Farmers Blame Wharfies For "This Persecution"

Chronicle (Levin), 29 April 1949, Page 5

Farmers Blame Wharfies For "This Persecution"

DANNEVIRKE, April 29. Concern was expressed by members of the Southern Hawke's Bay Executive of Federated Farmers at the severity of the penalty provided for breaches of the regulations governing the weight of wool bales, which was referred to as "this persecution-" The regulations provide for a fine not exceeding £1000 or six months' imprisonment where the maximum regulation weight of 400 Ibs. per bale is exceeded. It was stated that few shearing sheds were equipped with facilities for weighino- bales. The owner was placed in an invidious position in that the baling of wool was done by shearing gangs or casual labour, and the regulations could be used by shearing gangs to embarrass owners. "This all-comes from the wharfies. If we could get these men to see reason, this difficultv would be ! abolished," said Mr. W. M. Rossell, jthe president. Mr. E. J. Harding said the position was ridiculous and absurd to have a £1000 fine or six months' goal because a farmer put more than 400 Ibs. of wool into a bale. He suggested that, compared with the penalty provided for overweight bales, a man convicted of murder received a comparatively light sentence; It was decided to '"give " f ull support to any action the Dominion councii might take.