FARM LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23528, 17 June 1938, Page 14

FARM LABOUR

ro riik lamoß Sir—l must thank “Countryman” for his courteous statement of his views in this morning’s Daily Times, hut am afraid that he has misinterpreted some of my points. , , . Naturally, being a farm-hand of considerable experience, I fully understand that this is the slack period for farm labour, but my use of the words “ at the present time ” did not necessarily refer to to-day, but was intended to cover the period of the season just oast or even since the Labour Government took office, as the complaint of a labour shortage has extended over that length of time. As to “ Countryman s contention that the present position is due to the farmer’s "inability” rather than "unwillingness ” to pay the regulation wages. I desire to contest the point, as in a recent speech the Postmastergeneral quoted figures showing the income tax returns from small farmers over a period of some years, these figures clearly indicated the increase in income accruing to the farmer under the guaranteed price system. These figures show the farmer’s income after all allowances had been made for exemption, and, considering the affluent appearance and undoubted prosperity of the average big farmer, it is reasonable to suppose that his income is proportionately greater, for it is with the larger land-holder we are chiefly concerned, as it should be clearly recognised by all that the smaller farmer does not employ labour to an extent that could materially affect the position. Again, it is not necessary to confine our attention to general dairy work, for, if he desired, the farmer could avail himself of the opportunity of securing subsidies under the 4B scheme, and in this way a vast amount of pro-

ductive work could be performed, entailing benefits the extent of which can neither be reckoned nor doubted. Whilst admitting that there are instances of farmers dismissing their men and performing their work unaided. as cited by "Countryman," the reverse is also true, for I know of . some farmers, not by any means successful men of many years’ standing, but men possessed of keen business acumen, who, recognising the advantages to be gained by judicious outlay, have engaged additional labour and frankly admit to being better off under the guaranteed price. It must be conceded that, these men not complaining, the continual complaints from the unsatisfied section of the community give rise to the erroneous belief that the farming community as a whole is dissatisfied. “ Countryman ” contends that financial circumstances preclude the possibility of better accommodation being provided, and, while it Is not suggested that the present time is a favourable one in which to embark upon extensive building enterprises, no one can seriously offer this as an excuse for the housing of farm hands in some of the disgusting, insanitary hovels which disfigure the appearance of many prosperous-looking farms today. One would think that the modem enlightened farmer, with his unions and his wide-awake attitude to all matters pertaining to his calling or affecting the welfare of his own family, would be ashamed to usher his newly-engaged employee to the uninviting and health-destroying cell which is so frequently allotted to him. I am confident that many fine farmers of my acquaintance would themselves agree with me on this point. In many cases the expenditure of an amount of money equalling the cost of the farmer’s day at the races would improve to some extent the habitation of the farm hand, who is, my own experience convinces me, the most amiable and uncomplaining of mortals. Farm labour will never be satisfactory while these hovels remain as a silent accusation of deliberate carelessness on the part of the farmer. My contention that the new conditions have come to stay does not indicate a blind belief in the infallibility or invincibility of our present Government, but, surely it is not suggested, that in the event of Labour suffering

the reverse that is so confidently anticipated by "Countryman” the existing conditions would be altered, to the detriment of the farmhand. lam confident that any Government professing to have the welfare of the farming community at heart must retain me legislation which has been enacted for the benefit of farm workers and, what is more, enforce it, on the so-called labour shortage of to-day will become a very real trouble in the future. The idea is not to be entertained that farm workers, having once enjoyed, if only to a limited extent, the benefits of improved conditions, will be willing to endure again the down-trodden state which has been theirs from time immemorial, for there arose during depression years a race of farmhands more intelligent and enlightened than of old, who are able and willing, nay, eager, to fight for their rights. But farmers must realise that they must now extend to their employees the benefits of the improved conditions or no labour at all will be available soon, for the inadequately paid youth of to-day who is the average farmer’s assistant, is the adult worker of to-morrow, and must be treated with consideration to ensure a satisfactory labour supply in the future.—l am, etc., Reluctant Idler. Glenomaru, June 15.