ECHO OF THE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1915, Page 3

ECHO OF THE STRIKE.

CLAIM FOR ARTICLES LENT. THE HAMILTON EAliMlißS' UNION. PETITION BEFORE THE HOUSE. By Telegraph,—Press Association; Wellington, Last Night. In the House this afternoon Mr. H. J. Okey •presented- the report of the Petitions Committee, recommending that the petition of A. L. Fule, of Hamilton, be referred to the Government for favorable consideration. Mr. Wefb, in opposing the recommendation, said this was a case arising out of the late strike. During that event the Government had handed over their functions to the Farmers' Union. Certain people had lent articles (horses, ete.) to the Fanners' Union at Hamilton to enable them to eaivry on the war against the workers. Some of the articles had not been returned, and after two years they had a •committee of the House recommending that the property (a saddle and a bridle) of this petitioner, should be made good by the country, the Farmers' Union having failed to do this. It was a most improper position. He moved that the petition bo referred back to the committee. Mr. -Poole endorsed the amendment. Mr. Coates said the claim was a juist one, and it was a matter that could safely be Jsft in the hands of the National Cabinet. Mr. Young detailed the circumstances under which the- property had been lent, and explained that had an account for the property been rendered ea.rli*r it would 'have been paid. The position only showed the folly of the Government handling its functions over to irresponsible committees of management. Mr. Veitch said it was well-known that there was a considerable deficiency in connection with the finances of the recent strike. If this claim were settled in favor of petitioner, then the door was opened for every other claimant to come in and demand payment of his account. Personally, he was not going to Javor the payment of any of these claims, unless he knew that the money had been expended. The amendment was carried on the voices. Several similar petitions were also referred over to the Committee for further consideration, on the motion of Mr. Webb.