SHEARERS' SECTION

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 36, 10 November 1911, Page 12

SHEARERS' SECTION

M. Laracy, the general secretary of fche Shearers' Union., has returned to Christchurch, after a visit to the West Melton and Kir wee districts. He found Several sheds in the Kirwee district in which the men were receiving less than the £1 per 100. agreed upon, but after a conference with the men they agreed tc_ask for £1 per 100, and this was granted by the employers. From reports received from various parts of North Canterbury, Mr. Laracy considers that no further trouble is to be expected, as the uniform rate agreed on ss everywhere being paid. The Victorian Shearers' Hut Accommodation Bill as amended by the Legislative Council was passed by the Legislative Assembly on October 20, and will come into operation on July 1 of aext year. Deep regret was expressed in Labor Circles in Christchurch at the death of Mr. Donald Macdonnell. Amongst those who knew him is Mr. M. Laracy, and speaking of the deceased leader to the Christchurch "Press," Mr. Laracy said that he was one of the most, if not the most, pronounced figure in the Labor movement in Australia. He first came into prominence in Labour circles in the great battle of . 1891, when he led a contingent of unionists from Burke, in New South Wales, to help their comrades in Southern Queensland. This band consisted of about a dozen tried and trusted unionists, and when they reached St. George they numbered 20 strong, having picked up on the way other volunteers willing to assist in the fight.

"MacdonnelFs work," Mr. Laracy ©aid, "will not be forgotten by those who are conversant with the happenings at that trying time. . Always a ptaunch unionist, with a commanding figure, standing over 6ft. 2in., with a ijuiet and convincing manner, his memory will long be honoured and revered fey all who had the pleasure of knowing Lim. In 1900 he was elected to represent Cobar in the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, and he had represented that constituenc3' continuously ever since. During his late illBess, he lost his seat, owing to the fact that he did not obtain leave of absence. Being ill, he was unable to attend and failed to apply for leav*.. When nominations were called, no candidate was forthcoming to oppose him, and a few weeks ago he was once more returned unopposed for Cobar. In Mr. Macdonnell Labor has lost one of its most effective fighters, and one who possessed the confidence and the re«peet of all who knew him.''