LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9459, 31 May 1909, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

FARMERS AND LABOUR. SIR, —The banquet and presentation given to Messrs Jones and Evans at Christchurch was attended by about 800 farmers, and was, in all respects, a great success. It was generally acknowledged that the self-sacrifice and ability of these, two men of the Farmers’ Union, together with Mr Aoland, succeeded in saving the agricultural interest from the bonds of an award which would have been disastrous to the farming industry and to the Dominion. Many good speeches were made and the general opinion expressed was that the fight was not against labour but against a system which would have been detrimental to both employer and employee. I am glad to say there was no desire to crow over their success as of a victory over labour as labour. It was said that at least two-thirds of those at the dinner had raised themselves from the ranks of labour and good fellowship with labour was freely expressed and suggestions made as to farmers attending to the comfort of their men and for the building when possible of cottages for the married employees. The message of congratulation which I carried to the meeting from the Provincial Conference at Eketabuna was received with enthusiasm.—-I am, etc., W. J. BIRCH. 29fch May, 1909.