FARMERS AND STRIKES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 58, 7 March 1912, Page 2

FARMERS AND STRIKES.

PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES. Seen thia afternoon concerning the attitude the Farmers' Union was declared to have taken tip in connection with the present industrial trouble, the provincial secretary (Mr. A. Schmitt) said that in view of the resolution passed by • the Waiuku branch of the Union, and published in yesterday's *-,Stnr," he thought thnt the beat thing to do was io publish the contc.ntn of a circular sent out to all' branches of the Union, which explained the position fully. In this it was stated: "There is one trouble that, is facing us, and it is one I iiiii afraid that legislation is going to have some difficulty to prevent- That is the difficulty of strike*. When striken threaten the delivery of such commodi-tie-i that we are depending upon for our living, the matter is serious indeed, and though not. wishing in any way to raise un alarm, it is as well to be prepared fur emergencies. In the event (however improbable) of difficulty arising in unloading farmers' requisites, and necessities of life (not for the Farmers' Union only, but in the interests of the public generally) would your branch endeavour to obtain the names and promise of those farmers in vour district -who would assist if occasion arises? I can assure you that every conciliatory means will be put forward with the -workers' unions before resorting to soch a course, but if an appeal does come for the farmers to stand trp and assert themselves, let us show some backbone, and be ready."' The statement that 300 farmers had been organised in the King Country, Mr. Schmitfc said he regarded a* mythical. The Farmers' Union certainly knew nothing about it.