FOR LAW AND ORDER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14947, 21 March 1912, Page 8

FOR LAW AND ORDER.

IF A BIG STRIKE COMES.

FARMERS. READY TO ACT.

As interesting discussion on the attitude of the Farmers' Union, in the event of a big strike, took place at the meeting of tho Auckland executive of the union yesterday.

Captain Colbeck said he did not believe in the union taking part in tho affairs of the city. Tho union had already met the waterside workers in a friendly spirit, and ho did not see the use of talking about fighting them just because tho city might have trouble with them. If the interests of tho farmer wero in any way interfered with, such as by tho disorganisation of the railway traffic, then the union would have to act in selfdefence, but for his part he was opposed to doing anything likely to irritato the workers unnecessarily. Major Lusk said self-protection was all the union bad to consider. Mr. J. E. Makgill considered that a, general strike would affect farmers. In tho event of a small local strike, ho did not think tho unions should take any part, but in a general strike tho farmers should bo in a position to assist in maintaining law and order. lie suggested that a farmers' manifesto should be issued, appealing to tho workers generally to refrain from striking, and urging them to rely on more amicable methods of settling their disputes. After some discussion tho following resolution was carried :— That this union has no wish or intention to interfere with any industrial strife that may arise, so long as it does not interfere with tho farmers' business, but should tho interests of fanners lie menaced we reserve to ourselves the light to take such action as we deem necessary."

Later in tho afternoon it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. J. E. Makgill, seconded by Captain Colbeck, that tho secretary send a letter to tho newspapers, stating clearly the position tho Farmers' Union intends taking up in the event of a strike taking place in this province of sufficient magnitude to constitute a serious menace to tho interests of the farming community and tho general public.

In the event of a strike, eventuating, it was decided that the secretary should immediately call the executive together. Mr. Schmitt (the secretary) stated that he had waited upon some of the city firms and asked them what they intended r'oing if a strike took place. He points! out to them that if the Farmers' Union brought men in from the country, it «as only fair that tho city firms should do their share. They,, said Mr. Schmitt, stated that they were prepared to do what they could. .

Captain Colhcck moved, and it was resolved, that tho secretary he authorised to enrol men should a strike render such a course- necessary

In connection with this, it was stated that tho four members of one small branch of the union in 'remote country district had signified their intention of coming to town should their services bo required.