LABOUR EASIER TO OBTAIN

Press, Volume C, Issue 29553, 30 June 1961, Page 16

LABOUR EASIER TO OBTAIN

Nassella Gangs Increase Fewer men were leaving the grubbing gangs of the North Canterbury Nassella Tussock Board and replacements were easier to obtain, the board was told at its meeting at Waipara yesterday. At present the labour supply was better than for some considerable time, the secre-tary-manager (Mr. F. J. Foley! reported. Three gangs were being accommodated at Balmoral, two at Waiau. one at Scargill, and one at Cheviot. and if numbers continued to grow there might be two gangs at the Waipara hostel. Ranging staff was now at the full strength of 13. With 16 inspectors and rangers, and eight gangs operating, all vehicles were being used, as well as two private ears. More utility vehicles seemed vitally necessary as soon as authority was received from the Minister of Agriculture. One utility vehicle had been converted at Waiau by a young member of the grub- ■ bing gang and damaged. The ■ offender had appeared in the I Children’s Court. Repairs to the vehicle would cost about ' £ 100. and it was al present off the road.

The personnel officer now went to Christchurch each Wednesday *o interview prospective employees. Authority had been received from the .Minister for a runabout truck costing £llOO to be bought for the personnel officer.

Hours worked by the grabbling gangs from April 1 to June 21 total 10.287, of which 166 were worked in the Kowai County. 629.5 in Waipara. 2159 in Amuri, and 1667 in Cheviot. The total includes 1481 hours’ travelling time and 1232 hours lost through wet conditions and holidays. Rangers spent up to May 31. 198 hours in Kowai. 1506 in Waipara. 899 in Amuri, and 932 in Cheviot.