FARM LABOUR
Sir.—Once again we have the spectacle of two Cabinet Ministers contradicting each other. The Minister of Labour denies any shortage of farm labour, while the Minister of Agriculture assorts a shortage of manpower in New Zealand and even calls a conference of women and contemplates asking their assistance in the production of foodstuffs. There is certainly a shortage of men willing to do a decent day's work and will be I suppose while the Government persists in its policy of the 40-hour week on public works. Things have come to a pretty pass indeed when men in New Zealand and a Minister of the Crown will allow women to do farm work while thousands of young, ablebodied men—an\ong them no doubt farm hands and ex-farmers —are still working on jobs created for them by the Public Works Department; the cost to the country running into millions of pounds annually. If the Government really wishes to increase production why are these men not being made use of on farms, to help their country in a time of need? I think the answer is an easy one. it would not be good policy. H.B.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23486, 25 October 1939, Page 13
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194FARM LABOUR New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23486, 25 October 1939, Page 13
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