COAL-MINER V. SHEEP-FARMER

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3087, 18 May 1917, Page 6

COAL-MINER V. SHEEP-FARMER

Sir—lt is not my intention'. in any way to discuss the merits or demerits of the coal-miners' claims for increased Pa.T (as it is a wise man that mind his own business these times). But as a sheets-, farmer I think it only right that a contradiction should be made of the oftrepeated statement, by eoal-imners and others, of the sheep-farmers'' greed in dealing with tlie Imperial authorities re the taking over of wool, etc. Being one of the delegates, representing 'sheep-fanners, I know something of tlia facts, which wore briefly as follows:— Sheep-farmers had five days notice t®. «end delegates from all parts' of r,eiy' &>aland to Wellington to receive an unknown offer for their wool from the Im-' perial authorities. . Fifty delegates assembled in the Minister's room, when the offer was placed before them; which was 45 per cent, on 1913 prices for all wool, plus profits on any wool the Imperial, authorities might release for public auction in England; any loss made on so> released, wool to be froi'ne by til© Imperial! authorities. A resolution was immediately moved that the offer be accepter.. Several delegates who represented in most: cases farmers from newly-settled districts: felt that small farmers, who, generally: speaking, did not sort their wool so well, would suffer in any -esale of wool, besides being at a disadvantage in othes ways. An amendment was, therefore,, moved that the Imperial authorities be asked to make a straight-out offer (without participation in profits on released wools) for the whole clip, based on the prices of each class of wool. The amendment was carried by 2G to 2i of the delegates present. The Minister then communicated with London, and the offer of the price now given was made, which was unanimously accepted; such price to be for wool delivered at poirt of shipment. The sheep-farmers are loyally abiding by that arrangement, although the cost of labour in producing and marketing the clip has gone up .time and again. And. here let me say that as far as I am able! to judge on actual results not two out o2 five have received 55 per cent, increase 4 on 1913 prices—l am, etc., . , ALEX. D. M'LEOD. Martin.borough, Hay 17, 1917.