STRIKE BREAKERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 236, 15 March 1915, Page 4

STRIKE BREAKERS.

WHO PAYS THE PIPER? FARMERS' UNION DECLINES RESPONSIBILITY. 15v Telegraph.—Press Association. Hamilton, Saturday Night. Considerable expense was involved in the mobilisation of the Waikato special constable's for service at the water front at Auckland during the strike, and a large number of accounts, involving a big sum, yet remain unpaid. These have been rendered to the Hamilton branch of the Farmers' Union, who have no funds, and, in any ease, would refuse to pay. A deadlock has arisen, while the creditors meantime remain unpaid. The position was discussed at the local branch of the Farmers' Union yesterday, when the attitude of the Auckland Provincial Council in denying liability or responsibility for the mobilisation'was strongly condemned. The secretary, Mr. Cribble, .stateiT that instructions' from the Auckland branch authorised him to spare no expense, as there was plenty of money in Auckland for the purpose. It was mentioned that several creditors threatened to proceed for recovery, in which case the local branch decided to sue the Auckland branch. Meantime a committee had been set; up to wait on the provincial exeeuWe. It was also monioned that a large number of hoi'ses lent for the use of the specials had been lost, and the owners were claiming for their replacement from the branch. Mr. Young, M.P., and the secretary interviewed the Premier on the subject. Mr. Masisey refused to open the matter personally, but recommended the people concerned to present a petition to the House, when the whole matter would be gone into.