FARM LABOUR.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19648, 7 August 1935, Page 9

FARM LABOUR.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —It Is really amusing to read the remarks of gentlemen on the “farm labour” question. In one breath they are condemning workers for not. accepting the starvation wages offered' in primary industry and the next . minute refuse to discuss the all-important question of a “guaranteed price” to farmers on the ground that- it is “a contentious and political question.” In your report of the annual meeting of the Hinuera Dairy Company the chairman, Mr West, took this attitude; and the shareholders allowed him to get away with it, apparently. One would think that even the farming community, ultra-conservative as they are, would appreciate the fact that if competent labour is wanted, then they must expect to pay a wage equivalent to that paid in secondary industry. There is not the slightest reason why, the farming community and their employees should exist at poverty point. All that is required is national control of our ’ monetary, system and an Internal price level set up in New Zealand that will enable farmers to pay award wages for a reasonable day’s work and at the same time onjoy a 'deoent standard of living for themselves.

This desirable state of affairs is not to be achieved by taxation or borrowed money, but by the oreation of new “debt-free” money to the necessary extent. The men certainly cannot be blamed for avoiding the wretched conditions and unholy hours that are fashionable in the industry. In fact they show their intelligence and good sense in keeping out of it. If the gentlemen who grizzle and whine about labour ■shortage would exercise their intelligence a little more they would know that there Is not the slightest necessity for existing conditions. \ If the farmers would stand together and demand “justice” .with the same punch as other sections of the community do, their troubles would soon be over.- The majority are apparently satisfied to remain the laughing stock of the country; poverty will awaken their intelligence some day, perhaps. —I am, etc.,' AGRIGOLA. Hamilton, August 4, 1935.