SHEARERS’ WAGES

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2081, 6 January 1908, Page 1

SHEARERS’ WAGES

Press Association. PALMERSTON, Jan. 4. A special meeting of the Palmerston branch of tho Farmer’s Un on was held to-day to discuss the matter of tho shearers’ dispute. It was stated that the object of the union was to improve the conditions of ihc farmers generally and to help every branch of farming, farm laborers included. The following objections to the claims of the shearers were raised:—(l) Tlio rate cannot bo tlio same for all districts; (2) if there are machines the prices should not be the same as if hand shears wore used; (3) for sheds which have a large number of machines in proportion to the number of shearers there should be t different rate; (4) some give and take was necessary in connection with (lagging wet sheep and should bo subject to the decision of the manager of the shed; (5) limitation of learners is nil reasonable for there are too Jew shearers already. There was a public meeting of farmers in the afternoon when tlio necessity for taking action to meet the case was pointed out and it was stated that the Union would not go before the Conciliation Board though they wore quite willing to issist- to an amicable understanding-. Tlio following resolution was carried : That this meeting requests the I rovincial Executive of tho Farmers Union to take steps to meet their citation before the Conciliation Board and agree to pay 5s per 100 sheep towards a fighting fund;, that tins meeting endorses tlio action of tn© Farmers’ Union Executive m declining to argue before the Conciliation Board. A'committee was appointed to act with the Farmers’ Union Executive.