FARM WORKERS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24614, 10 July 1945, Page 2

FARM WORKERS

Sir,—l notice letters in "The Press" from farm labourers desiring a few half-days a year to call their own; and no wonder. If the farmer would give a few minutes fair thought to the lot of his married man, he surely would realise that 26 (at least) Saturday afternoons would be of far greater value to the labourer than loss to himself. He, too, would benefit in the long run by a more contented man on his farm. It seems these workers are supposed to possess a power all their own to be able to milk, etc., before and after an eight to nine-hour day's work and still find time and energy for their other work—garden, chop wood, family shoe .-epairs, etc. Wives with young families have no time for outside work. Some farmers apparently think that a few shillings above award puts all this right.—Yours, etc., OTHERWISE CONTENTED FARM LABOURER'S WIFE. July 6, 1945. Sir,—lt is a metter of genuine surprise to me that farmers in general do not take the shortage of experienced farm labour seriously; in fact, I do not recollect reading in your reports of Farmers' Union meetings in the province any mention of the matter. One farmer with whom I discussed the matter stated that the position would right itself when our men return from overseas, but this is not so, as those of them who wish to go on land will be taking it on as farmers. The few skilled farm workers who remain are there by reason of that inestimable love of the land which is stronger than the urge to go to the city to better living conditions and pay. 1 could suggest some workable improvements to make farm life more attractive, but space will not permit. —Yours, 6tc, _^ METHVEN FARM WORKER. July 9. 1945.