FARM LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22629, 18 January 1937, Page 13

FARM LABOUR

Sir, —In the Herald of January li appears a report of a meeting of the North Canterbury executive of the NewZealand Farmers' Union, in which the farmer members rightly deplore the shortage of permanent workers on farms. Some of them declare that their own sons are leaving them in the lurch for the more enticing and remunerative public works. I would like to broadcast some sound advice to these lads. Many men who have not seen a farm for years cannot obtain employment on the public works. 1 am now unemployed myself, and have re-registered. Not only that, but I have a clean record of service in Public Works Department relief camps, including a draining camp, and there is not a mark against me that I know of. I am thoroughly experienced and was navvying before the war; yet I haven't a hope. 1 keep hammering at the Labour Bureau, but it is no use. All the men that arc likely to be taken on are already engaged. 1 have been trying to cut some cocksfoot grass on the roads near where I am, but the weather will allow nic neither to cut nor to collect it. If the boys don't stop on the farms they will soon find themselves without a match. The impression created by some farmers that an unlimited supply of public works jobs is available to* all and sundry is absolutely and utterly false. They seem to underestimate the people's intelligence in creating that impression.

Cerebos