THE SHEARERS' DISPUTE AT BENMORE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2082, 18 January 1894, Page 23

THE SHEARERS' DISPUTE AT BENMORE.

Mr A. C. Bpgg, who has just returned from a visit to Beumore for the purpose of inquiring into the late dispute with the shearers, informs us that there is no truth in the assertion made in the paragraph quoted from the Oamaru Mail, to the effect that 10 of the men working at Benmore had come out on Monday in obediecce to a call from the executive. As a matter of fact, the whole of the men resumed work on Monday without an exception. With reference to the cause of the dispute, the following letters from well-known Canterbury settlers should be read with interest : —

Benmore Station, January 11, 1594. T. Middleton, Esq. Dear Sir.— Having very carefully inspected the two lots of fleeces shown me by yourself and your woolclasser, I have no hesitation in stating that to my mind the sheep from which they were shorn were perfectly dry, as not Ijho slightest trace of damp was noticeable ; and having seen the two lots of fleeces unpacked I am satisfied that they would not lose any dampness while in such bundles had any existed before the wool was polled up.— Yours in earnest, (Signed) Al. S. Smith, Albury.

Benmore, January 11, 1894. Having examined two lots of seven and eight fleeces submitted to my inspection by Mr T. Middleton, of Benmore, I have no hesitation in saying that both lots were Quite free from wetness, and that the fleeces had been packed up in such a way as to render evaporation practically impossible. (Signed) « Sandham Gilungham.