SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21329, 2 November 1932, Page 14

SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

NEW POTATO SEASON EXPERIENCE AT PUKEKOHE [from our own correspondent] PUKEKOHE, Tuesday Labour for digging potatoes and weeding onion crops is provided largely in the Pukekoho district each spring by Maoris who are experienced in tho work. Many have their homes in the Waikato or nearer Auckland, but come to Pukekohe and canip here during the spring, ihoving from farm to farm as required by the work offering. This year the number of experienced Maoris is not sufficient to fill the demand and during the past few days several growers requiring labour to dig potatoes have been unable to obtain it. The president of the Franklin Produce, Growers' Association, Mr. P. Miller, of Pukekohe Hill, attributes this position in some degree to the reluctance of Maoris who have been given relief work during the winter to leave it. Mr. Miller points out that at the rate of 8d a sugar bag, which he regards as a fair price, an experienced potato digger can earn 12s to 14s a day at present and more as the crops become heavier. He stresses that it is practicable to employ only those who show aptitude for the work, as an inexperienced person is liablo to damage the crop and thus involve the grower in serious Joss. representations in the matter were made yesterday by Mr. Miller and Mr. G. Gathercole to Mr. J. N. Masscy, member of Parliament for Franklin, and as an outcome it has been arranged that selected men on unemployment relief work's should bo made available as required by growers through the Pukekohe Unemployment Committee.