FARM WORKERS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3822, 16 October 1936, Page 7

FARM WORKERS

LEGISLATION CRITICISED. MEETING OF TE AWAMUTU DISTRICT FARMERS. The public meeting sponsored by Te Awamutu branch of the New Zealand Farmers* Union, to consider the scope and effect of the Agricultural Workers Act, 1936, was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursday, the president of the branch, Mr A. T. Bryant, occupying the chair. The chairman explained that the secretary had asked for an interpretation from the Minister, but this had not come to hand. The position so affected dairy farmers that it was deemed advisable to clear up certain points. The Union did not wish farm workers’ wages to be any lower than wages paid in other industries, for good and efficient labour was essential on farms. If lower wages ruled this good labour would naturally tend to find other avenues of employment. Mr Bryant said an unsuccessful effort had been made to secure the attendance of the Departmental inspector to explain some knotty points, but Mr Wyllie was fairly fully informed on the subject, and that gentleman would be asked to address the meeting. The secretary, Mr C. J. Flay, read published explanations of the Act’s •revisions regarding the holidays and holiday pay for farm employees, and he went on to read his letter to the Minister on this aspect. THE HALF HOLIDAY. An acknowledgment from the Minister of Labour stated that he had no authority to provide that the weekly half holiday could be permitted from 9.30 to 3.3 o—the period between milkings. There was provision for paying lower wages to aged or infirm employees, and he forwarded a leaflet giving further details. Continuing, Mr Flay quoted statements made by Mr H. O .Mellsop, the provincial president, in connection with representations to the Minister. Mr A. S. Wyllie said he felt sure the average farmer did not realise the full import of the Act. He had, while in Hamilton, interviewed the inspector with a view to clarifying the position. The Act enabled the inspector to approve wage concessions in the case of married couples and aged or infirm employees. The speaker went on to quote extensively from the Act, and gave his interpretations. He said that female workers on farms were classed the same a? male workers. Obviously an employer would prefer a male worker. The half-holiday provisions clearly barred an employer from giving an employee a half holiday between morning and evening milkings. He claimed that there should be a clearer interpretation of the Act, so that all sections of the farming community should know the position. AGITATION NECESSARY. Mr Wyllie mentioned that there were penalties for incorrect returns recorded. The farmers needed a more explicit interpretation of the Act, and if they did not agitate for this they were neglecting their duties and their interests. Mr* Crawley said that from a conversation with the Minister of Agriculture he gathered that the Government intended to correct some of the ambiguous clauses in the legislation, but the farmer-employers themselves should voice their views as a guide. To Mr Terry, the chairman said he understood a committee from the Farmers’ Union had been advising the Government before the legislation was passed, but apparently the Government had not fully accepted the advice. Mr Crawley said Mb J. H. Furniss had been instructed by the Waikato executive to, when in Wellington, direct particular attention to the position of wives in the case of married couples, and on the subject of halfholiday provisions. The chairman said that if wages were payable on an hourly basis there would be unworkable provisions combined with higher costs. He reiterated the statement that there should be no desire to keep farm workers wages below those of other workers. Mr Wyllie suggested that the legislation should exempt female workers on farms from the Aqt. RESOLUTION CARRIED. Mr Flay quoted a statement by the Minister of Labour on that score. He then moved a resolution similar to that carried by the South Auckland Dairy Association earlier in the week: “ Notwithstanding the statement made by the Hon. H. T. Armstrong that the Department of Labour will treat women workers who assist with milking on dairy farms in a reasonable manner, this meeting is of the opinion that the Agricultural Workers Act as it stands at present allows for the full wage of £3 per week for adult workers to be pa ill by the employer, and asks that the Act should lie amended in order that women who assist with the milking should be exempted from the provisions of the Act, and made subject to private arlanjrements with their employers.” Mr Flay’s motion was carried unanimously. The chairman instanced cases where married couples were very much concerned at the effect of the legislation, is they realised that if the combined wage was to be £6 per week the employer would dismiss them and engage two male workers. WHAT ABOUT A DELEGATE ? Mr D. H. Cavers said the Minister’s published views were quite in accord with those expressed at the meeting. He thought a delegate should be sent to Wellington to_act with the South Auckland Dairy Association in representing to the Minister - the need for providing amendments In the direction indicated. Then Mr Wyllie moved: “That the ! f meeting requests the Government to give further immediate consideration to the Agricultural Workers Act with regard to holidays, this branch considering that time off of six hours in cne day each week in the aggregate, between milkings, should be the equivalent to a half holiday; also that female workers where assisting with

shed work only should be excluded from the provisions of the Agricultural Workers Act.” Mr Crawley suggested that the hours be definitely specified, for the hours of milking varied on certain farms and in certain districts. He thought a six-hour term should be specified. Mr Wyllie pointed out that this might not always be suitable —during harvest time, for instance—and provision could be made for a double half holiday being given the following week. It was denied that the Farmers’ Union delegates had agreed to the half-holiday proviso incorporated in the Act. UNDER-RATE WORKERS. Discussion was next taken regarding possible under-award workers, and it was mentioned that support should be given the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company’s representations. The prescribed time and wages book for farm employees was quoted, and a warning issued to both employer and employee against incorrect entries. It was pointed out that there was no provision for inexperienced employees, who presumably had to be paid the same wages as experienced workers. It was decided to send copies of the resolutions passed to the National Dairy Association, the parent executive of the Farmers’ Union, and the South Auckland Dairy Association. SONS OF OWNERS. It was stated, in reply to a question, that a farmer’s own sons were not included in the award, but Mr Crawley said it had been stated that if a farmer’s sons or daughters were paid any regular wage for farm work they did come under the award, and must be paid at least the minimum. Children under 15 years of age were not included. “ Wlhat of the son who is legally a partner, even if only to a minor degree ? ” asked a member. Mr Bryant said various branches of the Farmers’ Union had been much concerned about the trend of Government legislation, and he urged members who wanted farm hands to get into touch with the nearest placement officer, who already had found jobs for several men, a majority of whom were giving satisfaction. The placement officers were really providing a service to farmers almost identical with the scheme propounded time after time by branches of the Farmers’ Union in the province. Mr Cavers asked if anything was to be done to organise labour for the coming harvest season, and he wanted an indication of the rate of wages offering in the district. The chairman said the whole matter was influenced by supply and demand.