SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOR

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4012, 19 August 1915, Page 7

SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOR

REPORTS FROM WAIKATO

(Press Association Telegram.)

HAMILTON, Aug. 18.

A serious shortage of farm labor is reported throughout the Waikato. A large percentage of young men previously engaged in farmin- pursuits are cither at the Front of in training, and agriculturists and dairymen view the approach of the productive season Avith some apprehension. Land-own-ers who had retired front active operations on the farm have again buckledto in order to prevent their lauds and herds going back. In some cases wealthy men are to be seen driving their oxvu stock ever lengthy journeys, Avhile women who had foresworn the milking-shed are again busy with the pail. The coming season promises, in fact, to be fraught with great difficulties from the standpoint of labor, and the Hamilton and Cambridge branches of .the Fanners’ Union are already starting to organise a labor recruiting campaign. The Compulsory Registration Bill i.s considered !>v them an excellent measure, for it will give on idea of what Inbev is really available in the Dominion. The Labor Department i.s eo-operating with the Farmers’ Union in its recruiting efforts, and it is probable that the Government, during the coming session, will bo urged to bring in an Empow ring Bill to enable boys and girls of suitable age to be employed on farms, •especially during tlie harvesting season.