POSITION AT GISBORNE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8340, 29 January 1913, Page 8

POSITION AT GISBORNE

FARMERS’’ASSOCIATION WILL NOT GRANT CLAIMS-

Press Association. GISBOKJME, January 28. The chairman of the Gisborne Sheep Farmers' Association announces that the men having given no answer to the otter made by uie conference, of 27s 6d per 100 wittt unaltered conditions of work, they must therefore be presumed to stand upon their notice to cease work on the 3ist. it therefore becomes necessary for the company to see that steps be taken to protect the interests of the farmers. The factory will not close down unless labour is proved to be unobtainable. Every effort will be made to keep the factory going. He aspects the men are now earning over £/ a week, and this, at the rate now offered, will rise to nearly £8 a week. The demands of the outside federation, which appears to control the free action of the local men, will not in any case bo granted by this company. To grant these claims would mean automatic destruction of the industry throughout New Zealand, the gradual reduction of the number of men capable of following it, and loss to the employers. The right to regulate and control work would also create tyranny over Labour itself, which would bo intolerable.

The men in employment will have iirst offer of work and their places guaranteed till the end of the season, June, 1916. All men other than expert slaughtermen will also have guaranteed preferential rights. Free labour will be adequately paid until such labour becomes efficient. Every effort will be made to retain present employees, and if they lose employment it will only bo because they prefer not to work.