MIGRATION OF YOUNG FARMERS FROM U.K. FAVOURED BY FARMERS

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 November 1947, Page 9

MIGRATION OF YOUNG FARMERS FROM U.K. FAVOURED BY FARMERS

“I think that this is something which we should definitely support. If it is anything like the old f lock House scheme and has anything like the same amount of success then it will be of great benefit to the farmers of New Zealand and the industry as a whole,” said the chairman (Mr. H. J. Donnelly) at yesterday’s meeting of the Wanganui Provincial Executive of Federated f armers, when details of a proposed scheme for the immigration of farm workers was received from Federated Farmers.

“While the farm labour shortage is not as acute as in many other essential industries, there is no doubt that a number of single workers could be satisfactorily placed on farms where suitable accommodation is available,” stated the circular. A scheme had been submitted by the Y.M.C.A. of New Zealand which would provide labour for farms and would enable a start to be made with youth migration.

The position briefly was that British Y.M.C.A. operated a number of training farms for youths were keen to take up farming as a career. It was called the “British Boys for British Farms" training scheme. Under this scheme boys from 14 to 16 years of age were carefully selected by the Y.M.C.A. The period of training was from one to two years and covered all phases of farm work. At the end of their training the boys were placed with selected farmers. Some idea of the scope of the scheme could be gai I ed from the fact that in 1943, 623 boys had completed their training arftl were placed on farms. The circular stated that- the Y.M.C.A. headquarters in New Zealand had been advised that there were a number of boys under training who were keen to migrate to New Zealand. The Y.M.C.A. had cabled London to ascertain how soon 50 boys could be recruited to come to New Zealand unde? the assisted immigration -scheme, how soon 100 could be recruited, and whether 50 boys could be recruited and ready to sail by January. It was proposed to allocate the boys to individual farmers as follows: (1) That each draft due to arrive be allocated proportionately to the various farming districts in consulation with Federated Farmers. (2) That each district quota be allocated to individual farmers by a local committee having regard to the suitability of the employer, the accommodation available, and the nature of the work in which the youth would be engaged. The secretary (Mr. A. R. Donald; son) reported that the Wanganui branch of the Department of Laboui and Employment had set up an Emigration Welfare Committee and. desired Federated Farmers to appoint a representative on it. . . Mr Donnelly was appointed as the executive’s representative. The committee will cons ist JT, presentatives of the Trades Council, the Wanganui City Council, the De nartment of Labour and Employment, Returned Services' Association, and a ioint representative of the employers' and manufacturers’ assoctat ion s. -.-