NEW LABOUR LAWS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 203, 25 May 1936, Page 12

NEW LABOUR LAWS

Wheat Farmers’ Attitude

“AFRAID OF OUTLOOK”

Dominion’ Special Service.

Dunedin, May 23.

It is apparent from the present attitude of farmers in the South Island that there will be a good deal less cropping next season than in previous years. It is already realised that there will be a smaller area sown down in autumn wheat. The cause of the attitude of the farmers, it is stated, is that they are afraid of the results of the labour laws being introduced by the Government. They anticipate that under these laws they will have the greatest difficulty in securing labour, even if a farm labourer receives a higher wage. It is considered that the temptation to take employment on public works or in similar avenues of employment will prove so great that the farm labour market will be severely drawn o n. If this trend should prove correct it may have a serious effect on the growing of cereals. And if, in addition. tlie growing of turnips in the South Island is also affected the position will lie considerably worse because it will be impossible to carry as many sheep as previously on the farms. Recent Government statistics show that the past season's wheat crops have yielded exceptionally well. In some quarters it is considered that the average wheat returns per acre in New Zealand constitute a world's record. The average yield for the past season is 39.02 bushels per acre (interim return) as against 26.32 bushels last season (final return). The figures show that there will be ample stocks of wheat for the requirements of the Dominion, and that, consequently there will be no necessity to import.