Correspondence

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 26, 29 August 1891, Page 2

Correspondence

ANOTHER LABOR BILL WANTED. TO THK EDITOR <»F THK STAR. Sir,— Kindly allow me to suggest through the medium of your valuable columns, that the working men of the dis trict should petition the Government to introduce a Labor Bill— one that would define the hours of labour for farmers, graziers, land-owners of all classes, and their employes. It matters not whether you travel north or south, you will find fanners, graziers, etc, and those working for them, toiling literally from daj light till dark, thereby depriviug many at present in want, of their share of the produce of the earth. Just calculate the numbers of farmers, etc, and those working for them, m the colony. Limit their, labor to eight hours per day, and enforce the limit, by making it an indictable offence to be found working before or after hours; and you will at once see that quite an army of the unemployed would be provided for ; in fact- the exodus would be completely stopped, and more labour required. No doubt, if this were done, many of the farmers would cry out,.saying that tbe Bill interfered with the liberty of the subject. But you will admit that farmers often cry. out beforetheyj are hurt, e.g., take the case of the Bills at present before the Legislature of the colony. As the matter stands at present the farmers have nearly all the intellec- ! tual life worked out of them.and if anything new, whether it is for their benefit or not, is proposed, they are startled.almost to death. Trusting that my coworkers will give this matter senous attention. — I am, &c., Shorter Hours ani> More Pat.