The Taihape Daily Times. AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1918. FARMERS AND LABOUR.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 May 1918, Page 4

The Taihape Daily Times. AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE

FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1918. FARMERS AND LABOUR.

(With which is Incorporated The Xai-

hape Post and Walnramo News).

A proposal has been made by members of the Farmers’ Union, to invite representative heads of labour organisations to attend the Union’s Annual Conference, shortly to be held at Masterton This holding out the olive branch is indicative of the spirit of the -most sane section of farmers throughout New Zealand, and it is sincerely hoped labour Unions will appreciate the desire of farmers to meet them, thresh out their differences and arrive at some understanding that will permit production and all relative industries to proceed unchecked during the period that New Zealand must struggle to hold and improve her position after peace is declared. In any reckonings made, we must not omit to realise that conditions may be much changed by ian immense influx of labour of almost every conceivable kind. It seems that labour unions arc not leaving this strong probability out of their deliberations, as they are showing some anxiety to have their policy regarding rural workers thoroughly settled as early as possible, so that any large influx of men after the war may be more readily disciplined. The Conference of Agricultural, and Pastoral Workers now sitting in Wellington, has decided to hold meetings throughout agricultural districts, which are to ‘be addressed by officials of the Association, who will explain the" Agricultural Workers’ Association policy, and give information about what the Association does for its members. No one will deny farm workers the right to discuss what so vitally concerns them at ail seasons, and the Farmers’ Union is undoubtedly taking a right course in inviting labuor officials to attend the Farmers’ Confer-' ence and take part in all questions arising of mutual concern. Industrial and commercial men throughout the world have long ago come to the conclusion that present legally made regulations governing employers and employees are a failure; they have not tended to prevent strikes and other troubles; and, to make regulations of a repressive, or of even too mandatory a character has tended to bring about the opposite of what was hoped for. Our piecemeal method of labour management must give way to something of a broader, more comprchen-’ sive, reasonable and rational character. The Acting Minister for Finance in speaking to a deputation from the Wellington Provincial Industrial Association seemed to voice the change that is needed, and which utmost effort will be made to bring about. The Minister pointed out to the deputation that State machinery was needed, whereby capital and labour might bo brought into contact, with the object of promoting mutual understanding. The Minister said it was a fact that thinking men of all classes in all countries were practically unanimous in the opinion that this was one of these important questions on which the whole future of human progress and welfare might hinge. Members of the Farmers’ Union evidently think somewhat in similar channels, and they have decided to anticipate government action by inviting members of the Agricultural Workers’ Union to attend their Conference with a view to establishing a mutual understanding that is based on such justice that neither party will wish to disturb it. If resultant deliberations are conducted with an entire absence of the past spirit of capital and labour, and all parties place themselves in the natural iclationship that men should occupy who associate and co-operate in the supremely important work of feeding and clothing the world, incalculable good must be the outcome. Men of the Farmers’ Union are endeavouring to put into practice what thinking men of-all classes in all countries are agreed upon, that is that State machinery should be inaugurated that will bring

together all sections of labour, those wo now refer to as capital as well as those under the appellation of labour, so that mutual understanding may be bo arrived at. Compulsory enactments have been conducive to more extreme upheavals than were ever known before repression and compulsion were tried; the losses to both parties have been so great that it has been found that no country can flourish when conditions exist that are conducive to such strikes and other upheavals. The danger to society, wo mean a sane social condition, arc those social Goths calling themselves socialists, men whose whole soul is destruction, men who delight in destroying everything whether it be the tangible or the peace of men’s minds, and any state machinery that is inaugurated for bringing employers and employees together so that mutual understanding may evolve a partnership in which justice is secured for all. must make provision for dealing with such mental outlaws. Social vandalism is the greatest curse labour has now to contend with; its votaries live upon the mischief, they can do the destruction of that mutual understanding which would bring happiness and comfort to a people. They contemplate nothing but ill-will and destruction; they scorn everything plain, practicable and tangible; their religion is strife, which they can enjoy standing at a safe distance. These men are the danger that intelligent, legitimate labour have to be On their guard against. Workers are asked to confer with farmers on questions vitally affecting their mutual interests, and it is earnestly hoped that a mutual understanding may be arrived at that will bear the stamp of immediate and permanent benefit.