FARM LABOUR PROBLEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22250, 26 October 1935, Page 12

FARM LABOUR PROBLEM

EMi'LOYKIiS' ADMISSIONS

BAD LIVING CONDITIONS PREFERENCE FOR RELIEF WORK [BY TKLKGUAPH —OWN COIUIKSPONDKNT] I'ALMEKSTON NORTH, Friday According to the views expressed at to-day's meeting ol the L'eilding branch of the Farmers' Union, the conditions under which hired labour is exjiected to work ou farms are far from satisfactory, and to this is attributed the difficulty in securing labour for seasonal and routine farm work. The opinions expressed arose from an inquiry by the Unemployment Hoard for authentic information regarding the labour question in fanning districts and the citing of specific instances where farmers had been unable to secure labour The board said it had been contended that the reason for the difficulty in obtaining farm labour was that the workers preferred the conditions and wages payable under relief schemes. Mr. W. -G. Short said he did not blame the men who refused to accept farm jobs when they knew what the conditions were. Not only was it a matter of hours, but the living conditions on many farms were very unattractive, and this was the cause of men and youths refusing to go on the land. He understood the women's organisation was taking the question up as it was satisfied it was not right the boys should be invited to live and work under the conditions known to exist. Mr. Short instanced the case of a girl who accepted a position to assist on a dairy farm at 10s a week. She was expected to'assist with 90 cows, cart out mangolds, and spend the afternoon at housework. Members agreed that the situation revealed was a severe indictment of farmers.