Solving The Farm Labour Problem

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 67, Issue 4, 15 October 1943, Page 253

Solving The Farm Labour Problem

THE Women’s Land Service presents a sound and constructive programme that has a two-fold object: a drive on an ambitious scale to recruit as many girls as possible that are considered suitable for farm work; a well-organised effort to enlist both the sympathy and help of farm owners who have not yet seriously , considered the engagement of a land girl ' (or girls) as a solution of the ever-press-ing labour problem. To those so placed, some rather convincing evidence is being offered that a very real opportunity does exist for meeting the emergency that has arisen.

British Women

Before dealing with the position in New Zealand, there is the pattern created by the Women’s Land Army in Great Britain to offer as a shining example of achievement. During the last war a similar body was formed and developed. In the greater crisis created by the earlier days of the present conflict it was not difficult to pick up the threads of the old organisation. Many thousands of Willing recruits came forward to relieve male farm workers for active service and,

in a matter of a few weeks, the new army was operating extensively throughout the country.

At the present time there are approximately 60,000 women farm workers. Most of them commenced with no knowledge whatsoever of crops, stock, seasons, and ■ other matters of farm routine. Many came from the more sequestered walks of life where people are inclined to be

Greater prominence is now given to the development of the Women’s Land Service, an organization that in Great Britain with 60,000 women farm workers has materially helped the farm labour problem and rendered an invaluable service to the nation. With an enthusiasm equal to their British cousins, the girls of the New Zealand Women’s Land Service are now ready to do their part in solving New Zealand’s farm labour problem.

intolerant of the least suggestion of inconvenience or discomfort. Today it would be difficult indeed to separate one British land girl from another in respect to social standing or anything else. No one wants to, and no one tries to. They are intensely keen on their work, and justifiably proud of the record they have established.

Farmers’ Appreciation

It is very largely through the Land Army’s energy and enterprise that Britain’s farm production has reached the highest level in history. British farmers generally are well aware of this, and have nothing but the highest praise for what the girls have accomplished.

It was not always thus. At the outset there were several deep-rooted

objections to be overcome. The average British farmer is strong on matters of custom and precedent. He did not like the idea of female labour and did not hesitate to say so. Nowadays he shows an abiding respect for the woman farm worker, and a keen appreciation of her efforts; and in divers ways there is evidence of a purposeful harmony between the Land Army and the entire farming community. .

New Zealand’s Effort

The day has arrived when the New Zealand Women’s Land Service offers the friendly challenge that what has been undertaken on the other side of the world can be achieved just as successfully in this Dominion. There are reasonable grounds for that challenge. Without considering the position of girls born and bred on farms, who cheerfully and capably perform men’s work as a matter of daily routine, it may be said that deep down in most New Zealand women there is something of the pioneer spirit, combined with a natural love of the open. All, of course, are not physically equipped, or otherwise adapted for farm work, but a large, number are well suited in most respects that count.

In New Zealand the Service has gone far beyond the stage of mere experiment. At the present time approximately 8 0 0 girls are employed on various New Zealand farms, coving virtually every branch of farm work. A salient point is that, in practically every instance, a man has been released for the Armed Forces. The records of these womenfolk make pleasant reading indeed, and the num-

ber of listed “failures” is so small that it hardly deserves the barest mention. In nearly, all cases the farm owners concerned are every bit as enthusiastic as their British cousins who have had the better . opportunity of proving the high value of female labour. Going over letters from sundry farmer-employers, , one is impressed by such phrases as “extremely reliable,” “most willing and useful,” “keen at her work and very conscientious,” “a great little worker and thoroughly efficient after a surprisingly short training period,” and so on. Some mention the aptitude the girls display for the handling of animals, and owners of stud herds pay high tribute to their capabilities in this direction. Generally, it may be said that the girls have proved themselves “equal to a man-size job.” . It is somewhat refreshing to emphasise that, in a major, way, all this applies to “town bred” girls. A few years ago most of them would not have

dreamt of farming as a temporary career. Today it is extremely difficult to find one of them who wishes to return to her former life and associations. To account for this there is the natural enthusiasm behind the knowledge that she has taken over a vital war job; but another weighty consideration is an honest appreciation of the benefits of the healthiest life that offers. Complete Outfit A member of the Land Service goes to her job well equipped for work under any conditions, from highly serviceable' footwear to overalls, working shirts, storm coat, leggings, and sou’wester, and other items that combine to form a “wardrobe” of an approximate value of £4O. This includes a smart and attractive dress uniform. It is an ideal outfit in every respect, and the best of its kind that has ever been. issued.

Conditions of Employment The conditions attached to the employment of a land girl are simple in the extreme. Dealing with the question of wages, if the employee’s duties are classified as “general farm work” the weekly wage for the first six months for an inexperienced girl is £1 165.; thereafter £2.35. 6d. Where the employment is for dairy farm work the figures are £2 Is. and £2 Bs. 6d. respectively. In either case, free board and lodging has to be provided, or an allowance of £1 weekly in lieu thereof. In respect of inexperienced girls placed under the conditions of the Women’s Land Service, the employer will receive from the National Service Department a training subsidy of £1 per week for the first three months and 12s. 6d. per week for a further three months. During the training period it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the land girl receives the utmost benefit of his knowledge and experience of farming. Insurance under the Workers’ Compensation Act (as for male farm workers) is compulsory. With a dairy farm employee, holidays are taken in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Workers Act, 1936, while the Agricultural Workers Extension Order covers the girl whose duties are concerned with sheep.