WOMEN ON FARMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22578, 17 November 1936, Page 13

WOMEN ON FARMS

Sir, —No matter how urgent the need, competent farm hands are not to be found. At present it would be absolutely impossible for a groat many farmers to carry on but for the help of women, though almost every woman who helps with the milking, etc., does so in addition to the work of running her home. The realisation that such women aro legally "agricultural workers" has caused appalled dismay among employers. Having always received this work at negligible rates of pay, it is monstrous to find that now woman is entitled to a certain fixed wage, and the privileges due to a worker. For the farmer working his own place the only hope is the help of his women and children, if ho is to maintain his production and pay his way. This section of the community can be forced to undergo any degree of overwork without the slightest fear that it will "go ''on strike." Farmers dare not strike because their own property would suffer first. They must do the work, or forfeit their estates .... and no country woman will stand idly bv while her man works himself to death. During the war the women who did the work of the absent soldiers were acclaimed as the nation s heroines. Now the women who are doing the work of men must be ignored, because it is to the country's shame that they are forced into the position ol slaves. Let a woman perform a feat of daring in the air, and the won ' bows down and worships her. But let hundreds of women all over the country perform endless feats of endurance on the land in cowsheds, and they are not worth considering. Where are the men whose rightful work this is.-' Enjoying the 40-hour week in towns? (Why not?) Or a life of unlimited leisure on sustenance? (Again, why not?) It is significant that the number on sustenance has increased from 14,438 in August, 19:15, to 26.296 in August, 1936. The whole attitude of the public to this vital problem is, "If some men are fools enough to farm, well, let them! But do not, on any account, encourage them by working for them." If all farmers had the sense to leave their land and live in town, how would that affect New Zealand? \\ here, then, would our generous Government derive the money to support all this idleness? It seems ironical that the very legislation which has made life in the city so irresistibly attractive should be causing the country people such heart-breaking toil and anxiety. By all means let our glorious manhood enjoy abundant leisure. But let it be realised that this is made possible only by the ceaseless work of under-paid and unpaid women in the country. Chopping Block.