LIFE ON FARMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 253, 25 October 1937, Page 9

LIFE ON FARMS

SINGLE MEN OBJECT RATHER LOSE SUSTENANCE THE OFFICIAL ALTERNATIVE AUCKLAND, Oct. 22. Efforts being made by the Employment Division of the Labour Department and the Placement Service in Auckland to recruit suitable single men for employment on farms in order to relieve an acute scarcity disclose the fact that large numbers are prepared for forgo their sustenance rather than accept country work.’ Of 42 men who had intimated they would accept farm work, nine only would accept jobs offered yesterday. Already, it is stated, many single men have been classed as “voluntarily unemployed” because of their attitude, and, subject to the right of appeal, have thus lost their claims to sustenance.

At the request of the Employment Division, the Placement Service selected from its records the names of some hundreds of single men between the ages of 20 and 42 years whom it was considered were fit and suitable for work on the farms. According to priority determined by ballot the division circularised men at the rate of 250 a week, asking whether they would accept farm employment. Of a batch of 326 men, 65 definitely refused to consider country work. A large number put in claims for exemptions, many of which were granted. Forty-two men who signified they were prepared to accept country jobs were interviewed by the Placement Service yesterday and offered specific employment. Of that number nine only accepted work. The names of the other 33 will go> back to the employment officer, who will determine whether they will be struck off sustenance. Clear evidence of the acute demand for farm labour exists on the files of the Auckland Placement Service. On Wednesday requests came from the I Wellington office for S 3 inexperienced men and 14 inexperienced youths! under 20 for subsidy schemes. Furthermore, 29 applications came from the Hamilton office for experienced men. These figures are in addition to the applications received direct by the Auckland office from farmers.