THE FARM WORKER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22393, 14 April 1936, Page 13

THE FARM WORKER

Sir. —In the Hkuald of April 7 appeared a letter over the name "Olrl Timer," in which he accuses the farm worker of incompetency, and blames this incompetency in the main for their present lowly position. One would not expect such an attack on the watersider or tho miner to go unchallenged; there would, in fact, be an immediate outcry; but your correspondent evidently assumes that ho can make such a statement about an unorganised body of workers, such as we have been hitherto, with impunity. Has it been incompetency on the part of tho farm workers that has caused the production of butter-fat in New Zealand to double itself in the last decade? Has it been a body of incompetent and inexperienced workers that have milked 50 per cent more cows, with tho same amount of man power, in so many dairy herds in the last few years? There is no need for the farmer to blame his employees for the condition of the farming industry; his quarrel 18 with the rest of tho community. Let him demand more equality from them, and he will bo able to satisfy the just demands of his own employees. Taupiri. J- LOCKE.

Sir —There is, no doubt, qui to a lot to bo said for the farmer and his labour difficulties, but there is also a good deal more to be said for the farm employee, who labours as tho farmer, li\es in poor conditions, and with no reward other than his meagre wages. No proper steps were taken to improve the living conditions and hours of farm workers when times were good, and, without legislation and a farm labourers' union, nothing will bo d<)ne to improve their lot, though times improve again. The farm labourers of today should bo tho farmers of tomorrow, and it is in the interests of tho community as a whole that the best class of employee bo procured. Young men of good character, initiative, education and ability should be encouraged. A well-known farmer, addressing a Parents' Association on "Farming as a Career for Boys," in answer to a query as to whether farmers requirod a good education or not, said, "An uneducated man may become an expert at digging drains, or ploughing, or milking, but unless he has real ability he will not become a successful farmer. Give your boys a good education. It requires a trained mind to grasp the essentials and to apply them on tho modern scientific farm of to-day." But there are very few positions open to young married men on farms unless their wives can milk. This is a disgrace. It is stated that farm hands are ready to go on public works. If they can got a reasonable return for their labour on a farm and a decent place to live they will not go. Married mpn would sooner- be with their wives and families on farms than separated, husband in a Public Works camp, family in town, two homes, expenses, and no chance of saving anything. Reform.