RURAL WORKERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3419, 26 September 1919, Page 15

RURAL WORKERS

- SHEARERS’ ACCOMMODATION. DEPUTATION TO MR MASSEY. ' (Ffton Otjr Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 20. Representatives of the Agricultural and Pastoral Workers’ Union interviewed the Minister of ’Labour (Mr Massey) to-day. They were accompanied by Messrs H. Holland, P, Fraser, R. Semple, W. A. Veitch, and J. M‘Combs, M.P.’s. The deputation asked that the Government should take precautions to safeguard the rural workers in. the event of another outbreak of influenza. The position in the country districts during the outbreak had been very serious. Several matters connected with shearers accommodation were mentioned. The deputation askd that separate accommodation should oe provided for women in cases where Maoris were employed and that an improved standard of accommodation should bo required. The adoption of Mr Veith’s Farm Workers Accommodation Bill was suggested. Complaint was made that the Labour Department had not compelled the Canterbury farmers to enforce the accommodation conditions specified in the award. Mr Massey replied that an amendment of the Act dealing with shearers' accommodation had been prepared by the Labour Department, but owing to the lateness oi the session and the approach of the shearing season the legislation could not be made to meet immediate requirements. Another method of dealing with the matter would be necessary'’ for the present season. 1 would look into the matter and se e what could be done to secure reforms that rmsThbe required at once- Mr Massey added teat he would communicate with the Health Department regarding the question of hea.tn precautions. The request for safeguards was reasonable.