FARM LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22721, 6 November 1935, Page 6

FARM LABOUR

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—l notice that all the aspirants for Parliament are making their usual election promises to the worker, and I havo been wondering why none of them has taken up the cause of the very much overworked and underpaid farm hands and teamsters. Compared with the city worker, with his eight-hour day, soon to be reduced, and five-and-a-half-day week, the country slaves are certainly due tor some relief. Take my own case for instance. I work as a teamster in the Kanfurly district where the farmer has ,a reputation for being the hardest man m New Zealand to work for. He has certainlv earned this doubtful honour. _ J. have to be up at 5.30 in the morning, feed, groom and harness my horses _and be out in the paddock, started, by 7.15. After all day out in all sorts of weather with a bottle of cold tea and a bit of bread and butter for lunch, I get home for tea, after feeding and unharnessing my horses, about 6.15. Even then I have not .finished, as the horses have to be covered and let out of the stable at 8.30. All the time, therefore, that I can call my own is from 8.30 until 5.30 next morn ing—this for six days a week. A baturday half-holiday is unheard of, unci on Sunday morning there is always something to be done about the stables. If a man is lucky, however, and can dodge the "boss," Sunday afternoon is his own to do his washing and letter writing. l<or all this I receive the splendid remuneration of 22s 6d per week, less taxes. Is there not one of the Labour Party standing for Parliament game to take up the fight on our behalf? I do not think so, a s he would have a hard row-to hoe. L would advise any young fellows thinking of taking up farm.work to dodge this district—l am, etc., . Teamsteb.