THE SHEARERS’ CLAIMS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 251, 18 July 1921, Page 8

THE SHEARERS’ CLAIMS

(To the; Editor.) Sir, —Re the matter of the correspondence between myself and Mr. Grayndler, as published in your issue of Juiy 13, in reference to a suggested conference between the Shearers' Union and the sheepowners. In case any misconception should arise in this connection, 1 wish to state that Air. Grayndler in his letter to me on this matter has placed his own interpretation on the Arbitration Court’s ruling re crutehers and experts, and as the question of a new award for shearers and shed hands is before tho Arbitration Court on the Shearers’ Union’s own application, and a good deal of expense has already been incurred by my federation, in tho” matter of conferences with the representatives of the blew Zealand VVorlkers' Union in a vain effort to reach an agreement, tho only logical procedure loft to tho employers is to ask the Arbitration Court to deal with tho whole matter as requested ‘by the shearers’ representatives themselves. Air. Grayndler says that the employers in this industry have had several golden years, but I am in possession of returns which show that sheepowners were in a much better position on the pre-war basis of values and costs of production they were during the period mentioned. Tho award rates for the various classes of labour in connection with shearing operations have increased by from 50 per cent, to 200 per cent, since the 1914-1 < award was made and it must be obvious that the industry under present, conditions cannot possibly continue to pay these rates. Mr Grayndler’s statement that his organisation is determined to enforce its demands is a fair indication of the futility of any further attempt at reaching ail agreement. I may mention that the full text of Air. Grayndler’s letter to me was apparently not given to your representative.—l am etc. IV. H. NICHOLSON Secretary, New Zealand Sheepowners and Farmers’ Federation. July 15.