ACCOMMODATION FOR SHEARERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 224, 16 June 1919, Page 6

ACCOMMODATION FOR SHEARERS

Sir,—l understand that the shearers' and 6hed hands' Arbitration Court invnrd expired on February 28 last, and that the representatives of the Sheepfarmers' Association and the A.P.U. are to meet in order to discus? the new demands of the workers. 'Wo are also hearing a great deal just now about accommodation on stations. Now, I am a station employee, and a member of the A.P.U., and am out for decent conditions and accommodation every time. That there is need for improvement on many stations, and that the Government inspection is a farce, is. admitted by most people who know anything about tlio matter. But if employers aro to be compelled to 1 provide good accommodation, I suggest that there 6hould be a clause .inserted in any award or agreement making it incumbent on every employee to use such accommodation in a proper manner, and keep the place clean, and he personally liable for damage, the result of misuse.

From amongst many cases I could cite let me give two examples: the first that of :an absolutely new building last year in Marlborough. At the finish of shearing there was scarcely a door that would lock, the rooms and premises adjacent were left in a filthy condition, and the new woodwork was scrawled over with names and filthy language. Another case I know of, where a new building was erected for the permanent hands, and within three months the shepherds had their dogs tied up all around, and in one instance actually inside the bed> rooms. Such conduct is unfair to both employer and decent employee. On the large majority oil stations the manager exercises no supervision over the men's Quarters, and does not care whether they are clean or not, as long as the sheep work |is done, and the shearers do not complain.. I have heard shepherds and musterera say that they have not time to do any washing or keep their rooms clean, which, of course, is jjiffle. Under existing conditions a station (however good the owner may be) is about the worst place for a decent lad to get on to for in most cases he will sopn lose any habits of self-respect, tidiness, or discipline, and gradually degenerato into a "Henry Dub." . , L , It -would be quite simple to adopt the Army system, where each man is issued with what is needful, and has to sign for it, and keep it clean, and any damage or loss (wear and tear cxcented) is charged against him, and deducted from his lay.. Of course, I suppose the Truck Act "would apply in such a case, but it could be got round. I suppose, as it is done in the Army? I hold 110 brief for the employers, and am finite aware that there are rotters on both sides, bilt I think that more good would be dono for the genuine workman if the leaders of Labour would be fair to Mh parties, and look facts in the face, instead of answering all argument and suggestion with personal abuse and soap-box oratory.—l am, etc., ■ FIAT JUSTITIA KUAT COELUM.