SHEARING RATES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 10

SHEARING RATES.

ALLEGED FRIENDLY SETTLEMENT. PALMERSTON N., February ♦. The Shearers and Sheepowners' Conference was held at tho Oddfellows' Hall here this morning and^ afternoon. The sittings altogether lasted about three and a-half hours. It is understood that the decisions were of a give-and-take nature, some of the points resulting in long discussions. It was decided that no information whatever should bo given to the pres3 until the agreements come to had been considered by the Shearers' Union Executive at Hunterville on Saturday next, and the rflembers of the Farmers' Union Provincial Executive, who were absent. The Manawatu Daily Times, however, publishes an account of the proceeding* and the decisions, and states that the .preference clause and the clause limiting: learners were struck out, whilst it was agreed that machine-shearing should be 17s 6d, hand-shearing should be 20s per 100, tho agreement to hold good for a time. The Times, referring editorially to tho matter, states that there is good reason to hope that a genuine settlement has been arrived at. The delegates present represented a majority of both executives, sufficient to ensure the endorsement of the decisions they came to. All the shearers* delegates, except Messrs Garrick and Baker. will bo present at Hunterville. and they would constitute a majority there, all that will be necessary on the eheepowners' side will be to communicate with absent members of the executive what was done at this meeting and ask their acquiescence a majority being already assured. AN AMICABLE AGREEMENT. PALMERSTON N., February 5. The Manawatu Daily Times, giving further information regarding the conference of shearers and sheep-owners yesterday, states that in one respect it was in error, one informant having assured it that 17s 6dl was finally agreed on for machine-shearing, as claimed for the farmers, whereas on this point the farmers gave way, and agreed to the shearers' claim for 20s. Thus machine" and hand-shearing are to be 20s. The position has been widely discussed -to-day, especially at the FeLlding show, where a laree number of cheep-owners were assembled. The general opinion is that the position, as disclosed by the Times, reveals a good working agreement. Another clause of importance suggested by the farmers and accepted by the shearers, exempts members of the farmer's from the award, _ so that they can shear as at present. It is understood that the men agreed to the omission of preference.