THE FARMERS' UNION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7349, 2 December 1907, Page 4

THE FARMERS' UNION.

OUTSPOKEN STATEMENTS.

The Ashburton branch of the Farmers' Union met on Saturday afternoon, Mr T. W. Lill occupying the chair.

Apologies for absence were received from Messrs S .S. Chapman and T. Langley. WHEAT AND FLOUR.

In regard to the Flour and Other -Monopolies Prevention Act, the chairman thought that it would be a dead letter all its life. He was under the impression that no committee would be set up to consider the_ question. When wheat became high-priced it was usually so from -a cause outside New Zealand. We usually grew enough for our own requirements. Circumstances wero different now to 40 years ago with quick means of communication, and therefore it was a matter of what every country could produce. He expressed the opinion that wheat could not be grown for less than 2s 9d. Other speakers set the amount down lit 3s. Continuing, the chairman said that 20 years ago wheat could be grown better for 2s 6d, and the farmers could reap greater profit, than for 3s as at present. The- soil was nearly maiden then, and now the rent was nearly doubled. The law satisfied a certain class of people, who did not know if they or anyone would be benefited. He did not think, however, that the Act would do any harm. Mr Reid said that the Act could have no effect ; the law of surmly and demand could not be interfered with, and it would always adjust itself. Harm might take place for a time, but the commercial interests of a country could not be interfered with. By the time a Court was set up, the prices would either rise or fall—probably the former. If the surplus was not exported, the price would be reduced, and it worked its own cure, as the farmer would cease to grow it. No motion was passed on the subject. THE FARM LABOURERS' DISPUTE.

Jji regard to the farm labourers' dispute, the chairman stated that any farmer who desire it could be heard at the Conciliation Court. He suggested chat the meeting should go into committee.

Mr Reid : It is a dangerous proceeding to go into committee.. 1 object to it-

The chairman : It is a dangerous proceeding to give ourselves away. Without going into committee, however, h© could say that he had been I old-twice that day that he was the enemy of the working man. That was an impossibility. He had been a working man all his life, and he wished the labourer to get on, and there was no better place than New Zealand for the worker to succeed in. When working in this country, years ago, ho was making £100 a year ; in the Old Country si<Twas only getting £14 for twice the hours, and he thought the working man had a splendid chance ; but the Socialist was a hindrance to himself and a curse to his country. "Are we in committee ?" intersected a member. "No," replied the chairman. I say it without fear of contradiction. They are nothing but a blight to themselves, and they do themselves no good, j I would like someone tb point out a Socialist who did himself any good." _ j Mr Reid said that it was a public enquiry, and the farmer had nothing to fear. There were farmers who did not provide good quarters for their men, but in the majority of cases the accommodation was very good. They got the same food as their employer, they sat at the same table ; and what more did they want ? He noticed that a number' of labourers were giving evidence that they were satisfied." Why should not the 'worker come and state his grievances in a proper manner P There Was now an Act providing for better acco»nnipdation for farm labourers, and those who had failed in this respect would now be compelled to make adequate provision ; but, as far as other things were concerned, the labouring man was well off. He could mention cases of youths coining from the towns, who knew absolutely nothing abput yok-ing-up horses or any farm work, getting 15s a week and found ; and before three, months had elapsed they were in receipt of £1, and before twelve months 255. la a case he had in mind, the youth was only 18 years of age. The "farmer did not want men who would not work, and they could not tolerate humbugs. These instances were not extraordinary, but ordinary. There were exceptions to fivery rule, but, of course, there were exceptions on the other side. Ho urged the passing of a strong resolution giving the labourers the necessary time off, and getting them to give evidence. He moved as follows: "That the committee be asked to arrange with the farmers to bring their employees to the Conciliation Board to give evidence." Several of those present said that some of their men were willing to give evidence.

Mr J. Allen seconded the motion. He spoke strongly against agitators. The farm labourers' trouble would finish where it started. Some of the labourers wanted their masters to carry them to their bunks, and blacken shoes for them.

The chairman said "that they had a right to bring their men forward. He knew of the case of a boy in town earning 10s a week and having to keep j himself. He would willingly give him 15s a week and find him. That was a point that would be brought out. The motion was put and carried. CORNSACKS.

The chairman referred to the size of cornsacks. The Government had decided that the weight was to be 2001bs, but it was not known when this was to be brought into force. A miller suggested to him that the same size should be adhered to as it would be useful for other produce. He suggested that the farmers should be advised to use the ordinary sized sacks. Mr Reid thought a small committee should be set up to meet the local grain merchants and report at next meeting. Messrs Reid, Frampton and the chairman were appointed a committee tfo go into the matter.

Three new members were elected, and the meeting adjourned.