SHEARERS' DISPUTE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9020, 6 January 1908, Page 5

SHEARERS' DISPUTE.

OWNERS REJECT CONCILIATION BOARD. WILL ENDEAVOUR TO ARRANGE WITH THE MEN. PALMERSTON N., January 5. A special meeting of the Pahnerston North branch of the Farmers' Union was held to-day to discuss the matter oi the shearers' dispute. It was stated that the object of the Union was to, improve the condition of farmers generally, and to help every branch of farming, farm labourers included. The following objections to the claims of the shearers were raised (1) The rate cannot be the same for all districts. (2) If there are machines the price should not be the same as if hand shears were used. (3) For sheds which have a large night pen in proportion to the number of shearers there should be a differential rate. (4) Some "give-and-take" was necessary in connection with dagging wet sheep, and should be subject to the decision of the manager of the shed. (5) Limitation of learners is unreasonable, for there are too few shearers already. There was a public meeting of farmers in the afternoon, when the necessity for taking action to meet the case was pointed out. It was stated that the Union would not go bafore the Conciliation Board, though they were quite willing to assist to an amicable understanding. The, following resolutions were carried:—That the meeting request the provincial executive of the Farmers' Union to take steps to meet their citation before the Arbitration Court, and agree to pay 5s per thousand sheep towards the fighting,funds; that the meeting endorse the action of the Farmers' Union Executive in declining to argue before the Conciliation Board. A committee was appointed to act with the Farmers' Union executive.