DISMISSAL OF SHEARERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8345, 4 February 1913, Page 11

DISMISSAL OF SHEARERS

To tho Editor “N.Z. Times.” - Sir, —In Saturday’s issue of your journal there appeared an article in which it was slated that certain statements made by the secretary of the Shearers’ Association in reference to tho trouble at Mount Nicholas shed had been denied by some writer—name not mentioned. Being one of tho shearers who were dismissed frdih the shod in question I can prove that all hands were dismissed for refusing to shear sheep which nine men out ot eleven voted wet, tho twelfth man being the representative who exercises only a casting vote. It is stated that there is a Government wharf within a few yards of the shed. 4'bis is quite true, but the boat only calls on Friday, on which day in brings the mail and the bread, which has got to do duty until Friday drifts around again. Last season it cost two men Who were dismissed 2os for an oil-launch to take them across to QueehStoWn, and as the wool king refused to allow them to wait for the Government boat they wefe forced to pay up. , The Combs used were No. 4, and any practical shearer is aware that they are at loiist 30 sheep per day slower than a machine fitted with No. 1 comb. I have carefully read the statement made by the secretary to the “Tmes” reporter, and 1 can vouch that same is a correct statement of facts.—l am, etc., M. McLAUGHLAN. Wellington, February 3rd.