FARM WORKERS

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1938, Page 6

FARM WORKERS

FIXATION OF WAGES NEW DAIRYING SEASON STRATFORD CONFERENCE

DECISION LIKELY TO-DAY

Farm labourers' wages for the 1938-39 dairying season will befixed by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, at Stratford today in consultation with Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P., Mr. H. E. Blyde, vicepresident of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and Mr. J. H. Fm> niss, Ruawaro. A more substantial increase in the rate than that made last year is expected. Neither the Minister nor Mr. A. P. O'Shea, Dominion secretary of the Farmers' Union, who will also attend the conference, would make any comment on the proposed rates when interviewed last night. The rate is fixed by the Government in consultation with representatives of the dairying community and neither party was prepared to make premature announcements. It is understood, however, that the new rate will bring the total for a farm hand over 21 years of age to about £2 10s a week. An increase of 2s 6d on the £2 2s 6d offered during the first year of the guaranteed price sfl/beme was made last year, but because the increase in the guaranteed price, on which the farm hand s wage level is based, was larger this year than formerly it is expected the new rate will be increased in proportion. The conference will be held in committee, but an announcement will probably be made afterwards, although the Minister may have to have the confirmation of Cabinet before the new rates can be released.