SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 31, 6 February 1941, Page 4

SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

LANDS DETERIORATING FARMERS’ VIEWS STATED The difficulty being experienced by farmers in obtaining suitable labour was stressed yesterday when several appeals on behalf of men engaged in farm work, who have been balloted fot overseas military service, came before the No. 3 Armed Forces Appeal Board. Giving evidence before the board, Mr. W. Peat, chairman of the Wanganui District Production Council, said many farmers were taking men off maintenance work on farms and using them to help increase production. This was noticeable in all parts of New Zealand. As a result, Mr. Peat added, backcountry lands were seriously affected, and some were deteriorating. Satisfactory labour was very difficult to obtain, and though one hesitated to appeal at a time like this, it was necessary to look at the question from a national point of view. Much of the back country which had been opened up was now going out of production for want of labour. Another farmer, Mr. W. C. Macnab, Raorikia, who appealed on behalf of one of his employees called up in the ballot, referred to the amount of maintenance work which had to be carried out in back country, and added that though many Maoris were in the district they would not take on farm work, no matter what was offered to them. The chairman, Mr. A. Coleman. S.M., said the board understood the problems of back-country farmers, particularly with regard to maintenance on their property. On the other hand, however, men were urgently required for national service and every effort should be made to replace those called up. Most of the appeals in respect of farm employees heard yesterday were adjourned sine die, but the chairman said that the board had reached this decision because of the nature of appellants’ present employment. Should any of the men concerned leave that work their employers were under an obligation to notify the authorities immediately.