SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1789, 7 December 1936, Page 4

SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR

/ MATAMATA DISCUSSION Meeting With Hon. H. Armstrong

Explaining the effort which had been made to get the Hon. H. T. Armstrong to visit the Matamata district, Mr. D. B. Higgini mentioned that after arrangements had been made for the visit, he had received a long telegram from the Minister regretting that owing to' an urgent call to Wellington he would be unable to fulfil the engagement. However, Mr. Higgins said that he had seen the Minister of Labour in Hamilton and had had a go«d chat with him.

Regarding the need for accommodation it had been pointed out that the onus of providing such accommodation was placed on farmers and on no other business, and that houses should be built for farm workers so they could have their own homes as was done in other countries. Further, it was suggested that untrained workers on the land might be subsidised for a while. The Minister had replied expressing his thanks for the suggestions, and stating that he would make full inquiries into the proposals. Messrs. H. Rollett and F. C. Bush stated that some time ago a casual worker, who was a handy man, had been resident in the Peria district and had got more work than he could handle. ;

Referring to the meeting, Mr. Higgins said that he had given instances of a man milking 80 cows and of another where a wife and two girts were left to milk 108 cows. Mr. Armstrong had been impressed with the representations made and had admitted that the guaranteed price as set was not sufficient to cover all costs. The Minister had stated that largely the troubles were the legacy left to them, and this farmers admitted. Further, the Minister promised he would do all in his power to remedy the situation. If there was the demand the Minister would erect a camp in Matamata in addition to the camp in Morrinsville. Mr, F. C. Bush stated that his experience was that what was wanted in Matamata was milkers and, not casual labourers. > Others present agreed with -.this view. Replying to Mr. Bush, Mr. Higgins said that the aim was to bring farm wages 9 up by increasing -theguaranteed price rather than pull the other workers down to a lower level. Mr. H. M. Gouk said that' he’ thought in the long run the trouble, would do good, 'as it would result! in; farmers realising that they must aim to be put in the same: position as other sections of the community. ' ' Adding to his remarks, Mr. Higgins said that the Minister had admitted his eyes had been opened to farmers troubles and had stated that the Government was seriously considering land settlement of approved men who had proved themselves on the land. It had been definitely established that there were no milkers available.

Mr. Bush: That is a point which should be widely known. Mr. Higgins concluded by remarking that the Minister had expressed his determination to see that there was no need for women and children to go into the shed.

This ended the discussion, members expressing satisfaction at the effort made to get the, Minister to Matamata and of the Minister’s appreciation of their difficulties.