POINTS OF VIEW
OPINIONS OF OUR READERS. CONDITIONS OF FARM LABOUR. Sir, —May I point out a very noticeable feature in the country’s operations just at present, and that is the much better wages being offered for farm employees by the farmers. After the low wages (and some are still very poor), one wonders why such is the case, and can only come to the conclusion that it is to attract men to the land. But (and here is the rub) what about the conditions which the majority of farm, labourers have tp put up with, such as sleeping quarters ? Is it a fair thing just to offer higher wages in order to get the men back, without improving the surroundings? It is high time pur farmers and others on the land woke up to the fact that in the majority of cases the standard of facilities for the employee in this respect is deplorable. Why don’t the people in charge of certain of our departments see to it that farm workers are placed on the same basis as they are in England, so that there would be some redress for the present muddled state of affairs. Farmers would be wise if they were to set to work now and prepare for next season, to have decent and sensible living conditions for those whom they are hoping to employ for. necessary work, and, instead of offering higher wages now. save the money for a longer view on the matter. The extra money being offered could, in six months time, be applied to putting up better baches or houses for our hard-working men on the land, or at least improving existing conveniences. Then, if prices warranted it, a higher wage could be paid with the chance that a more satisfied and better influenced type of man would stick to his job. Ido not want any reader to think I do not recognise the good employers, and likewise the fact that there are quite a number of indifferent employees who have no real interest in the land; only I sincerely believe that it is in the interests of everybody to see that the country worker gets a fair deal.--I am, etc., A BATTLER.
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Bibliographic details
Waipa Post, Volume 52, Issue 3705, 10 January 1936, Page 7
Word Count
371POINTS OF VIEW Waipa Post, Volume 52, Issue 3705, 10 January 1936, Page 7
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