FARMERS’ UNION

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 533, 29 September 1902, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION

A largely-attended meeting of the Gisborne Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday, Mr "W. D. Lysnar presiding, when several matters of interest were considered. CO-OI'ERATIVK LABOR. Thore was an animated discussion upon the subject of co-operative labor, Mr A. Y. Boss moving the following resolution “ That this branch of the Farmers’ Union deprecates a movement interfering with the co-operative labor policy of the Governmont, 00 any other portion inimical to the farming industry of the colony.” In speaking to the motion, Mr Ross said : “My reason for moving this motion is because a motion has been made by another branch of the Farmers’ Union proposing to abolish co-operative works and replaoe it by substantial contractors. Co-operative works means simply piecework and payment by results. For instance, the Government has a quantity of pick and shovel work, of which their engineer estimates that an average workman can shift say seven cubic yards a day, and this they let to a gang of workmen at Is per cubic yard, at which price he will be able to earn 7s per day. When the work is finishod, it is measured up, and tho workmen paid at Is per cubic yard for actual work done ; but if the engineer is incompetent, and underestimates tho time per cubic yard to do tho work, the workers to that extent aro losers. On the other hand, if he over-estimates the timo, tho workmen gain to that amount; but in such cases as the last thore have been instances whore tho engineers have been charged, in order to correct their own errors, with not allowing tho workmen tho full measurement of tho work done. Do not the sheepfarmers let their bushfelling on tho samo system to gangs of workers co-operating together, and why should farmers object to the Government doing the same thing?- How are substantial contractors made and maintained ? They aro made by exorbitant prices, by gr.nding and sweating the faces of unfortunate workmen. Aro wo to pauporiso tho peoplo for tho sake of fattening a fow substantial contractors, and make ourselves liable for a charitablo aid. tax. _ I can assure you that most of us find, with land values inflated to two and three timos their truo value, that wo have alroady moro taxes to pay than wo can boar.” Continuing, Mr Ross said that ho did not seo why tho farmers should complain about co-operative labor, unless thoy wanted to bicker at tho Government. The Union should keep out of politics.

Mi- F. Harris seconded the motion. Mr Birrell supported the motion, remarking that the co-operative system would absorb the residue of idle men who would otherwise be a burden on the community. Mr Sceats showed that co-operative labor was a good thing for the men. Some ho had worked- with had knocked off at 11 o'clock with a pound a day earned, whilst other good bushmen could only earn 7s a day. If some of the co-operative works he had been on had been done under the contract system they would have been done in quarter the time.

Mr M. McLeod said co-operation was killed at the start by men who could raise influence enough to get on the works and keep their followers with them. Co-opera-tion was a levelling-down process, and good workmen who had inliuenee soon became the worst men on the job. The theory of co-operation was a good one, but in practice it was a failure. Everyone know that stuff that cost Is 6d a yard on the Ormond line to remove with wheelbarrows, etc., could have been done for 31d with machinery. Mr Poland Flood said it was true that most of the bush-felling contracts were let on the co-operative system, and were successful for the reason that the men employed were mates. It was different, however, with Government men, 1 as the best man received the same as the worst man employed. Mr Ilarris pointed out that if the farmers sought to kill co-operativo labor there would be no more money spent in the district. Miles of roads would bo stopped. The Chairman considered the resolution a dangerous one to place ou the books of the Union.

Mr Harding championed the Government. He said they should be thankful for what had been done in the district, and should not attempt to ridicule the policy of the Government. The motion was carried by 10 to 2. THE PARLIAMENTARY I'ICNK'.

The entertainment of the Parliamentary party during their recent visit to Gisborne gave rise to some dissatisfaction, and the matter was brought before the Union, that explanations might bo made. The Chairman said that he had called a meeting of all members of the Farmers’ Union, but on account of tho short notice there was a poor attendance. As ActingChairman of the Gisborne branch, ho had been partly responsible for tho arrangements that had been made, and he was prepared to take responsibility. All members of the Provincial Committee had been notified to come and assist in the movement, but had failed to do so. Exception had been taken to the appointment ou tho Committee of a Patutabi gentleman, who was not a member of the Union, but at the time that fact was not known. The Provincial Secretary had himself suggested tho name, and tho Committee took it for granted that he was a member. He regretted that Mr Hood had been inconvenienced through the Parliamentary party not visiting his place for afternoon tea, but Mr Hood had himself to blame, for the reason that he had not definitely stated that he would entertain the party. Mr Lysnar also gave an explanation in regard to the visitors not being introduced to the country people. He explained that thcro was’ a great rush at Ormond, and there was no time, whilst at the Karaka all tho time was taken up in discord. As far as ho oould see, some of tho country people evidently expected to bo entertained themselves, instead of assisting to entertain the visitors.

Mr Birrell regretted that the matter had beon brought up. Ho detailed the arrangements that had beon made for the trip to ICaraka, and justified the action of the Gisborne branch. He thought that they were doing the Farmers’ Union a benefit I)3' taking the initiative, He had spent two days on the telephone ringing different people up, and as secretary of the Gisborne branch, had done all in his power to ensure the success of the outing. Mr Hood regrotted the subject had been entered upon, as he preferred to see it drop. There was no ill-feeling in regard to it.

mr C;esar recognised that the trouble at the Karaka was in no way premeditated, fie hoped that on future occasion more consideration would be shown towards the country settlers. After further discussion, the accounts in regard to the Parliamentary visit were brought forward. It was decided to defray the amount, £9 17s, by way of private subscriptions, the Gisborne branch contributing £5, and the other branches the balance.

POULTRY INDUSTRY

Mr Birrell said that were a number of members interested in tho poultry industry who were anxious that steps should he taken to havo a depot in Gisberne. The Government could be asked to do this, und also to send along their expert to supply information to farmers in regard to the preparation of the birds for export.

Mr Cicsar said that the Government should be asked to send an expert in caponising along. Tho farmers desired to be informed in all matters in regard to the industry, which he considered would prove most profitable to the district. Tho Chairman warmly supported the suggestion, as also did Mr Hood. Mr Binney said that the people in this district were not sufficiently’ educated in regard to the industry. If they sent the poultry to the Wellington depot the number of rejects would run uway with the profit. lie expected great things in this district from the industry, but the people required to be taught. It was decided to ask the Government to establish a depot here, and also that an expert should be sent to the district.