MR. J. M. SHERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8538, 11 April 1891, Page 6

MR. J. M. SHERA.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l hope Mr. Shera will at once maki the amende honorable after I have pointed out his grievous error in accusing the Employers' Association of abandoning "the function of a peacemaker" because it did not adopt his suggestion about a conference. Such rash and groundless statements will materially mar that gentleman's influence as a mediator, and make mischief instead of peace. The Association, as Mr. Shera knows, earnestly and sincerely tried to secure arbitration, but the Operative Bootmakers'. Union wrote to it on April 3rd saying, " The Union in terms of motion unanimously passed declined to entertain proposal of arbitration or conciliation from any source." The boot manufacturers, regarding that as final, at once engaged free skilled labour, and when that was done they saw Mr. Shera's letter in the paper on 6th April, announcing that the operatives had agreed to arbitration, but to a conference, and learned that they admitted that owing to federation with other unions they had no power to alter the decision arrived at re the new statement, Then the boot manufacturers had a meeting, and passed the following resolution, which they sent to us: —" As no practical result can come of a conference between ourselves and the operatives, on account of their having already refused to submit their*cause to arbitration, and we in consequence of this refusal having bound ourselves to the free skilled labour hands which we have now at work, we must refuse any more parleying on the question." Previously the boot manufacturers had agreed to leave the settlement of the dispute to any fair dealing competent men who might be mutually agreed upon. We were thus barred from further action at present, as Mr. Shera must see, and I hope lie will not abandon " the function of a peacemaker " by again implying threats or making wrongful accusations, but will exercise the tact, patience, and impartiality which we expect from public men who undertake to settle one of the very greatest problems of the age.— lam, &c, F. G. Ewixgtox, Secretary Employers' Association.