A Farmer’s Notebook PRODUCTION IN WAR TIME

Southland Times, Issue 23989, 2 December 1939, Page 14

A Farmer’s Notebook PRODUCTION IN WAR TIME

District Council For Southland LABOUR PROBLEM FIRST TACKLED CO-OPERATION POLICY TO BE DEVELOPED There has been a good deal of discussion among farmers about the policy of the National Council of Production and the manner in which it will function. Some have envisaged the possibility of having to take orders from officials as to how to run their farms, and anything of this nature is abhorrent to independent men on the land. Control and management of a holding develops individualism and that quality is. to be found in many fanners. Outside the actual running of a farm co-operation among farmers is in evidence. It is probably seen to best advantage among dairy men where cooperative dairy companies are numerous and successful. Hay making and harvesting operations, especially in dairying districts, very often present almost insuperable difficulties to individual farmers and these are invariably overcome by co-operation between neighbours. Co-operative calf pools, freezing companies, stock and station agent firms and veterinary associations all provide illustrations of the co-opera-tive spirit in the farming community. There is no doubt about the willingness of farmers to co-operate either with the Government or among themselves to further the increased production policy so vital in time of war. At the same time the right of directing methods of operation on the farm itself is a jealously guarded principle, and any infringement of it is regarded with very strong dislike. The Dominion Exec-tive of the National Council of Production, with headquarters Li Wellington, clearly realizes the position and the work of the Dominion and provincial area councils will largely be of an advisory nature in promoting co-operation between farmers, workers and others engaged in the production and handling of produce. The policy of co-operation all along the line will be welcomed by farmers and just how it can be effectively put into operation calls for a good deal of thoughtful consideration.

FARMERS WELL REPRESENTED Farming interests are well represented on the Southland District Council which was officially formed in Invercargill at the end of last week. At a previous preliminary meeting convened by Mr A. Stuart, instructor in agriculture, a provisional committee was set up, and at the subsequent regular meeting Mr Stuart was appointed chairman and Mr A. L. Adamson secretary. The Farmers’ Union is represented by Messrs E. Cameron (president) and G. R. Herron and the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association by Mr R. Kennedy (president). Messrs A. S. Holms (Meat Board), J. Dunlop (Dairy Board), W. J. A. McGregor (Harbour Board), W. R. Harris (Young Farmers’ Clubs), Douglas (Labour organizations) and Donaldson (placement officer) are also members. It is expected that the services of some additional members will be called upon. The first business of the District Council is an endeavour to deal with the demand for farm labour, and a special committee has been set up to attend to this important matter. It is obvious that the first requirement is a knowledge of how many men are needed. The committee will want information on a number of points from farmers. Some of the main ones are: Type of work and whether of a permanent or casual nature, dates when men are required, rates of pay and accommodation available on the farm. When the necessary particulars are available the local committee will have something to work on, and an assurance has been received that every effort will be made to arrange for suitable men to undertake the various classes of farm work. The problem of securing men for primary production jobs will be dealt with by Government officials and representatives of the labour organizations.

The supply of suitable labour will be difficult, but it can be largely overcome by co-operation among all concerned. A comprehensive survey of farmers’ needs for labour is essential; a complete canvass of all farmers appears advisable, but would take considerable time and expense. The most practical procedure in the meantime is for farmers to send in requests to the committee for farm workers together with all particulars.

Many farmers depend upon stock and station agents to find good men for them, others use the columns of the daily Press. It is to be hoped that full use of existing channels will continue to be made use of. By so doing the committee of the Provincial National Council will be able to devote all its energies to finding men in cases where difficulties are encountered. The most immediate call for labour is for shearing and later on men will be required for hay making and general harvesting. MEN PREFER TOWN JOBS There is a very definite need for farmers to build up reserves of hay this season as these as well as oats become very much depleted before the spring growth came away. War-time production is of such great importance that extra winter' feed is wanted as an insurance for very good production from stock next season. Just how this can best be obtained is a problem for consideration. There is a tendency for efficient farm labour to become more difficult to obtain. A very good illustration of the position occurred recently. A farmer close to Invercargill inserted an advertisement for a farm hand and not , one application for the job was receiv-

ed. About the same time a bakery business required a driver for a bread van, and the advertisement for this drew no fewer than 57 applications. Farmers are anxious to do everything possible to increase production, but in the face of the difficulty of securing farm labour, many of them will be actually forced to curtail their activities in that direction. This will be detrimental to the amount of food supplies available for Great Britain, also to overseas exchange to finance imports.

The farmer referred to has already reduced the number of cows in the herd and is contemplating giving up his dairying activities altogether. However, as far as harvesting operations are concerned no doubt every effort will be made by the authorities to provide sufficient men from other less essential work. The National Council for Primary Production, which has so far not got beyond preliminary organization in this province, will find that the farm labour problem is well overdue for attention; also that until it is satisfactorily solved by the co-opera-tion of all concerned there is every likelihood of a decrease in production with a following reaction on all sections of the community. That farmers cannot embark on- a policy of increased production unless sufficient labour to cope with it is assured is evident, and something needs to be done about it quickly.