FARMING PROBLEMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 37, 13 February 1941, Page 6

FARMING PROBLEMS

SHORTAGE OF LABOUR DISCUSSION IN WANGANUI Problems associated with farm labour were discussed in Wanganui yesterday, when Mr. S. G. Smith (New Plymouth) recently-appointed liaison officer of the National Service Department (Employment Division) met farmers at a public meeting. The gathering was held under the auspices of the Wanganui Provincial Executivof the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the president of which, Mr. T. Currie (Brunswick), presided. Mr. Smith outlined a number of suggestions made in different parts of the country for combating the problem, and stated that the National Service Department was anxious to help farmers as much as possible. Practical suggestions, even if they involved finance, would be welcomed by the department aind given every consideration. Associated with Mr. Currie were Messrs. A. H. Collins, chairman of the Wanganui County Council; Mr. William Morrison, chairman of the Waitotara County Council; Mi. W. Peat, chairman of the Wanganui District Primary Production Council; and Mr. A. S. Coleman, a member of the Rangitikei County Council. Following Mr. Smith’s address, several questions were asked, and at the conclusion of the meeting Mr. Smith remarked that he had received some very helpful suggestions which he would pass on to the department. Mr. Smith said that it was his function to act as liaison officer between the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the State Placement Service, the National Service Department, Production Councils, and all other bodies interested in the question of farm labour. He was anxious to obtain the fullest information possible, with a view to gaining knowledge of problems which existed in each district. Extra Effort Made. It was to the credit of the farming community that excellent results had been obtained from the drive for increased production. The weather had certainly been helpful, but. farmers had made an extra effort. This year the position might be more difficult. Because of shipping losses and other difficulties caused by the war at sea, farmers had been warned that less meat would go overseas. “We cannot say how much meat will go,” Mr. Smith added, “but I am assured that a good quantity will go forward, though not to the extent of previous years.” Because of the war the markets in Denmark had been lost to Great Britain. and cheese was now in demand in the United Kingdom. Shipments of cheese, wool and butter from New Zealand would be given preference. If farmers were going to do their part in the war effort it was essential that they look at the problems of the coming season. They must also forget some of their hostility toward Governments and Government departments. This hostility was apparent in different parts of the country. “If we want to say, after the war is over and won, that we have stood up to our responsibility like the people of the United Kingdom, we must play our part, but if we don’t keep up production we shall be failing the men who have left these shores to fight for the Empire,” said Mr. Smith, who added that if the farmers made application to the Government for labour they would be given every possible assistance. If the Government did not provide the men it would be falling down on its job. The Government may even have to tell some men to leave less productive work for more essential industries. Advantages on Farms. In reply to a question as Io bowmen could be expected to leave the

towns and a 40-hour week for farms, where they would be required to work longer hours, Mr. Smith said, men would be well advised to leave the towns. On farms, with no rent to pay and many essentials such as milk, firewood, lighting, and even meil, provided, they were far better off so far as net wages were concerned. Mr. A. S. Coleman said the bone ol contention in Rangitikei was the 40hour week. Men on farms asked why they should work 60 hours, while their friends in cities and towns worked only 40 hours. If increased production was wanted in New Zealand, the 40-hour week should be abolished and all men required to work the same hours. Why send the women and children out on to farms? said Mr. W. Peat, who added that till every man in the Dominion did an honest day’s work the country would get nowhere. The difference in pay on the farms and in towns was an important factor. On the farm a man might receive £3 5s a week, but for doing relief work he would receive £4 16s. Mr. F. K. Pearce said it seemed little use taking a man from one job and putting him on a sheep farm to grow meat which was of no use to the war effort. The leaders of the country should state what they required, and give producers a lead.