WAGES ON DAIRY FARMS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 45, 17 November 1936, Page 8

WAGES ON DAIRY FARMS

Response to New Law MINISTER EXPRESSES APPRECIATION “I must express appreciation of the ■manner in which dairy-farmers generally have received the new legislation affecting the wages and conditions of workers on farms,” said the Minister of Labour, Hon. H. T. Armstrong, yesterday, in an interview. “The majority have accepted the provisions of the law in the right spirit and have made no. complaint at all,” continued Mr. Armstrong. “Some of them, in fact, actually are paying higher wages than the rates stipulated, and many have improved living conditions for their employees. They recognise that contented workers as a rule give the best service. It would be wrong on my part not to express my appreciation of their reception of legislation which some critics held to bo too drastic.”

“There still is some difference of opinion, however, In respect of holidays for dairy-farm workers. Provision is made, of course, for granting holidays at a time most convenient to the employers, either by giving a day off now ai}d again or by allowing the requisite number of holidays at one period. It is largely a question of arrangement. Several farmers have suggested that the time between milkings should be considered in the computation of holidays, but it would not be reasonable to agree to that argument. In the main, however, the majority of dairy-farmers throughout New Zealand have accepted the new conditions without any demur, and, as I have said, are giving more and doing more for their employees than the amended law provides.” The Minister will broadcast a talk to farmers from 2YA on Thursday night. His views on industrial legislation as affecting farmers and agricultural workers generally will be rebroadcast from the other principal radio star tions.