Messrs Skene told a Times reporter yesterday that they had at the present time demands for as many as 56 hands, principally men who could till the land, also milkers and farm lads.
The country is being cut up all round, and there have been no learners coming forward, with the result that experienced hands are very limited in number.
During the past 12 months the firm referred to above had sent away only about two learners.
It is experienced men that are wanted, but they are not to be had, and the offering of higher wages produces no results.
Immigrants who are farm labourers do not come this way at all, but are apparently all snapped up in the North Island.
Unskilled farm labourers, such as rabbiters, gorse-cutters, etc., are offering, but there is no demand for them.
Workers with a knowledge of farm labour can be placed for some time to come.
It is considered that right on until shearing and harvesting are over, the market will be extremely pinched for experienced farm hands.
Incidentally, it was mentioned that quite a number of men who call and ask for employment flatly declined to go out into the country, preferring to remain in the city.
• The Lakes District Acclimatisation Society was in receipt of 18 small owls by the steamer on Friday evening last.
This number (says the Wakatipu Mail) constituted the society's share of the 60 birds which were recently landed in the Dominion by the Aotea.
With the exception of about two, the birds looked to be in good fettle after their long voyage.
The whole of the owls will be let loose from the same spot in accordance with the direction given.
It is said that they will soon spread over the country.
The result of the depredations of the small owls will be awaited with considerable interest.
Whitebait are reported to be running very freely in the northern rivers, and within the last day or two have (says the Timaru Herald) made their appearance in the Opihi River. - ODT, 4.9.1908.
