FARMERS’ RIGHTS

Southland Times, Issue 22728, 2 November 1935, Page 9

FARMERS’ RIGHTS

AUXILIARY LABOUR. GT EAR UNDERSTANDING TO BE OBTAINED. The rights of farmers to wages for the labour of their families as auxiliary labour were discussed at the monthly meeting yesterday of the Southland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. It arose from remits referred from the Dominion Executive, but it was decided to take no further action until the position was clearly understood. “Many men have these rights, but are not aware of them,” it was said. The remits were as follows:— (1) “That the attention of branches be drawn to the right of wages being claimed for the labour of their families as auxiliary labour without due compensation being allowed in excess of the mortgagor’s labour.” (2) “That legal costs in connection with matters coming before the Mortgagors and Tenants Relief Court should be fixed by the commission in each respective case. The reason for the suggestion was that at the present time the scale set out under the Act is in many cases most inadequate to cover the legal work necessary for the case to be properly prepared and placed before the commission, with the result that private arrangements in regard to fees or subsequent statement of accounts are the outcome. In some instances this appears exorbitant, and it was thought to overcome the difficulty that the commission should fix the charges when the case is being heard.” A Little Premature. It was suggested that branches should be circularized and made fully aware of the rights of farmers and their families regarding compensation for auxiliary labour, but the secretary said that an explanation had been issued in the form of a booklet to be sent to every financial member. “There are many men entitled to this assistance who are not aware of the fact,” said Mr J. Lynch. “Isn’t this all in the air yet?” asked Mr A. R. Johnston.

Mr D. Dickie said he thought that the wording of clause (1) did not make its meaning clear. The executive should be perfectly clear before anything was circularized. The chairman (Mr G. R. Hamilton): Perhaps we are a little premature. A committee has been set up at headquarters to keep an eye on the operation of this Act.

Mr R. Sim suggested that the matter should be held over until the next meeting so that the booklet that had been issued could be studied. It was possible that the legislation would have to be proved and perhaps tested by law. His suggestion was adopted.