FARM LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23818, 20 November 1940, Page 13

FARM LABOUR

Sir,—Your report of comments by Mr. Kebbell of the Wairarapa Production Council exposes one of the basic weaknesses that accounts for the dearth of farm workers. Air. Kebbell says, "I cannot get men to replace those called up," while the State Placement Officer points out that plenty of married men, are available, but farmers would not emploj* them. Quite apart from the wartime aspect of the position this is one of the biggest factors preventing many from making their homes in the country. Farmers will not employ them unless they can employ their wives as well. (My experience is confined to dairy farms.) A man in a town job does not expect his wife to help earn their daily bread. She has plenty to do looking after his home and the children. Jf the man in the country could do likewise, if he could be provided with his own cottage and garden, do his day's work on the farm and then go home to his family, instead of his wife having to come and help milk cows while his home and children are neglected, farmers would find dozens who would prefer the open country life, and the drift to the cities would bo greatly checked. Ex-Farm Worker.