Imperial Valley press., 1934-06-26
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; this tenant grower operated a mel
on and tomato ranch this year
without meeting his current labor
obligations in full.
! recommendation
That the state labor laws be
strengthened to protect the workers
in receipt of their wages. TO include
payment of the workers wages di-
rect by some bonded or responsible
party "a system already in vogue
by some of the larger growers and
shipperS)
Although it was asserted by sew
eral growers and shippers that
there was adequate resident labor
in Imperial Valley to meet the de-
mandS of the present melon har-
vesting season. efforts to secure
preferential employment to resident
workers have met with little sue
cess. The traditional fruit tramp
cannot be Immediately eliminated;
nor is it possible to prevent entire
ly the migratory agricultural labor
to take advantage of seasonal op-
portunities
The question presents tre-
mendous problem, and Imperial
Valley is one of the principal suf-
ferers.
If it is possible to gradually
ameliorate these conditions
through a system of labor registra-
ton, and the utilization of the U.
S. employment service, depart
ment of labor Tin collaboration
with other employment agencies)
in movement of agricultural labor.
A tentative plan for this pur-
pose was placed before the chair
man of the board, and discussed
with a large number of growers. A
revised plan has been forwarded to
the department of labor for con-
sideration.
recommendation:
That the growers and shippers
cooperate with the department of
labor in instituting plan for the
registration and supply of agricul-
tural labor.
Wages are dependent upon re-
ceipts for the perishable crops of
Imperial Valley, and receipts are
dependent largely upon marketing
conditions.
Some of the large growers and
shippers are we'll organized for
marketing, and thereby possess de-
cided advantage over their small
er competitors, many of whom
have inadequate financial backing,
and as a consequence frequently
are forced to dispose of their crops
at a considerable loss.
1t is believed that conditions can
be improved by establishment of
equitable and effective policies of
proration, including, when neces-
sary, blowing under crops that
must for the good of all, be elm
mated from the market.
Unquestionably the department
of agriculture will welcome an op-
portunity to assist in questions of
marketing, finance, and reduction
of the high cost of transportation
provided the problems of Imperial
Valley can be fairly and impartial
ly presented.
recommendations:
l. "A comprehensive study of
equitable proration and the enforce
ment thereof.
2. The appointment of commit
too, to include smaller growers, to
present to the department OF agri-
culture the problems of finance,
marketing and costs of tranSporta-
ton.
Investigation of Zawlessness
After more than two months Of
observation and investigation in
Imperial valley, it is my conviction
that a group of growers have ex-
plotted a Communist hysteria for
the advancement of their own in
terests; that they have welcomed
labor agitation, which they could
brand as red" as means of sus-
tanning supremacy by mob rule,
thereby preserving what Is so essen
tial to their profit-cheap labor;
that they have succeeded in draw
ing into their conspiracy certain
county officials who have become
the principal tools of their machine.
1t was my first endeavor to cor
rect this situation by argument and
persuasion. This failing to curb il
legal assaults, intimidation and un-
fair convictions, it became necessary
to take a decided stand against the
continuance Of these deplorable
conditions.
Standing within the power of the
board of supervisors is the removal
from office of Mr.. B. A. Harrigan,
agricultural commissioner. In my
opinion he has not always made fair
and impartial use of his powers.
Several who claim to be victims OF
his tyranny and unfairness have
come to me with their stories. Fear
ing reprisal they have exacted my
promise not to reveal their names or
accusations. Attached to your con-
sideration are statements 1 am at
liberty to present.
Spread upon the pages Of recent
Imperial valley history, are certain
lawless and illegal events which
have been suppressed or distorted in
local news accounts, and which have
not been investigated by officials
who are charged by law with that
responsibility. Reputable clergymen
lawyers, businessmen, and other cit