DRIFT FROM FARM EMPLOYMENT

Southland Times, Issue 24129, 18 May 1940, Page 6

DRIFT FROM FARM EMPLOYMENT

TRANSFER OF MEN ON PUBLIC WORKS (United Press Association) OAMARU, May 17. In an address to the annual meeting of the North Otago Farmers’ Union today, the president (Mr J. D. McLeod) said the Goverment had attempted to stem the drift from farm employment and the deterioration of farm lands by subsidy schemes. This was of value only if increased production was maintained, but if the lands were allowed to again deteriorate this was no solution. The war did not solve the labour problem arid the drafting of former farm workers compulsorily from Public Works and non-essential jobs would not be workable unless urgent patriotism became an incentive to go to a low4r paid job. There should be an investigation by the primary production councils about the possibility of extending and properly organizing a motorized contract system. “The rooting out of the Huns and not potatoes is the job that lies ahead for bayonets and boys in khaki, but, if as the war develops, farm production suffers, it is the Government’s duty to supply essential man power.” He suggested an extension of subsidies to all farm labour and the building of houses in the country instead of the, cities. Why should the farmers alone be called on to bear the burden of uneconomic production? All. sections should bear the burden as the paramount consideration was the stark necessity of winning the war.