THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1902. THE POLICY OF THE FARMERS’ UNION.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 228, 12 July 1902, Page 2

THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1902. THE POLICY OF THE FARMERS’ UNION.

It IS difficult indeed to understand the attitude that the Farmers’ Union conference have taken up in regard to labour troubles, “That in the opinion of the Conference. the recommendation of the Ashburton Conference, which reads that as the Farmers’ Union is a union of the whole of the pastoral and agricultural community it should adopt a strictly neutral attitude towards any disputes that may arise between sections of that community, correctly embodies our policy with regard to farm labour disputes.” The South Canterbury delegate (Mr J. F. Douglas) moved as an amendment that the union as a whole defend any case where a member is brought before the Arbitration Court, but this received little support and was lost. The idea of the Conference vi as that to defend a case would mean putting members against each other, as it consisted of employers and employees. It was precisely this point that was urged by Mr E. C. btudholme when the basis of membership of the union was being discussed at its initiation. Waimate members, at least, now see the truth of bis arguments in favour of limiting the membership to farmers. Although it might be expected that the bulk of employees would have their employers’ interests at heart, it is rarely the case in actual experience ; so that when it comes to an adjustment of the terms of employment it is only to be expected that there will bo two sides to the question and the union will be divided against itself. If the result of including the employees was to render the union powerless it seems a grave mistake. The mployees are quite at liberty fcb

join u uui hi in which their employers cannot be iucln led ami then bring t heir case to the Arbitration Court, secure in the knowledge that the Farmers’ Union as a body cannot lift a finger in its own defence. The position is a peculiar mm and will take careful unravelling if it is not to deal a serious blow at the existence of the Farmers’ Union.

When formed the Fanners’ Union was claimed to he nonpolitical, simply existing to further and safeguard the interests of the agricultural community, hut, as was inevitable, they have realised the power of combination, and have laid down a definite political platform, 1 mi ling to vote for the candidate who most nearl}’ adapts it in its entirety. This is not to he wondered at, because

the iittini h* of the Government h is boon found to he akin to that of a Hisliq) in Irelan 1 who was,

in a time of unrest, roused from slumber au I menacingly asked “ what r. IL'ion he was.” Not

knowing wo fiber his i n term gators were Protestant or 11 >m in Gainolic, the good Bishop wis in a dilemma for a moment, but, quickly recovering himself, he said, “ I am the .same religion as that naan with the big axe.” So, as the Government shapes its legislation to suit the strongest party, it is inevitable that each faction will aim at occupying that proud position. TRUSTS AND COMBINES. When the Government of New Zealand passed batches of measures intended to raise wages and shorten hours it was predicted that this would have the tendency of forcing the employers of labour to combine for mutual protection, and would inevitably raise prices all along the line. The prediction came true, and although the Millers' Association is about the only example that can be specifically mentioned, the same form of co-operation is in rogue all over the country. It was the only thing to do under the circumstances if a man desired to remain in business. Now, however, such co-operation is sought to be rendered illegal. Mr Hornsby’s Bill has passed the second reading by a fair majority, but it is unlikely it will become law, for it is the intention of the Government to introduce similar legislation, and they would wish to have the credit, if any, of putting the measure on the Statute Book. It is difficult to gee how a workable measure can be drafted which will meet all cases, and through which “ trusts and combines ” would not be a’de to drive the proverbial coach.