"THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE."

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9504, 29 May 1913, Page 6

"THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE."

GENERAL CONDEMNATION. PUBLIC OPINION TOO STRONG. -< ■ '■"'» '■ fPm Pmsr Association.) CHRJSTCHURCH-, May 28. Latest developments in connection with the suggested agreement between the shipping companies .and the waterside workers on the subject of the employment of free labour point to a likelihood of the abandonment of the proposed conference; ' It appears that the protests which have been made in different parts of the Dominion have had the effect of postponing the consideration of the proposal, if not of leading those directly interested to drop it altogether. In labour circles in Christchurch complete ignorance of the matter is professed by those approached for information. Mr A. W. Bennett, of the New Zealand Shipping Company, informed a reporter today that the proposal for a conference of shipping representatives in Christchurch did not emanate from tho New Zealand Shipping Co., but on the contrary the Company did not consider it necessary to hold a conference at all. At a meeting to-day of the committee of the Canterbury Sheep Owners' Union the following rvfiolut'jon was passed:— "That i this meeting emphatically protests against any agreement being made such as has been suggested between the shipping companies and the Federation of Labour." To-day the rumour concerning the negotiations for an agreement between the Federation of Labour and one or two shipping companies was discussed at meetings of the executive of the Employers' Association, the Shipowners' Union, and Farmers' Union. A reporter was informed that the Sheepowners Federation, the Farmers' Union, and various trade organisations intend to oppose any such arrangements as has been spoken ci. If necessary an appeal will be made to the Government to try to save the situation if possible. A statement has been made that some of those opposed to any arrangement to exclude free labour at the wharves will consider the possibility, as a last resort, of inaugurating a new shipping arrangement. FARMERS' THREAT. PROVIDE THEIR OWN SHIPPING. MASTERTON, May 28. At the conclusion of the Farmers' Union Conference, owing to the reported arrangement between tho shipping companies and the Federation of Labour, a strong movement was set on foot to obtain general and concerted action among farmers for the purpose of getting their own shipping facilities for wool and other produce.