FARMERS’ UNION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8902, 23 August 1907, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION.

Rongotea Branch

A special meeting was hold last night to consider the question of defence against the Labourers’ Union. Mr H. H. Hunt presided. A letter was received from Mr John Stevens in reply to one ho had received from the Branch requesting him to make an effort to have the duty payable on dairying machinery reduced". Ho promised to do so, and stated that such machinery should bo on the free list. Messrs Carl Andersen and K. McKenzie were elected fire inspectors in connection with the Farmers’ Mutual Fire .Insurance.

In regard to the question of defence, Sir Carl Anderson said whatever award was given would affect farmers as a class irrespective as to whether they were members or not, therefore the Union could not act for its members only.

Mr R. B. McKouizo thought it was a pity the question had been raised at all, as uo‘demand bad been made by'the farm labourers locally, but now it had been raised it would not be advisable to ignore it. His conclusion in regard to some of the proposals was that to enforce them would have the effect of throwing many men out of employment. He referred to the proposal in regard to holidays, and asked who were going to carry on tire farming operations'.' The mooting considered the farm labourer proposals of the South Island’ seriatim, and it was pointed but in regard to -some that they were impracticable. lu regard to the proposed rate of wages for permaent men, it was stated that frequently the men employed were only learners, and-to pay incapable men at the highest rate of wages was not possible. It was thought boys should servo an apprenticeship as in other trades.

It was moved by Mr C. Anderson tfbat the Executive endeavour to have an amendment made to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act so as to exempt farm labmirers from Usprovisions. The chief reason given by the mover in favour of Jibe; motion was that the provisions of the Act now prevented employers and their labourers making a mutual agreement as to the conditions of employment, and that the conditions of farm work would not allow of it being circumscribed by rules aud regulations as in other trades. Mr McArthur seconded the motion, which was carried.

On the motion of Mr R. B. McKenzie it was resolved that if _ it became necessary the Executive should take the best means possible to defeud the interests of the farmers.