OUT AND ABOUT

Southland Times, Issue 22969, 15 August 1936, Page 14

OUT AND ABOUT

Wages and Conditions for Farm Labour MORE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR DAIRYMEN? Tire silence that is being maintained by the Government on the question of wages and conditions that will apply to dairy farm assistants is becoming oppressive. Perhaps the fact that the guaranteed price has caused so much disappointment is the explanation of of the delay; but there certainly is more prehension now lest there is more disappointment in store for dairymen. It is known that there were discussions some months ago between the Ministers of Labour and Finance and representatives of the Farmers’ Union, and it was understood that an agreement was arrived at. The representatives of the farmers were asked to keep the settlement strictly confidential until the fixed price could be announced. That announcement was made last week, and there should be no reason for any further delay in a Ministerial statement about farm labour. The Minister of Public Works has warned men that they must not refuse private employment in the hope of obtaining a position in a State undertaking. Firm and tactful handling of that decision could make it very effective and would certainly help toward the reduction of the unemployment figures. However, the productive season has begun, assistance is needed on many farms and there is no improvement in the supply of labour. In fact, there seems little likelihood of an improvement, but the sooner the uncertainty about wages and conditions is removed the better for everybody. * « * »

The announcement by the Minister of Education that another instructor in agriculture is to be appointed to the educational district of Southland was pleasing news to those interested in Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs movement. It is an appointment that is long overdue. Southland Las not been well treated in this respect in comparison with some other districts, and there was a real danger when the care of this work was taken from the Department of Agriculture and handed over to the Education Department that the association would not be able to carry on. It is unnecessary to stress the value of the movement; but it is opportune to congratulate the members of the association on their enthusiasm and willingness to give so much of their time to education of the coming generation of farmers.

Southland has had some more wintry weather this week, but there has also been plenty of sunshine and drying winds to prevent any extensive stickiness in turnips. It can be noticed now that many ewes are getting very heavy and showing signs of milk. Lambing will be well started by the end of the month.

National Week did not have the effect of lessening the inquiry at Lomeville on Tuesday, there being a good representation of country buyers. This, the small yardings resulted in very strong sales both for sheep and cattle. It is not the local market that has held sheep values so steady at Lorneville during the last few weeks, though. There has been a keen demand from outside buyers and big consignments have been going to Burnside and Addington. There were a few pens of good quality ewes this week, but nothing outstanding and quite a number of inferior pens. Ewes sold on an improving market, prices being about 1/6 a head better than those of the previous week, but there was little difference in values for wethers. Extra prime heavy wethers brought up to 40/-, good quality from 32/6 to 34/6, medium from 29/6 to 30/6, and lighter weights from 26/- to 28/-. Prime heavy ewes realized from 27/— to 28/6, good quality from 25/- to 26/6, medium from 22/- to 23/6, lighter weights from 18/6 to 20/-, and unfinished down to 16/-.

There was a shortage of fat cattle, but the yarding included some pens of good bullocks and heifers as well as the usual entry of medium class cattle. The light heifers sold very well, but probably the cheapest buying were the bullocks of about 7501 b at prices round £l4.

Prime quality bullocks brought from £l3 10/- to £l4 12/6, good quality from £l2 to £l3, handyweights from £lO 10/- to £ll 10/-, and lighter weights from £9 to £9 15/-. Prime heavy cows realized from £lO 10/- to £ll 2/6, good quality from £8 15/- to £9 10/-, medium quality from £7 5/to £B, and light and unfinished from £5 15/— to £6 10/-. Good quality heifers brought from £9 15/- to £lO 10/-, handyweights from £8 57- te £9 5/-, lighter weights from £7 to £7 15/-, and unfinished from £5 10/- to £6 5/-. There should be a bigger entry of fat cattle next week. There was a good sale at Bumside on Wednesday, which should keep suppliers to that market away from Lorneville and leave firm prices at the latter market. It has paid to turnip cattle this year.

Mr Bruce Levy, of the plant research station, is to attend the world’s grassland conference in England. It is very satisfactory to know this. England is the leading country in the world from a grass view point. Since early in last century Rothamsted has investigated grass problems. the classic work in discovering the important part that minerals (in the ash) play in the food value of grass was done by British research workers; it was Cambridge scientists that proved the high food value of short grass, now there is the fine work being done in the drying of grass, and no country has done so much to develop rapid and economical methods of harvesting grass. The best knowledge this country has gained in regard to grassland problems has come from Britain, and it is gratifying to know that there are several scientific workers in Britain who are the leading authorities in the world on grass. Therefore in attending the international conference and coming into contact with the great British authorities Mr Levy must gain knowledge which will be of great value to this country, and it should serve the purpose of broadening his outlook.