RURAL WORKERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16545, 20 September 1919, Page 3

RURAL WORKERS.

WAIT ON THE PREAIIER.

Per Press Association.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. A deputation from the Agricultural and Pastoral Workers’ Union waited on the Prime Alinister this morning. The main request of the deputation was that steps should be taken to safeguard rural workers in the event of a father serious outbreak of influenza.

Other requests were that farmers should be made to provide for temporary separate accommodation for Maori women, where Maoris are employed, instead of allowing them, as was the case at some stations, to be herded with men, and that the Government should pass legislation on the lines of Mr. Yeitch’s Workers’ Accommodation.Bill. It was complained that the Labour Department had not compelled Canterbury thrsehing jpill owners to provide the accommodation specified in the award of tho Arbitration Court.

One speaker urged that farmers should at least be asked to have shearers’ huts fumigated before the men arrived.

Mr. Massey, in reply, said an amendment to the Act dealing with shearers’ accommodation had been prepared, but the season was so near that legislation could not he waited for, therefore another way of dealing with the matter would he necessary. He thought the request*in regard to another possible further outbreak of influenza quite reasonable and would have prepared a memorandum of the Health Department on the subject.