SHEARERS' CLAIMS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 1, 1 July 1926, Page 11

SHEARERS' CLAIMS

EMPLOYERS STATE OBJECTIONS,

(By Tclegrzph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND, This Day,

In the Arbitration Court to-day, the employers iv the shearing dispute stated their objections to the men's demands, pointing out that though the -workers had shared in the prosperity of the industry, they had not so far shared in its recent depression. Wool prices had fallen heavily since tho 1924-25 season, and there now appeared to be little prospect of any appreciable rise in tho near future. In addition, all farm costs had risen, and tho great majority of employers were not wealthy sheep farmers, but comparatively poor, struggling men. The industry v.-.is ■<■ ■■•.- being squeezed between the lower niillBtone of high costs and tlio upper one of low returns. Tho employers' representative al3o stressed tho fact that freedom, of contract in primary industries was the only safety-valve for tho whole of the Arbitration Court system.