FARM WORKERS’ WAGES
Sir, —From Mr Bailey's statement yesterday several points emerge for consideration. If it is the practice of the Labour Department to permit a charge for accommodation, many married farm workers may be charged rent against both the spirit and the letter of the law. A “reasonable rate” for the average cottage would be 10s a week. “Board” implies cooked food on the table. From his 20s board allowance; the worker would, according to Mr Bailey, pay 2s 6d tax. and 10s rent, leaving 7s 6d to provide foodstuffs, fuel, cooking utensils, and kitchen furniture! Perquisites could not be charged for. Like the extra time worked throughout the year, perquisites have always been, and must remain, merely a medium of appreciation. The Labour Department’s interpretation of the Agricultural Workers’ Act—that farm workers are liable for rent —has not yet been substantiated, Mr Bailey is chary of his evidence. —Yours, etc., D. ROBERTSON. Rakaia, September 17, 1942.
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Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23748, 21 September 1942, Page 6
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158FARM WORKERS’ WAGES Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23748, 21 September 1942, Page 6
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