FARM HAND SHORTAGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20638, 19 August 1941, Page 8

FARM HAND SHORTAGE

SHEARING PROSPECTS POSITION IN GISBORNE There is a definite shortage of farm hands in the Gisborne district at present, and insufficient shearers to cut out the work during the usual time during the coming shearing season is a prospect that will have to be borne in mind by flockowr.ers. In regard to ordinary farm workers, the State placement officer in Gisborne, Mr. P. Hockley, stated to-day that at present he did not have a farm hand on the books, and fanners were requiring all types of farm and station workers. So far he did not know what the position would be in regard to shearers, but if the position of other types of farm and station workers was any. guide there would be a shortage in that respect also. It is not known yet whether there will be any demand for early shearing this year, with a possibility of early appraisements, but if there is likely to be a shortage of shearers some of the flock-owners may decide to make an early start. Last season early appraisements were held with a view to securing quick shipment of wool to the United Kingdom, and the first of the season’s series was held on October 24, about five weeks before the usual date for the opening series of Napier wool sales before the war. Unless wool is especially wanted for early shipment this year, Gisborne brokers do not expect such an early start this time, and believe that the valuations may not open here until mid-November, although no indication has been received from the Government yet to support this expectation. One point Which might delay the opening of the appraisement Season is the existence of a certain amount of wool irt store. There was no holdover wool at the start of the shearing last year, but a little remains on hand at present, and while this supply is available there would be little gained by early appraisement, unless thefe was a considerable easing in the shipping position.