SHEEPFARMERS AND SHEARERS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 219, 10 June 1921, Page 5

SHEEPFARMERS AND SHEARERS

Sir, —Re the statements made by Mr.) Grayndler, published by you recently/ and reprinted in tho Christchurch ’ "Press,” in connection with the shear-e>-s’ dispute.

Mr. Grayndler says "that no settlement of the dispute has yet been reach-i ed." Mr. Grayndler is, of course, quitei aware of ths actual position, but I wish, in order to correct any falso impression' that may bo created in this connection, i io state ffllat after an abortive confer-) ence with tho shearers’ representatives; iu Wellington, it was decided owing to j the great difference of opinion between■ the parties to refer tho whole matter to tha Arbitration Court for its decision, i IV e feel assured that the great major-1 ity of shearers and shed hands will be prepared to accept tho Court’s ruling on this matter after evidence has been, taken from both sides. The sheepowners are quite prepared to abide byj the decision of the Court on this question, «s Mr. Grayndler is well aware,: and they have not stated that the 20s. 1 ottered is the rato to lie paid irrespec-, 1 tire of any award the Court may make,' «s has been done repeatedly by the,' shearers’ representatives in connection.: with their demands.

The statement that sheepowners didJ not increase the rates for shearing dur-: ing the commandeer is quite incorrect,: as Mr. Grayndler well knows, tho shear-! ing rates being increased 50 per cent., I while rates for cooks and shed handshave been increased over 100 per cent.,; and in some cases 150 per cent., while; the cost of living, with th 6 exception.; of 14 per cent., represented by clothing, > has had to be borne by the employer; in this industry. It must be obvious: that these abnormal rates cannot b«| continued under present conditions. I; may state that when the last award was' made (which was an agreement between.: the parties) that the shearers’ represeh-i tatives expressed their willingness to ac-' cept lower rates in proportion ns wool values receded, but this has apparently: been overlooked by Mr. Grayndler, as the shearers are demanding an increase in rates of ss. per 100 over ths last award, and conditions of work, etc., which, if applied to New Zealand, would result in greatly increased cost, and inconvenience to the whole of the industry. ;

Mr. Grayndler’s remarks throughout hardly coincide with the fact that tne shearers’ unions themselves have cited tho shaepowners to the Arbitration Court to deal with this question.—l am, etc., VVM. H. NICHOLSON, Secretary. Tho New Zealand Sheepowners' and Farmers’ Federation. Christchurch, June 7, 1921,