FARM LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23661, 21 May 1940, Page 9

FARM LABOUR

PUBLIC WORKS MEN OPINIONS IN INDUSTRY. DIFFICULTY OF HOUSING ■- While the principle of a practical move, to provide adequate fnrm labour was welcomed, there was reluctance among many farmers and the representatives of their organisations to comment yesterday on the Government's plans to transfer men from public works to primary production until more specific details are announced. It was agreed that the scheme would no doubt offer a means of training farm workers' under suitable financial conditions, but the question of accommodation for them, and, in many cases, their families, had to be solved. Many producers were already heavily mortgaged and were, consequently, not in a position to take advantage of the Rural Housing Act, and doubt was expressed whether the assumed suggestion of separating a worker from his family and paying an accommodation allowance would be successful in the case of farm employees. Effect of Wages Subsidy Representations had been made to have public works hutments transferred to farms for temporary accommodation, but it was not likely that they would meet with success. A representative of one large farmers' organisation said there were fears that the scheme was an excuse for the tapering off of public works at the expense of the farmer. It was not clear what wages were to be paid to the men after they had learned their job, but it was unlikely that they would be prepared to continue for less than they had received on public works, and these rates would be crippling to the industry. It also seemed probable that the payment of a subsidy during the learning period would place tullv-qualified farm labourers working alongside tho newcomers in an invidious position. Further Statement Sought Farmers who are concerned with the supply of labour said a further statement by the Minister detailing the exact scope of the subsidy would be welcomed. There had been offers by a few men in the citv and towns to work on farms for the duration of the war, and in these cases the subsidy would be invaluable. It was pointed out that a limited subsidy scheme for the engagement of unemployed men had been in operation for some time, but in many cases these labourers had deliberately failed to give their best. Referenco to the statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, was made at a meeting yesterday of the Auckland District Council of Primary Production. It was decided to inquire whether the suggested scheme would include all labourers, in addition to tho registered unemployed who could at present bo engaged under subsidy.