SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR
IMMIGRATION POLICY SUGGESTED
A remit that, because of the shortage of labour in almost every industry in New Zealand, the Government be asked to introduce a policy to bring suitable immigrants to the country as soon as possible was received from the Akaroa branch at a meeting yesterday of the North Canterbury provincial executive of Federated Farmers of New Zealand.
In support of the remit. Mr R. Bruce said that there was nothing in sight to lead farmers to believe that the labour position would improve. “Unless we are willing to pay more than city rates of wages there is no response to efforts to get help on the farms,” Mr Bruce said.
“A farmer has to keep 600 lambs to employ two men for a year,” said Mr I. L. M. Coop. “Unless we can get higher prices I don’t see how we-can ppy higher wages. Until the 40-hour week has been in operation for at least a year we won’t know where we stand, and it would not be wise to bring immigrants to the country if we can’t find jobs for them.” Mr Coop added that if an immigration policy was introduced it was essential that it be classified. The remit was carried
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24882, 23 May 1946, Page 6
Word Count
210SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24882, 23 May 1946, Page 6
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