OLIVE BRANCH TO LABOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15002, 25 May 1912, Page 8

OLIVE BRANCH TO LAB OU R.

i FARMERS MAKE ADVANQ^'Iip MUTUAL SYMPATHY ADVISEd/ I Tub best means of bringing about •* better understanding between the difietJJ .'. sections of the community was one or t- ' graver questions uiscussed by fanners «I i \ the provincial conference in AHcftaadi |I ■ yesterday. There was a proposal' that tht iM ' Farmers' Union should endeavour to iaA« terchange views with the labour unions ] H throughout the country, and this sug*e*■■'■■[ " tion was heartily approved. "' M Mr. J. E. Makgill, vice-president, i moved the adoption of the following «! ' 1 mib from tlie- Auckland executive ; "That V this Conference expresses its desire to I bring the Farmers' Union into doW I touch with the labour unions of th* m Dominion, with the object of bringing » about a hotter understanding between thai I' various sections of the community, by as if interchange of views on, and mutual con, ■ sideration of, the needs and aims of «ach I section, believing that in tins way tha ■ cause of much of the unrest prevailing m » the community may bo removed." §! Mr. MafcgiU said that he felt confident I that it was the desire of the farmers to & get into touch with all parts of the com. if munity. 'flie invitation extended to _&. 6 presentativea of the trades' unions showed if that plainly. The non-appearance of tfcesV If representatives at the proceedings of the ■ Conference should not bo looked upon as ■'■ a slap in the face or as a rebuff to their ** advances. Ho felt sure the unions had ■ not been given time enough tc make pro- > ifper arrangements. He believed that &■. if want of understanding was the cause of '■■ If the antagonism between the various ciisjM I of the community. - K Mr. R. D. Daxfield said that they ir«|>.'M' .all at on& on this question, and it vbali, m bo in the best interests of everybody if i the farmers approached the vauo.. labour organisations. They could discus their grievances, and if possible help to l remedy them. . / Mr. S. A', Brown (Clovodon) said $®n j. U this matter had been brought forward by ' himself at previous conferences. It showed a good spirit, and would roimli in ■! much good. Labour leaders shouH bo & jp vited to attend meetings of the unio4 jmjj give addresses. ..'■;."■ ' <| Mr. Gerald Peacocke said that, (hi m farmers paid the highest wages. • Youia. came from the town, were paid a gnoi}' , v wage, comfortably found, and properir ' ' taught a trade ths* made men of them. ' Mr. J.. A. Albert (Waiuku), said tiaf the olive branch had already < been, h<U. ~~ out to the Labour men, and they ' h&-', ,''■ ignored it. Captain Colb&ck said that ,Sec«rase tlw ' Labour men refused" to attend" the pw&ai ' J\ conference that was not to say they wouli always. refuse. : After a conference triii II the waterside workers he bad come to-" the conclusion that they were mow ' reasonable than farmers. (Laughter.)l ; i t! v '/. Mr. J. Boddie (To Kditi). said that ti& " present remit was a sign of the i-cat, !j and it was a move in the right directwjj.' There was too big a difference to-day tfr '• ■ tweon the different sections of the cf'SH munity, and it was the duty ot,«mr ,- \ right-thinking man to endeavour to bring about a better feeling. - * %''s |j The remit was carried unaa-haonsly, Ui . gether with the following remit from fee Te Puke branch -"That careful cdwsidw.',* at ion be given to the best means of pi* *M venting industrial strikes." :; J||"j i|i' . ______ j v dfe- ■ *"" —T • • ■'•.!{; ; .. _■ ________ _ _____ ijjji