FARMERS' COMBINATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15610, 15 May 1914, Page 9

FARMERS' COMBINATION

PROTECTION OF INDUSTRY.

OPPOSITION TO AWARD.

FIGHTING FUND ESTABLISHED.

[BY TELEGRAM— CORRESPONDENT.]

Hamilton. Thursday. A largely attended meeting of the Hamilton branch of the Farmers' Union, presided over by Mr, Ewan McGregor, decided to take steps to com! at any attempt by farm laborers to obtain an award.

The chairman said farmers had no objection to the farm employees forming a union, but the varying conditions of Nature over which the farmers had no control would render an award for farm work absolutely unworkable.

After a lengthy discussion it was decided to establish a fighting fund on a basis of 6d per 100 sheep and 3s per 100 cows, to which farmers, whether members of the union or not, arc asked to contribute.

The question as to whether the Waikato Graziers' Association should affiliate with the Farmers' Union was discussed at length at a meeting of the former body this morning. The opinion was expressed that it was necessary that tho farmers should have all their forces combined in one body ; but it was pointed out that the Farmers' Union must have more substantia', financial assistance than tho paltry subscription now paid. It was only by active and strong financial support *;hat it coula be made a strong body which -ouJd make the farmers' position secure from becoming the prey of those who have tho acumen to bind themselves together.

It was finally decided to take a vote by post on the question that the Graziers' Association should become a bran;ii cf the Farmers' Union.