure instead of at a loss. This is the way to set the ball rolling to prosperity for all.—Yours, etc.. JUSTICE. Ashburton, February 14, 1939.

TO THE EDITOR Or THE PRESS Sir, —Really, this evergreen problem of domestic help is almost laughable. I have employed girls, some of them town girls, who were willing to turn their hands to anything. Of course, 1 never made the mistake of asking the very young or the obviously inexperienced lass to clean out the flues of my range or to tackle a family wash. In my experience, I have never had a girl refuse to perform willingly any task allotted to har; and often I have had extra service given unasked. One young girl dug and raked my flower garden, in addition to performing her usual tasks; and also she made me a frock. Of course, the farmer’s wife must be reasonable, and see that the girl gets her sacred half day oft and her Sunday holiday, and must also see that the weekly or fortnightly remuneration is at hand at the right moment. ' One can only believe that our friend whose maids refused to clean ranges and to tackle washing left herself open to a certain amount of “cheek.” Girls will not answer back if treated aright. —Yours, etc., „„„ UNHARRIED FARMER’S WIFE. Rangiora, February 15, 1939.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE PEES* • Sir,—l think “Pot Luck” lets us employers down badly, in his unkindly outburst. I would that women of to-day, farmers’ wives in particular, did not lower their dignity as they do. Very often one finds them spending half-hours at the telephone, discussing “My maid” or “My gel, with the house assistant within hearing. I feel that the young lady who helps me in my home is always willing to do her share with me and I have never had one speak to me as "Pot Luck” complains. I do know farmers’ wives who merely want help so as to free themselves to attend everything that is on in their district. Some farmers’ wives never miss their union or institute meeting, bridge parties, drama, etc., while their assistant is going at top speed from 6 o’clock in the morning until very often, she is requested to wait up and serve supper. And may I suggest “Miss Jones" instead of “Susy” to "Pot Luck”? After all, other assistants get this mere courtesy title. I appeal to sister-farmers’ wives to set a good standard for the best of women, house assistants. —Yours, etc., GLORIA. Rangiora, February 13, 1939. ["Ploughman,” who opened this correspondence, may reply if he wishes. Otherwise it is closed.—Ed,, "The Press."}