Exemption from the Law.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8194, 22 May 1906, Page 2

Exemption from the Law.

{To the Editor). She, —Just after I returned from my annual holiday I was presented with a petition requiring signatures and asked to sign it. Ido not know whi> prepared it, but I presume it was some of those wise farmers who desire to obtain ail of labor's reward. Mr Editor, don't you think it is ridiculous to ask men to sign a petition praying for exemption from a law calculated to protect them? And who requires protection by it more than tor as much as anybody) dairy factory assistants and croaraery managers ? Here are hundreds of men expected to work 10, 12 and 14 hours during the summer months for a most miserable wage and then get the sack in the winter. The promoters of the petition are crying before they are hurt. There is great talk made of increased production, but I never heard of it till it appeared on the petition, and it does not say where it comes in. The paper says " owing to the nature of the business the long hours worked in summer are compensated by the shorter hours and lighter service in winter." And this appeals particularly to my fellow-workers in the Mauawatu, many of whom have been discharged since the first appearance of winter. Sir, can you tell lue of any factory that keepsall tlie hands on for 12 months, or permanently ? I would like to say that the average wage paid by dairy companies is 'miserable and it behoves all factory and creamery men to waken up and form a labor union of their own. Let me advise all those who have not signed that petition to refrain from doing so. in the interest of themselves and fellow workers. If they are discharged from their factory for the winter, let them expend their energies in the formation of a labor union. In fact the seed is already sown. Let dairy factory employees do their duty. Thanking you in anticipation. I am, etc., " Ka Taui. May 17th, 1900.