FARM LABOUR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19498, 5 June 1925, Page 2

FARM LABOUR.

PROPOSE]) NEW AWARD. FRUITGROWERS TAKE EXCEPTION. At the provincial conference of the Now Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation yesterday strong opposition was expressed towards a proposal that farm labour, including that engaged in ‘.he fruit industry, should bo covered by an award. Tint matter was opened when it, was stated that some glowers had been cited Ly the Otago and .Southland Agmcauitural, Dairying, Fruit, umi Bast-oral Farm Assistants’ industrial LTdon of Worketo, who were applying tor an award. Tho Chairman (Mr 11. Turner) said that certain growers had been cited, anti if tho award were made the remainder would be included. Tho method of procedure had to be decided. A meeting of the Employers’ Association was to bo heid that day to discuss the position. He understood that it would ,be decided that no assessors should attend the Conciliation Council proceedings, in which, case the secretary of the Employers’ Association would merely notify the commissioner that the employers objected. Following that the whole matter would be referred automatically to tho Court of Arbitration. Tho sittings of the court would bo held, ho believed, about one month after the Conciliation Council proceedings, and just what action should be taken would be-decided at tho meeting, and it would bo necessary to appoint two fruitgrowers’ delegates. Delegates from the dairying and sheep-growing interests would also bo there. Messrs E. C. Reynolds and E. Binder were appointed as the federation’s delegates.