TOBACCO GROWERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22119, 27 May 1935, Page 12

TOBACCO GROWERS

Sir,—l notice in the Herald a letter in reference to the relief workers employed by the Department of Agriculture on the Pongakawa tobacco plantations. While admitting that are receiving sustenance payments, I do not think we could be classed as relief workers, hs we are working with the promise of being able to take over our own sections when the industry is on a firmer footing; also when the tobacco which has been during the last three seasons has been sold, we will receive a share in tho proceeds of the sale, if there is a favourable balance after the overhead charges have been deducted. To my knowledge, we have not been able to sell a pound of tobacco yet, but I feel sure that some time in the near future our hopes will be fulfilled, and wo. will all be independent growers on our own sections. Of course, the free issue of boots and winter issue of blankets are needed and the concessions of jubilee bonus, levy reductions and holidays on pay would be acceptable. I hope that when our longpromised bonus arrives we will be able to more than compensate ourselves for these little trials. Your correspondent "Tobacco Grower" should consider hirnpelf lucky in losing no time through sickness and wet weather, and having no landlord to worry him. Another Grower.