LABOUR FOR FARMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 22 May 1940, Page 2

LABOUR FOR FARMS

SURVEY OF PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES . INCREASE IN SUBSIDY Arrangements for a survey of public works and similar State undei-takings to ascertain the number of employees with farm experience, as well as the number of men willing to accept farm work, were announced last evening by the Minister of Manpower. Mr Wilson, following a meeting in Wellington of the Central Advisory Council of the Manpower Organisation at which representatives of the Industrial Emergency Council, the Primary Production Council, the Factory Advisory Council and the Armed Forces were in attendance. Mr Wilson’s announcement amplifies a statement made on Sunday night by the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser. A special accommodation allowance is to be paid to married men who take up farm emloyment and for whom married accommodation is not available on farms.

Mr Wilson said that with the endorsement of the Central Advisory Committee, the Government had decided to put into immediate effect the following proposals.

(1) That a survey be made of all public werks, forestry and other governmental works to ascertain the number of experienced farm workers on such works and the number willing to accept farm work. Also the number of men who have had no experience on farms but who are prepared to take up such employment if suitable vacancies are available.

(2) That the existing scheme for the subsidisation of inexperienced farm labou*’ (administered by the Department of Labour. Employment Division) be extended to apply to all men 20 years of age or over, whether registered as unemployed or not. and that the rate of subsidy be increased from 20s a week to 30s a week for the first six months and 15s a week for the second six months. (3) That a special accommodation allowance at the rate of 12s 6d a week be Daid to all married men who take up farm employment and for whom married accommodation is not available on the farms

(4) That the facilities at Massey College. Ruakura farm and other selected areas be used wherever possible for the purpose of training men in the rudiments of farm work.

The Minister also said that a subcommittee was at present considering the best means of inducing married couples to accept work on farms by providing not only for the aforementioned subsidy of 12s 6d but for proper accommodation of a temporary or a permanent character wherever the farmer was prepared to co-operate.

Referring to the survey of public works employees Mr Wilson said that it would be taken under the direction of the State Placement Service with the active co-operation of public works officials. It was also hoped that the New Zealand Workers’ Union would assist in placing before the employees concerned the urgent necessity of their services being used to the best advantage in assisting New Zealand’s war effort in the event of their employment terminating as a result of the Government’s decision to curtail the expenditure on public works. As the Prime Minister had said in his address on Sunday night, to sustain production and to provide Britain with an inexhaustible supply of the things she needs, is a function almost as important as to provide for defence Indeed, it could be just as patriotic to work on farms as to serve in the armed forces, and I would like to make an earnest appeal to the men of New Zealand and particularly to married men. to take advantage of the Governnment’s scheme for securing farm labour ”

Mr Wilson said the active co-opera-tion of farmers who would need the additional labour for the production of goods which were so urgently required by Britain and her Allies was earnestly asked for.