FARMERS UNION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1929, Page 6

FARMERS UNION

ASTON ISH INC A LLKG ATI OXS. (By Telegraph—-Press Association). WELLINGTON, February G. Astonishing allegations as to what is happening in the ranks of the employed, or the unemployed, as a result of the Government’s decision to pay Union rates on relief works, were made at the meeting of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union Executive to-day. Air J. Preston (Waikouaiti) stated that in his county they had a lot oi men engaged on the roads under the Highways Board where there was a crusher working for the county. llio men from the crusher had gonp over to the unemployed, because they warned for the same rate of pay, but had shorter hours to get it. AA hen employed on relief works they got morning and afternoon tea, added Air Pres ton, and they only worked 5A days a week, having half a day off. Air Preston said he himself has had two men grubbing gorse, and was paying them £2 a week and keep. They also had left him to go on the unemployed relief work. Mr AY. B. Alalliieson: It amounts to a premium on unemployment. Air A. A. Ross (Auckland) said the matter required looking into. Air Alathieson: 1 move that tho Executive objects to-a bonus being offered to unemployment. That is the plain English of it. A voice: Not a doubt. It me'ans a bonus and more unemployment. A motion was passed: “ I hat the attention of the Government be drawn to the number of men who are leaving their employment to join relict works owing to the ‘increased pay being given. ’ AYELLIXGTON, February i. The question of wheat duties was discussed at a meeting of the Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday, when it was stated there was a strong sentiment growing that bread was costing too much and it was suggested that wheat growers should agree to a removal of the duties, and ask the Government. lor subsidy in its place*. A discussion arose on a remit from North Otago Farmers’ Union: “That the Government lie urged to make a pronouncement that a sliding scale ol duties on wheat and Hour will be maintained, to include 1980 crop, propitiations lor which are now being made.” Decision upon this was deferred tJi the next meeting of the Executive. The Farmers’ Union Conference ienp,Minted the delegates who attended the last Industrial Conference, in the event of the Government holding another. It was agreed that they should have a tree hand. Alt- AY. J. Poison (Chairman) said BritUh omo’nvers- and workers had met uni agreed !*• everything the last confmv ice in New Zealand had been nn;Llo to agree 10. It was probable the y ,j I>t ... ni i,: in. settled here if another were held. The agreement just completed between employers and shearers would mean peace in the industry for some years, and both sides were to be congratulated.