FARMERS AND A STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15594, 28 April 1914, Page 7

FARMERS AND A STRIKE.

LABOUR TO BE PROVIDED. In consequence of the refusal of the New South Wales railway employees to handle certain classes of chaff—which they termed "black" chaff —the farmers of the State began to organise with a view to doing the work themselves. However, the strike ended last week, and the farmers' services were not required. On Tuesday night, says the Sydney Morning Herald, Mr. Campbell, secretary of the Farmers and Settlers' Association, stated that an organisation of farmers to guarantee, the distribution of their produce has been proceeding ever since the beginning of the trouble over the harvest. Although conducted quietly and with-it ostentation, said Mr. Campbell, this organisation has been brought to a splendid issue. Two days ago it was put to thetest. Word was sent to the country disricts affected that men might bo wanted to deliver the chaff and other produce from Redfern railway yards to the consignees.. In less than 48 hours, over 100" willing farmers, all young, able-bodied, and capable men, were available in Sydney, and prepared at a moment's notice to take their coats off, mount the lorries, and' clear. Redfern railway yards of the produce which has been piling up there. The result of the test, he said, was beyond expectations. It was most gratifying. "Theso men are in Sydney now," con tinned Mr. Campbell. "They will all be glad io go back home, and leave the carters' work to the carters, but they will be prepared, and hundreds more, if necessary, to answer a similar call at any time. Had the carters not retracted to-day, you would certainly have seen the Redfern yards cleared to-morrow "by- farmercarters. Of course, we would look to the Government to protect the ' farmers engaged in this work, and we have no doubt that protection would have been afforded. But we are all glad the extreme step was not necessary."