The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1943-08-06
STATE MOVES TO SECURE
NEEDED LABOR FOR SHORE

NhEOED LAbOt FUR ShOf6E
Representatives of seven govern
mental units, meeting in Washing
on, July 26 at the request of Gov
rnor Herbert R. O'Conor to formu-
ate plans for farm labor supply for
Maryland, declared that their con-
-erence had been distinct success"
Inasmuch as the gathering was the
irst of its kind held in furtherance
interstate exchange of labor sup
ply, the governmental representatives
were elated over the progress made.
Representatives of the Governors of
North Carolina, South Carolina, Vir-
5.nia, West Virginia, and Maryland
attended the meeting at which were
also, present officials of the Federal
Government and the District of Co
iumbia
Governor O'Conor, in advancing
he suggestion for the meeting, point
out that the canning industry on
..e Eastern Shore, according to re-
ort, is in dire need of 1000 work.
rs il full seasonal crops are to be
.arvested. Federal officials had re-
iuested Mr.. O'Conor to take the lead
the undertaking as the 1000
worker figure was the "irreducible
lemand," although more than 5000
could be used during the peak, sea-
on.
In calling the meeting, 1t was en-
lhasized that, unless - additional
workers were secured during the
harvesting season, there would be
substantial loss of food stuffs in
Maryland. The exact agreement
which was tentatively adopted by
the Governors representatives was
not made public because it is being
transmitted to the State Executives
for their approval. However, it was
indicated that all of the conferees de-
cided upon the fullest utilization of
labor in all of the Etates and urged
that steps be taken to provide the
means for the interchange of the
supply
Immediate action by the State
Executives is expected on the pro-
posal advacned by the Washington
conference. Governor O'Conor had
previously declared that, if the sew
eral states could solve this problem,
they would demonstrate their ability
TO settle their differences through
Interstate agreements rather than to
require Federal intervention. If COM
acts or agreements are made possible
Governor O'Conor declared, most
constructive step in regard to labor
supply will be taken.
The proposal was odvanced that
my recruitment of labor should be
through established governmental
agencies which would prevent the
pirating' of workers which has re-
ulted in the enactment of legisla-
ion in some of the Southern States.
Under the legislation, criminal prose-
ution has been conducted against
federal agents and other persons
Who have been active in the recruit
nent of workers in these areas.
Lawrence B. Fenneman, War Man
)ower Director for Maryland, re-
quested Governor O'Conor's inter-
ention in the matter and assigned
- B. Cambrill, Farm Placement SUI
e,ervisor, to represent the Federal
lgency in the deliberations.
Representing the State at the con-
ference were: DR.. T. B. Symons, d.
rector of Extension Service of the
University of Maryland and Paul
e. Nystrem, Farm Labor Supervis-
or; P c. Turner, Chairman of the
Farm Labor Committee and member
If the Council of Defense; and Cal
vim Skinner, representing the Tri-
State Gamers Associat