FARM LABOURERS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 559, 14 July 1909, Page 10

FARM LABOURERS.

A SURPRISE.. FOR EMPLOYERS. (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Chrlstchurch, July 13. A number of farmers ,in the Canterbury district have of lato been astonished to receive a letter from _ the secretary • of the Farm Labourers' Union, threatening them with proceedings consequent upon an alleged breach of one of the recommendations I to farmers ; made by tho_ Arbitration _ Court at the conclusion of their decision dismissing the union's' application for an award. The letter states that it.has been reported that a number of farmers are paying thoi'r labourers less than the 7s. per day laid down by the Arbitration Court in their recommendation "that all day labourers who receive only, a money payment for their services shall be paid not less than 7s. per day." ~l'he writer goes on to say: "If the statements are correct so far as you are concerned, we hope you will remedy the same, as the union has decided to take the necessary steps to have the recommendation of the Court respected, and, if necessary,'enforced." A reference to the decision of the Court mentioned in. the letter shows that certain recommendations, including the one quoted, were made by the Court, the opinion being expressed that the farmer would no doubt see the wisdom of giving effect to them. Mr. W. H. Hagger, officer in charge of the local Labour ; Bureau, says it is clear that the recommendations possessed no compulsory force, and the union could take no action upon them. - /./-: Mr. 0. B. Pemberton, Secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, said he believed the letters, had been issued with the object of bluffing some of the farmers into complying with the . -'