SUPPLY OF FARM LABOUR

Southland Times, Issue 23954, 21 October 1939, Page 4

SUPPLY OF FARM LABOUR

Minister Refutes Rumours MK WEBB ASKS FOR COOPERATION FACILITIES OFFERED BY STATE (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 20. In an interview today the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) contradicted current assertions of the general shortage of farm labour. He said that on October 13 there were 180 recorded vacancies for experienced farm workers and the men available numbered 203. The number of recorded vacancies for inexperienced workers was 16 and the number of men available was 865.

“Farmers requiring labour should avail themselves of the facilities offered by the State Placement Service,” said the Minister. “The service has a very comprehensive organization and operates through the Social Security Department. In all country districts, competent officers will deal with every demand for farm labour of all kinds. Where experienced labour is available every effort is ! made immediately to supply the demand. Where experienced labour is not available the department is prepared to subsidize labour for a period sufficient to enable the worker and farmer to make a success of the job. “Every demand for farm labour will receive urgent attention,” said Mr Webb, “but I must have the co-opera-tion of the farmers. I can assure them that, given this co-operation, their labour requirements will be met. There has been some criticism from various sources concerning the alleged shortage of farm labour, but where investigations have been made these charges could not be substantiated. “However, I want farmers to know that any demand for labour of any kind will be attended to at once,” he continued. “But I urge them to state their requirements and- difficulties to the appropriate departmental officers. I am prepared to arrange the transfer of suitable men from one locality to another. Farmers themselves realize that the lack of adequate accommodation and facilities in many cases increases the difficulty of getting suitable labour, but whatever the difficulties may be the first step should be to inform the Department of labour requirements.”