LABOUR DIFFICULTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23182, 31 October 1938, Page 13

LABOUR DIFFICULTY

SHEEPFARMERS' POSITION EFFECT OF LOWER RETURNS [by telegraph—own correspondent] PALMERSTON NORTH. Sunday Following on the announcement of the new season's guaranteed price for dairy produce the wages of dairy farm workers were increased, but so far there has been no announcement concerning the adjustment of wages of those employed on other than dairy farms. The wages of this class of employee were raised last year in sympathy with the adjustment in dairy farm workers' wages.

The matter was mentioned at a meeting of the Wellington provincial executive of the Farmers' Union at Taihape, when it was suggested that there would be difficulties in making the increase this year. Jt was stated that the dairy farmer had received a higher price for his produce, but the evidence to-day pointed to the price of wool recediug, and there was no indication that the sheep farmer would receive improved returns this season. In fact, the position pointed to lower returns, compared with last season. Members stated also that it appeared as if the labour question would become a problem, since dairy farm workers were receiving a higher wage, while public works employees on a 40-hour week were receiving wages which kept them off the land. Tho position wns most difficult.