THE EMPLOYERS DETERMINED.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14810, 30 October 1913, Page 7

THE EMPLOYERS DETERMINED.

Regarding a bulletin issued by the Union. Mr Mcßobio said that it was full of misrepresentations. The statement that the exploiters, which he understood to mean tho employers, tore up the agreement, was absolutely untrue. Tho employers had been willing to renew tho agreement, but they wanted a -guarantnc that the conditions would bo carried out.

Ho wanted to say that tho whole position had been reviewed calmly by the employers, and their deliberations had only been arrived at after very careful consideration, nnd they trusted that the saner section of the waterside workers would realise that the employers were determined to see this matter through, and it wiser counsels should, not prevail within tho next few days, they could rest assured that steps would bo taken to have tho goods handled on tho wharves. Already offers were earning in from tho country, and to-morrow the Farmers' Unions in Eketahuna anel Mastertoli, anel tho Provincial Executive in Palmerstcm North would meet to discuss tho position, with tho intention of supplying men for working tho cai'go on the wharves.

"Tho employers recognise that this question is of national importance." concluded Mr Mcllobie, "because it affects the whole of tho industries in New Zealand, and thoy aro determined that tho Federation of Labour is not going to be recognised in future agreements, and steps will be taken in each centre to have the wharves manned by free labourers. The cargo is going to be handled' wither tho waterside workers do it or not."