TEMUKA FARM WORKERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLII, Issue 22398, 9 October 1942, Page 3

TEMUKA FARM WORKERS

Wages For Casual Hands Position Of Married Men Ruling rates for agricultural workers are dealt with in a letter received from the Dominion secretary of the Farmers’ Union (Mr A. P. O'Shea) by the Temuka branch of the Farmers’Union. The letter states that the ruling rates of pay for casual workers are as follows: Harvesters, 2/3 an hour with rations; other workers, 1/11 found and 2/3 not found by the hour, 15/4 found and 18/- not found by the day; youths up to 18 years, 1/3 found and 1/6 not found by the hour, 10/- found and 12/not found by the day. In reply to a request from the local branch, the Dominion secretary stated that there was no fixed rate for a married man. His minimum rate was the, minimum rate laid down in the award, according to whether or not he was kept. If he was kept, the £1 could be deducted and employers were entitled to deduct reasonable rent for a cottage and the cost of any supplies such as milk, meat, etc. The legal position was that a married man was paid the same as a single worker, but If his wife had duties on the farm, then it was necessary to obtain an under-rate worker’s permit for the wife, otherwise the employer was liable for the full wage. When a man’s wife was employed in domestic work, the employer should make a separate agreement with each of them. FIRE BRIGADE An intensive course of training, embracing four practices a week, is being undertaken by the Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade in preparation for the visit of the Addington Fire Brigade on Easter Saturday, when a comprehensive programme of competitions will be undertaken. These include two, three and four men events, both wet aird dry. Officials appointed at the last meeting of the committee were as follows: Judges, Superintendent C. C. Knight and Deputy-Superintendent D. Brett, both of Geraldine; timekeeper, Mr W. F. Evans; starter, Deputy-Superinten-dent R. L. Stokes. HIGH PRICE FOR GIG

It is a sign of the times that vehicles not requiring petrol for their propulsion are at a premium. An instance of this was seen at a local clearing sale of farm implements and gear, where a rubber-tyred tray gig was sold at £27. Other farm material, practically unprocurable to-day such as bird-netting and harness, brought prices considerably more than the original cost of the articles. SALVATION ARMY SOCIAL A social gathering arranged by the Women’s League of the Salvation Army proved very popular and attracted an attendance of about 50 persons. The evening was spent in games and musical items. Mrs M. Shepherd, of Wellington, contributed “Bless This House,” and a duet, “Mendelssohn’s Spring Song,” was sung by Misses Prewer and Levens. Mr V. Thomas played two violin solos, “Largo” and “Serena ta.” GOLF The closing day of the Temuka Golf Club will be held to-morrow, when a mixed Canadian Foursomes competition will be played. PERSONAL Mrs J. Forrest and Miss L. Forrest, Milford, left for Woodlands yesterday. Miss M. Inder, Queenstown, who has been the guest of Mrs E. Smith, Maude Street, returned home yesterday. Mrs V. Thomas, King Street, is spending a holiday in Christchurch. Mrs M. Shepherd, Wellington, is the guest of Mrs S. Shepherd, Hayhurst Street.