SOON RECTIFIED

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1938, Page 6

SOON RECTIFIED

HARVESTING PROBLEM

CALLS TO WELLINGTON

PUBLIC WORKS LABOUR A unique record was created yesterday when a matter relating to the employment in South Taranaki by farmers of public works employees for harvesting was, following communication with Wellington, rectified within one hour. The matter was discussed about midday at a Farmers' Union meeting at Hawera and the secretary, Mr. E. K. Cameron, after two telephone connections with Wellington, was able to supply the information early in the afternoon. Point at Issue. Raised by Mr. V. Howell, Okaiawa, the point at issue was the ruling by the authorities that farmers desiroug of employing men from public works for harvesting were reauired to provide five days' consecutive labour to obtain the men. Mr. Howell's contention was that it was not always possible to guarantee the men five days' work. Such an undertaking could be disrupted by unfavourable weather. After the meeting had discussed the matter and stressed its urgency, the decision was made to establish immediate communication with the Pominion secretary, Mr. A. P. O'Shea, at Wellington, and ask him to take the matter up with the Public Works Department. Mr. Cameron established communication with Mr. O'Shea early in the afternoon and explained the position to him. Shortly afterwards a call was received from Mr. O'Shea to the effect that he had interviewed the departmental authorities snd they had agreed to relax the five-day rule in South Taranaki. Mr. Cameron then rang Stratford and was told that the public works office ha.i received similar advice. Thus the whole matter brought up at "the meeting late in the morning was completed satisfactorily within an hour. _ v Farmers in South Taranaki will now be able to employ public works men casually for periods less than five days.