FARM LABOUR.

Southland Times, Issue 22733, 8 November 1935, Page 4

FARM LABOUR.

To the Editor,

Sir, —Regarding the shortage of farm labour, “Southland Farmer” seems to have a dead set on the unemployed for not looking for jobs other than relief camps. Could you expect the men to leave 15/- a week and only work 5J days a week to work for a farmer 16 hours a day and every day for a beautiful sum of £l, less tax, a week? I would say they have more sense than that. He also states that it takes £4,500,000 to keep the unemployment octopus going. Who is to blame for the unemployed? The whole of the farming community for bringing out the emigrants when they weren’t needed. As to the loss of cattle, sheep and horses, the farmer has himself to blame. (1) For not preparing enough feed for the winter; (2) for overstocking; (3) for selling his turnips to neighbours before his own stock get enough to see them through. As for my experience, I have worked on different farms and one soon learns if he keeps his eyes open.

I also know of farmers who sacked their teamsters to get the cheaper man. I don’t blame the farmer that is up against the grindstone all the time; but there is a big number of well-to-do farmers that have been playing on the Government and unemployment for a long time. As to the farming industry whipping the cat about the labour and others, he wants to remember that we are all tarred with the. same brush. The sooner that they take a tumble and pull together with Labour, the better for themselves.

A man gets £1 a week and by the time he gets tobacco, pays the levy and working gear, what is left? Very little, so can you expect men to work for that and make a home for themselves later ? I can’t.—l am, etc.,

ONLOOKER.