CORRESPONDENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19449, 7 November 1925, Page 10

CORRESPONDENCE

FARM WAGES (To the Editor). Sir, — \s your valuable space in the “Chronicle’’ was in such demand during the election I did not answer “Aussie’s” letter before. Well, on Thursday, July 30. His Honour Judge Frazer said it might be that an award should be made, but the Court must have evidence of a cogent nature. Our committee cannot bring such evidence before the Court if all .married couples do not become members of the union; that is the only way of doing away with the farce of reducing married couples’ wages 25/- per week when they leave single employment and go as married couples. If they become members and co-operate with the union, then I am quite satisfied the Court will grant what the workers demand; but it never will be accomplished if every worker waits till his mate has spent all his money to get an award for those who will not help. I have proof and letters from hundreds of farm workers who are quite willing to join the union when we get the award settled. That means a few of us spending pounds before they will join. There are a few determined workers who have spent pounds out of their own pockets, without a # :ught of getting a penny back. So I think it is up to all workers to become members, and that is the only way the A.P. and D. Workers’ Union will be able to get the wages “Aussie” thinks married coupled should be entitled to. I should like to ask farmers under what class of mankind they consider their experienced shepherds, ploughmen, fencers, etc. They cannot be classed as British workmen for they do not pay them the low basic wage which the Arbitration Court granted to all classes of unskilled labour. I can give you an instance of two shepherds that are employed by one of the Farmers’ Union expert wool authorities. They get £2 10s and £2 a week, find their own horse, wear and tear of saddle, etc, and provide a pack of dogs, some of which cost £lO each. These men are experienced workers, but do not get an unskilled worker’s wages in the town. The farmers are crying out that they cannot get men and want to know why the men flock to the towns and some arc glad of an excuse to go to sea in the stokehold. Simply because they can get better pay. It is time the farm worker washed the dust from his eyes. He should not feel, and be looked upon when he goes into town, as one of those class of men who cannot even command the unskilled basic wage.—l am. etc., M. HEENEY. Wanganui, November 5, 1925.