FARM WAGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19444, 2 November 1925, Page 14

FARM WAGES

(To tho Editor) Sir,—lf “Aussie’’ had been at; the meeting of the Farm Workers’ Union when the wages question was brought up, he would have found that the meeting was unanimous in giving the married couples tho same rate of wages as single workers. But after careful consideration we decided to average it. according to tho supply and demland. I myself could get the same wages when I was single as both my wife and I get when wo aro working as married couple. When we were single wo both

worked on tho some place. When we got married wo were offered £l. 2s Gd less to do exactly the same work on the same place. Wo did not see any justice—or fairness—■ in this, so I took on it job with “wife no duties.” We were told a married couple got more privileges. A married couple generally has to sleep in a hole in tho wall and be kept awake till 10 or 11 o’clock at night, with some giddy “Ha, ha, ha,” on tho telephone, which is very often on the wall behind your bed. There is no such thing now as the old cart tind horse to drive about; that is sold to buy a car. But if you want to go to town you have to pay about £2 for ear fare. No, sir, the married couple gets no pleasure on a farm. I quite agree with “Aussie,” married couples should be paid single wages. The reason wo classed all workers first and second grade was because Mr Justice Fraser said the Court stressed the fact that farm workers worked under varying conditions, but the Court must have evidence of something more that it had to work on; then it might be that an award should be mb.de. —I am, etc., A MEMBER. A.P. & D. Workers’ Union.