FARM LABOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20615, 14 July 1930, Page 12

FARM LABOUR.

Sir,—May I say a few words on behalf of that much discussed and equally much despised person, the farm hand. We see that there is a decided shortage of men capable, "or willing to become capable," to join the. ranks. But what efforts have farmers made to try and improve the standing of the hired man? Have farmers ceased to treat him as an outsider? Fanners should realise that 90 per cent, of the farm labourers of to-day are quite decent, clean living and fairly well educated chaps, worthy of better treatment than the average farmer is prepared to them. It is no disgrace to work on a farm. New Zealand is a farming country and is relying upon her sons to keep it so. Therefore why not try and make their learning as pleasant as possible. Farming need not be made drudgery. It is the finest job in the world. I have been connected with it for twelve of my twenty-five years, and I like it, but I never shed tears when parting with some of my employers. 1 am married now and the ranks of the £2 a week farm hand are closed to me, but, 1 am, and "have proven myself" capable, of managing a farm milking 100 cows. I had to leave my last place on account of my wife's illness, and although 1 have applied for a dozen others 1 am turned down because I am too young. Learned By Experience.