FARM LABOURERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 12

FARM LABOURERS

' centralisation plan ' .EXTENSION DECIDED UPON MEETING SEASONAL DEMAND [by telegraph—own correspondent] WELLINGTON, Saturday The farm labour centralisation plan, (which -was inaugurated last year, but was restricted in its application to the North Island, is to be extended this year to both islands.. The, of Labour, Hon. H. T. Armstrong, said .that, by means of this; scheme,; available labour was directed 'last season to the source of demand',: thus avoiding, a surplus in one district. and a contemporaneous shortage in another district. v : ' •_ The Minister;*said ; that' farmers desiring.' labour' during the • forthcoming season were strongly advised -to notify the nearest placement office or certifying officer of their requirements, giving the fullest information; in vregard to ,->ragesj accommodation/' duties) plant to be operated, duration of engagement, locality, age-limit, whether single or ynarried men preferred, and, if the latter, the'number of-children acceptable and for whom accommodation is available. ■ '

Upon a requestrto any placement officer or certifying officer, a form'of application for farm labour would be supplied. This form included all the information ' necessary to guide the selection of candidates. "A little thought will lead to the realisation that only by knowing the full facts'in ; relation to a particular farm job can the most suitable available man be selected, and satisfactory selection will go a very long way toward ensuring a more \'aluablo and harmonious association between, employer and. worker," said Mr. ; - Armstrong. "The placement officers will do • their utmost to supply suitable workers, but are seriously handicapped if they do not know the details of the work required and of living conditions. *'To those farmers who are prepared to employ physically fit but inexperienced single youths and men between 18 and 25 years, the Government offers a subsidy of 17s 6d and £1 resiiectively, but the minimum period of engagement is six months. Another condition is that the worker shall be trained solely in farm work upon the employer's own property. Full details of this plan can be obtained upon application to any employment bureau. "As was the case last year, every registered single man who is physically fit for farm work, even although he be inexperienced in that occupation, will be required to accept offered work of this nature, and it is hoped that, in their own interests, farmers will cooperate with the Government •jvith a view to meeting the seasonal demand."