SHEEP-SHEARING RATES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2905, 18 October 1916, Page 6

SHEEP-SHEARING RATES

Sir, —A Mr. A. D. Shearer, whom I presume to be a Martinborough farmer, is anxious for me to reply to Mr. A. D. M'Leod's article . that appeared in The Dominion of September 9. Mr. M'Leod starts off by advising .tho sheep-owners to pay 255. per 100. This is what I have been doing. His only objection was that we were trying to fix too long a period. In this ho is wrong. We did not propose a three years' agreement. Mr. M'Leod next says we have no intention of going to the Court for an. award. So far tho only ones objecting to this being done aro tho sheep-farmers. , I do not know of any agreement binding on the Wairarapa sheep-owners other than tlie 1910 Shearers' Award, which expired in 1912. Mr. M'Leod well knows this to bo correct. Mr. M'Leod next remarks that a few of us got together. Might I tell Mr. M'Leod that some thousands of us have got together. Sir. M'Leod next says I knew tho sheep-owners would pay 255. As a matter of fact, I only know that A.P.U. members were not going to shear for less than 255. a hundred, and to avert trouble I cited tho sheep-owners. And the farmers' assessors offered a paltry 2s. 6d. war bonus to bo taken off three months after the war. This offer had the effect of keeping the Australian shearer away from , New Zoaland. They were had in a number of instances last shearing over , this bonus. They did not got it only at ; a few places. i Mr. M'Leod goes on to further advise i the workers. He says they havo every right to sell their labour in the highest fnarket. This is what the A.PJJ. says.,

He is quite right, as all workers are quite within their rights by refusing to accept engagements at any minimum rate. If I get into trouble for giving this advice, so should Mr. A. D. M'Leod.

Mr. M'Leod says it is the aim of the A.I'.U. to better the conditions of the farm and station workers. That is what tlie A.P.TJ. was established for. TiTb workers who are engaged in farm and station work require better conditions than tlioy are now receiving, Mr. M'Leod says tho farmers are short of labour. I can't see bow they can expcct anything else. The conditions they provide and the wages they offer will not attract workers into tlieir field. Profits i s tho farmers' god. Note when ho requires a worker. The papers read "Wanted a married couple. No encumbrances." The rearing of a nation soes not concern him. . Prices for wool, mutton, beef, pigs, and butter are what he is after. And tho workers can go to the front or to the devil, so long as he is allowed to rake in all the dolars. — I am, etc., 0. ORAYNDLER. October 15, 1916.