FARM LABOURERS' DISPUTE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7242, 30 July 1907, Page 2

FARM LABOURERS' DISPUTE.

• At the Arbitration' Court, Christchurch, yesterday, his Honour Mr Justice Sim presiding, the agricultural labourers' dispute was called on ,for the fixing of a date for the hearing. '*■. Mr David Jones appeared for the Farmers' Union, and Mr T. Teschmaker for the Pastoralists' Association.

Mr Toschemaker explained that only one point in the dispute affected the Pastoralisls" Association in any way, and. he asked whether it would be necessary for its representatives to appear in connection with any of the others. All the other points could be dealt- with by the Farmers' Union. His Honour said the case was fixed for next Monday, but would then only be heard for the admission of formalities. The Labourers' Union must then prove having complied with the re- ' quireiucuts of the Arbitration Act, and show that there was an industrial dispute.

iMr J. Thorne, who appeared for the ' Agricultural Labourers' Union, asked if the case could be taken last on the list. Tt would be a very long one. M*r D. Jones said the Farmers' Union .- would raise a point next Monday as to whether there was any dispute.' His Honour said" the Labourers' Union would have to satisfy the Court on that point. The only evidence to be heard next Monday would" be evidence as to who! her there was an inaustnal dispute at the time the matter was referred to the Conciliation Board by the Labourers' Union, and evidence <*s to compliance with sections 105 and 106 or the Act The date for further hearing would then be fixed. M.'i JiV los sr,icl ho Ilo'ied tllc Court would allow ample time to prepare the case.

Uis Honour remarked that by present indications as to the amount of business to come lief ore tho Court, it appeared that the case might not come on until next ycr.v. Mr Jones said thai a very largo number of farmer.; wished to be present at the hearing, and they thought the present room (tho Provincial Hall) would not be hir_,c enough. The Judge: Where do you suggest

A solicitor: The Drill H a n j s a eom _ modious building. Mr Jones said he had no suggestion Court y "olll<l l0!lVe lt to t!l°

Lis r_onoiir an id lie hoped that tho parties wnu.rl „ol come forward with a lot oi irivlov:-!! evidence, as was sometimes mmc T! o question asked by Mr lf.scl:r.mi.kor a. io the appearance of 11,0 Pastoralists' Union would be settled on Mondnv.