Farm Laborers Troubles.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2287, 4 March 1912, Page 6

Farm Laborers Troubles.

A NOVEL COMPLAINT. Farmer:; are t-omctimi-s given to comparing tbo bappy condition of the farm laborer to-day with those times wben food was of tbo coarsest kind and the rudest lodgings were uncomplainingly accepted. If there was any discontent in Iboso days, it certainly arose from very different circumstances than these which were responsible for two harvesters throwing up their job noar Asbburton recently. They were sent out by a labor agency and in about a week they returned, and if the story they told was correct, in another week they would have boon in a very emaciated condition. Tbo farm laborer is not an animal, and be is not incapable of appreciating refinement and cleanliness, but, when those are not coupled with »n ample food supply he plains very bitterly. At the /arm ro« ferrcd to the table was covered with fcho finest damask, sufficient cutlery for three men was supplied'each, the silver had a surface lika a mirror and the choicest flowers graced the table. It was all very nice, but the bread was so thin that ono of the men was prepared to wager that tbo lady of the house could split a £l>note. The cake was cut into little squares not much larger than dice, and tbo men rose from the table almost as hungry as they sat down. " Look at me," said the largest of the men to the Labor agent. "Do you think that one little chop would be sufficient for my breakfast ?" The agent took in as much of the huge bulk of flesh before him as ho could at a glance and, without changing his position, laughed his answer. Asked what they intended to do, they said that they intended first to seek out a bash-house and have a feed—tho first for a week. -" Asbburton Guardian."