The Times. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1940. More Men on Farms

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 122, 24 May 1940, Page 6

The Times. FRIDAY , MAY 24, 1940. More Men on Farms

Although the scheme for providing additional labour lor our farmlands may not gain the wholehearted approval of the farming community, it is nevertheless a step in the right direction. Britain’s need being as it is, both great and urgent, it is the duty of farmers to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in making the scheme work.

Quite apart from any matter of subsidies being given in encouragement, there is a twofold aspect to be favourably considered. The first is that means are offered whereby the Dominion’s exports may be increased. That point requires no labouring. The other is that the closing down of public works on a large scale is to the benefit of the Dominion’s economic state and is consequently deserving of support from all citizens and farmers especially owing to the stake they have in the nation.

A matter of prime concern is the working quality of the men to be transferred. In view of the great deal of a critical nature that has been heard in recent years of public works activities, it is well to consider this aspect. By and large, the criticism was founded upon the declared unsoundness of the works undertaken rather than upon any incompetence generally of the men so engaged. A great majority of the public works men were good workers. A big proportion were on contract or piecework and this invariably jiroduces sound working habits. Be it remembered, too, that possibly some several thousands of the men concerned have been farm-workers. So it is clearly to be seen that here is a labour force offering that possess real value.

One unfortunate aspect of the situation is that in all too many cases farmers will not be in a position to engage tnen, however keen both parties may be, owing to the acute shortage of rural housing. The scheme of financing made available by the State, through county councils, will not, as at present laid down, do a great deal to remedy the situation. An improved, a greatly improved, scheme must be brought in to give the effect desired. And, as a necessary accompaniment, it may well be desirable to lessen urban housing activities. However, viewing our present concern, the transfer of men from public works to farms, the opinion is offered that there is great opportunity, even despite the admitted inadequacy of rural housing. On quite a number of farms there is some housing available for married men and their families, and on almost every farm a single man, or men, could be accommodated. The final point then come to is: Is it economically possibly for farmers to take this added labour offered? That is, can it be employed without imposing a burden of loss upon the farming producers? The answer to that will in final analysis depend upon management. On a great majority of farms production could be readily increased by the employment of additional labour. There is an inexhaustible demand to be supplied. Viewed economically, there should be ail ample enough margin between price of product and the cost of production on any extra output, for such extra production is free of overhead. It bears no interest, rates or land tax. The almost sole cost involved is the labour cost and, even if this be higher than normal, there should be still no actual loss resuting from the employment of more men upon our farms. Obviously the dairy industry offers the most ready opportunity for employment of more men and the speedy raising of output. Especially does this apply to pig-keeping, but there are also opportunities in the sheep industry. An extra shepherd at lambing season—say, from June to the end of September—would result in a saving of many ewes and lambs. A vastly greater saving of surplus grass, as hay and ensilage, would enable stock production to increase both for dairy and beef cattle. A major increase in our fodder cropping would add to production from all live-stock. Certainly there is need, opportunity and means whereby farm production may be raised. Labour is the key to this.