SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22198, 27 August 1935, Page 13

SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR

Sir, —Knowing the shortage of farm labour. I would venture to point out a solution which is apparently unknown to many. There are many farm labourers in the city at present, who, while willing to leave town, are unable to do so through inability to pay the fees necessary. It is known to me that many farmers would bo willing to supply the required amount of ready cash, both for fees and fare, on condition that the outlays were repaid from wages received. This, I am convinced, would soon lessen the supposed shortage of farm labour. W. Edwards. Sir, —Through the courtesy of your paper 1 wish to state that the shortage of labour on farms is wholly caused by the farmers. The general practice is to advertise positions in the region of £1 to, say, 10s weekly. This is usually paid for several months, and then the poor, unfortunate man or boy is invariably told that his wages will be reduced by half. Notwithstanding it's a seven-day-a-week job. I trust that farmers in future, when advertising, will state the wages they will pay weekly for the whole year. Do any other employers pay reduced wages in certain seasons of the year? Fair Play. Sir, —-"A Hornie Who Tried," apparently has not seen so much of the farming community in New Zealand as he would lead all to believe. I am now .'3l years of age, have lived practically all my lifetime among farmers, and have never yet had the experience of working 16 hours a day during harvesting time, for a wage of 15s per week. My experience of employees earning this wage shows me a boy on a hayrake, or carrying the luncheon from the homestead to the workers on the stack. The average worker uses his brains, otherwise a "healthy man with a pair of bands and feet" would only walk or crawl probably for 7s 6d per week. Broadminded Farmer