LABOUR ON LAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 231, 30 September 1943, Page 3

LABOUR ON LAND

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY WORK FOR STUDENTS (P.A.) Wellington, Sept. 29. The Minister of Industrial Manpower, the Hon. A. McLagan, stated to-night that arrangements very similar to those made last year were being made for the employment of students and senior school pupils during the Christmas holidays. This year, he said, the need for labour on the land would be greater, as our own and the Allied lighting forces had to be fed, while supplies to the people of Cfreat Britain had to be maintained. At the present time the needs of seasonal industries for labour were being surveyed with a view to allocating jobs on the most suitable basis, having regard to relative priorities and the need to reserve more mature persons for work beyond the capacity of younger persons. Male university students would be required in freezing works and dairy factories for the peak rush in February and March. The Minister requested farmers, to notify requirements within the next few weeks, as manpower officers must know by the end of October how many were required. It was possible that some could be made available for an extra period if required. Boys could assist in market gardens and other forms of work, and a number of senior girls would also be required for vege-table-growing schemes and fruit-pick-ing. Schoolboys and girls would not be employed away from their homes except under fully approved conditions, and only those over 18 would be placed under direction. Wages would be paid according to the appropriate award or the ruling rates. The Minister added that the interviewing of students who would be directed had already commenced, and manpower and vocational guidance officers were discussing with head teachers arrangements for senior pupils who volunteered for work.