SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR

Southland Times, Issue 25548, 16 December 1944, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOUR

Misdirection Of Manpower Alleged Misdirection of manpower was al£ eged at a meeting of the Southland Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday. It was stated that men had been directed from farms into sawmills and other industries, despite the fact that the labour position on farms was still serious. The meeting carried the following resolution: — That the Government be advised that the farm labour position in Southland is unsatisfactory, and that unless it is improved at once the present decline in production will become progressively worse. It was stated that the Government had always failed to appreciate the farmers’ point of view. What was the use of the Government appointing appeal boards when the recommendations of the boards were not heeded, asked a member. He said he knew of cases where the board had recommended indefinite leave, but the leave had not been granted. . Mr R. Sim urged that the executive should take a more broad-minded yicvi of the .question. They seemed to

have muddled through so far. “Don’t let us fail at the last moment in the field,” he said. “Let us carry on. I know there are difficulties, but we are not competent to judge whether it is more essential to have men in the field or in production. Allow those in a position to judge to carry on.” “But are they working to a policy,” asked a member. Mr E. A. Cameron said that the National Council of Primary Production had explained to the Government the true position. It was fully conversant with the facts. Mr Cameron emphasized the need for more wheat. It was up to every farmer to do his bit, he said. The need was urgent. The same applied to oats. Mr T. Taylor: They can’t get more production without more labour,,