FARM WAGES.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 19826, 1 October 1936, Page 2

FARM WAGES.

THE NEW ACT. In Force From To-day. TERMS OF THE BILL. CONDITIONS TO BE OBSERVED. Farmers throughout the Thames Valley and Hauraki Plains are reminded that the Agricultural Workers' Act, 1936, comes into force today, and they should therefore make themselves conversant with the terms of the measure. It applies to workers employed on dairy farms only, a dairy farm being defined as one where dairying is the principal concern, and where ten or more cows ai*e milked. Sharemilkers also come under the provisions of the Act. The wages to be paid to employees are: 17/6 weekly, under 17 years; 22/6 weekly, 17-18 years; 27/6 weekly, 18-19 years; 32/6 weekly, 19-20 years; 37/6 weekly, 20-21 years; 42/6 weekly, 21 and over.

Female workers are to receive the same rates as youths and men of equivalent age. Where board and lodging is not provided, 17/6 weekly shall be added to these wages. One month's holiday at a time suitable to the employer, on full pay, plus half lodging allowance, for each year's serYiee, must be given, or one week at the expiration of each month's service. Where a half-day off is given weekly, provision is made whereby two weeks' holiday must be allowed yearly instead of a month's holiday. There is no regulation governing casual labour, such as hay-making, fencing, draining or cropping work. The hours of work are not stated for either regular workers or casual hands.

EVery farmer is now obliged to keep a wages book, failing which he is liable to a fine. Orders for the hand size Lion brand wages and holiday book may be left at the •'Star" Office. Copies 2/9, posted 3/-.