THE SHEARERS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 18 November 1913, Page 5

THE SHEARERS.

EXECUTIVE'S ATTITUDE EXPLAINED. IT THINKS THE OWNERS WANT A GENERAL STRIKE. WELLINGTON, Last Night. There has been much speculation as to why tho shearers have not jouied in the strike. Mr La racy, the secretary of the Shearers' Union, to-day explained the attitude of the executive. Ho stated that the main reason the executive had for not calling out the men was that the employers desired a general strike, also that through the shipping facilities being curtailed they would not be able to get their woo] away from New Zealand, and therefore would rather have it on the sheep's backs than in the sheds. Many of the shearers had reason to believe /that a postponement in shearing operations would be declared by tho employers as a. result of the strike. Furthermore, in the opinion of the Executive, financial assistance would be of more service to the workers now on strike than the shearers leaving tTieir employment, and in consequence they declined to call on the men to "down tools." The sheds throughout New Zealand were being circularisecTwith the ob-

ject of obtaining as much money as possible for the distress fund, and the executive was also asking members to refrain from* making engagements at sheds where the owners were assisting with horses or men in keeping the work going on the waterfront. When questioned as to the manifesto issued by the shearers' late organisers, Mr Laracy said it could not be taken as official in any way, for the executive was tho controlling body, and they had decided not to strike. The executive and members of the Shearers' Association were anxious to assist tho strike in every way possible, and at the present juncture the executive thoroughly believed they were adopting the best course. "They are convinced that the owners are quite prepared for a call out," he added. "The executive, therefore, have resolved that the call shall not Fe made just now."