FEWER PERQUISITES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18236, 3 November 1933, Page 6

FEWER PERQUISITES

GISBORNE SHEARING BACK ON THE AWARD LAST YEAR’S CONTRAST Fewer perquisites are being given Gisborne shearers this year, compared with last. Nominally, shearing rates tins season are on a slightly higher basis than paid by a number of Gisborne sheepfarmers last year, when no award was operating. In many sheds, the rate was on a basis of 17s 6d per 100. but instances of £1 per 100 being paid were not uncommon. Other gangs worked on contract that provided shearers with £1 per ICO, and sometimes more. In addition to their earnings, some ol Die gangs were given concessions in the form of supplies of meat or milk or butter, and sometimes meat and milk and butter. These perquisites were sometimes a material addition to the wages earned. This year, shearing is being done under an award again. The basis is 18s per 100 sheep, but the “perqs” are not nearly so common this time, nor on so liberal a basis. Shearing is becoming general throughout the district now. It has been going on in the smaller sheds close to the fiats and up the Coast for the past three or four weeks, but it has now extended almost generally into the back country, although it has been retarded by changeable weather. Wool is already being sent to Napier in readiness for the coming sales. The first shipment was made last week, and wool is 'likely to go forward in fairly large quantities for the next three months or more. Preparations are being made also for shipments to London in time to catch the January sales. Some growers make a practice of getting their wool home in time for the January catalogue, and when better prices were ruling strenuous endeavors were made to catch one of the few boats that would arrive in time. During the past few years, however, such anxiety has not been so much in evidence. According to a Hawke’s Bay report, wool is pouring in steadily to the Port Almriri stores in preparation for the first Napier sale ot the season on December J.