THE FARM WORKER

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 11, 7 October 1927, Page 12

THE FARM WORKER

Sir, —Various people have written to your paper or had their views otherwise printed concerning the hard lot of many of our farmers. Perhaps one of the contributing causes is false economy in connection with their men. I should like to suggest that if workers’ hours, wages, and general living conditions were improved, better, men would be attracted from the towns, and we who are already in the country, having had an interest taken in us, might take more interest in our work.

Perhaps- it is not realised that for three months of the year shepherds work seven days a week, for £2 a week and found, worth about £3 all told. Is it generally known that besides, say, £4O worth of dogs, a shepherd has to supply a saddle and bridle for daily use in his employer’s interests ? Perhaps the average man does not know that for six months in a year there are thousands of men working 10-14 hours every day of the week for 355. per week and found on dairyfarms. Is it necessary that to get what casual hands—shearers—have in the wav of baths, bedrooms, lighting, and food we must strike or form a Red. Fed. Union? Cannot the Government do something for us without being forced to do so? Thanking you for the space accorded. —I am, etc., SHEPHERD. Masterton, October 2.