FARM LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23945, 21 October 1939, Page 10

FARM LABOUR

MINISTER DENIES SHORTAGE AMPLE MEN AVAILABLE DEPARTMENT WILLING TO HELP (Per United Press association i WELLINGTON, Oct. 20; In an interview to-day the Minister of Labour (Mr P.- C. Webb) contradicted the current assertions of a general shortage of farm labour., He said that on October 13 there were 180 recorded vacancies for experienced farm workers, and the men available numbered 203. 'The number of recorded vacancies for inxperienced workers was 16, and the number of men available 865. “Farmers requiring labour, should avail themselves of the facilities offered by the State Placement Service,” said the Minister. “ The service has a very comprehensive organisation and operates through the Social Security Department. In all the country districts competent officers will deal' with .every demand for- farm labour of all kinds. Where experienced labour is available every effort is made immediately to supply the demand. Where experienced labour is not available the department is prepared to subsidise labour for a period sufficient to enable the worker and the farmer to make a success of the job. ■ , ', “ Every demand for farm labour will receive urgent attention,” Mr Webb said, “but I must have the co-opera-tion of the farmers. I can assure them that, given this co-operation, their labour requirements will be met.

“There has been some criticism from various. sources cpncerning the alleged shortage of farm labour;” the Minister said, “but where investigations have been made these .charges could not be substantiated. I want the farmers to know, that any demand for labour of any kind will be ; attended to at once, but I Urge them to state their requirements and, difficulties to the appropriate departmental officers. I am prepared to arrange '.for the transfer of suitable men, from one locality to another, as in the past. The farmers themselves realise that a lack of adequate accommodation and facilities in many cases increase the diffi-culty.-of getting suitable labour, but whatever the difficulties may be the first step should be’ to inform the department of , the labour: - requirements.” .