Millers and Bakers.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 275, 29 November 1901, Page 2

Millers and Bakers.

the colonial combination

Special to Times.] Wellington, last night

The admission made by ihe President of the United Master Baker;;' Association that a mutual understa* mg has been come to between the A union and ttic I tour Millers' Trust .ks .t new phase in unionism. Tue ap -ie' .in effect- is

this, that provided _e bakers c-onnne their p urchases to . . jse :uilis that arc actually within t the millers on their part undertake to refuse supplies to ail bakers who make a habit of under- | cutting the rates agreed upon by the Master Bakers' Association as fair market rates. The agreement is to apply to the whole of the colony. It is claimed by the parties that it is a perfectly just and proper agreement, and the logical outcome of the principles of unionism as applied in this colony. They point out that the labor laws of to-day have had a considerable effect on the industries of the colony. The application of the Arbitration Act and Conciliation Act lias compelled an increase in wages. The Abolition of Imprisonment for Debt Act has provided a loop hole t'or certain unprincipled people to escape the results of running into debt, and employers have been forced into taking action for their own protection. The present combination is one result. Employers are just as much entitled to have unions as workmen, and since the latter demand freedom of contract in regard to labor, the employers claim liberty to combine and dictate in the matter of supply. They deny that there is any intention or that the object of the combination is for the purpose of raising prices, but assert that it will have the effect of steadying the market, stopping the practice of undercutting prices, and benefiting everybody all round. In the meantime, however, the ! unfortunate consumer who has no connec--1 tion with any union is at the mercy of a big combination wbicli may be moved to ! pounce upon his pocket at any moment.