SHEARERS' ACCOMMODATION BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 21

SHEARERS' ACCOMMODATION BILL.

PROTEST BY SHEEP-OWNERS. PALMERSTON N., August 18. At a meeting of the Manawatit A. and P. Association to-day Mr W P. Jacobs, referring to the Shearers' Accommodation Bill, stated that it was of a most drastic nature. It simply meant that employers would have to find a five-roomed house for shearers, at a cost of over £200, for a few weeks each year. They would require to find a dining room, sleeping room for shearers, sleeping Toom for a cook, and bathroom and kitchen. He moved — " That this association strongly protests against the bill, which is quite uncalled for, and if carried will inflict a grave hardship and a quite unnecessary expense on sheep-owners, especially owners of small flocks, in having to provide buildings which will be only needed iov a few days each . year; and that this association also respectfully protests against bills of this character, which seriously affect the agricultural and pastoral industries, being referred to the Labour Bills Committee, to take evidence and report on. Further, that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour, and that Mr W. T. Wood, M.P. ior Pahnerston, be asked, as viee-prfei-dent of the association, to oppo&s the bill in Parliament."' The motion was carried unanimously ADVERSE CEITICISMS CHRISTCHURCH, August' 19. .At a meeting of the North Canterbury Vxecmt-iv-3 of tlu» Farmers' Union to-day, Mr Leadlcv moved: "That, in the opinion of the executive, the proposed amendment of the Shearers' Accommodation Act is thoroughly unnecessary and unworkable. He said that the new bill was a short one, but it was very far-reaching, llie inspector actually had power to pull down the farmer's buildings. Mr H. T Cooper said that the act wovJd seriously affect small farmers. The men employed by them were quite satisfied with the existing arrangements, though some such provisions might be necessary on the large stations. Mr W. Hall said that an addition should be made to the motion, pointing out that the bill would inflict a hardship on small farmers, and Mr Leadey agreed with this. After further discussion the motion, as amended, was passed.