FARM LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21845, 6 July 1934, Page 15

FARM LABOUR

Sir, —I quite, agree with Farm Worker in the Herald of June 27. In my opinion, and in the interest of both farm hands and farmers, I think there should be a farm hands' union formed. As I have both worked on a farm and employed inen, it is invariably my experience that when one wants work lie cannot find it; also, when one wants to employ a man he cannot get ono. What is the reason for this? If there was a union or head farm workers' office where both farmers and workers could apply, then it would be quite plain that the problem would be solved. There are too many sources through which a man can get employment. On the subject of wages, why do the farmers not pay their men on a sliding scale basis. Now that butterfat is down to 6d a lb., a fair wage to an experienced man is 20s a week. Butter-fat at 8d wages at 2ns, butterfat at 9d .'3os, and so on. This is the only fair way to both parties. A less experienced man should be on a sliding scale on a lower basis. In the case where a married man is employed why not pay on the same basis, but pay the wife according to the work she is expected to do, giving them their keep or money equivalent. Faum MiJjKKB.