FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 22

FARMERS' UNION.

THE SHEAREiRS' DISPUTE. 7 "-PALMERSTON N., January H. x A special meeting of the Palmeretort branch of the Farmers' Union was held to-day to discuss the<matfcer of the shearers' dispute. It was stated that tho object of the union was to improve the condition, of farmers generally and to help every branch of farming, farm labourers included. The following objections to the claims off" the shearers were raised: — -(1) The rate cannot -be 'the same for all districts; (2) if there are machines the price should not be the same as if hand-shears were usepj;; (3) for sheds which have a large -night pent in proportion to the number of ehearexß - there should be a aifferentiar rate-; (4) some . give, and take was necessary "in conneor tion_with dagging wet'sheepi which should; be subject to the decision of the man and; the ~ manager of lie shed ; (5) limitation of learners ie unreasonable, for .there ' are too few shearers already. There was.- a public meeting of farmers in the afternoon, when the necessity for taking action to meet the ease was pointed out, and it was stated that the union would ' not go before the " Conciliation Court, though it was quite willing to assist 'to an amicable understanding. " " - The following resolutions were carried!:—That the meeting requests _the Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union to take steps to meet its citation , before the Conciliation Board, and. agree" to pay 5s peff thousand sheep, towards fighting funds'; that the meeting endorses the action of tb^ Farmers' Union Executive in declining to argue before the Conciliation Board. _ - A committee was appointed to act with the Farmers' Union Executive.