FARM LABOURERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13337, 13 July 1907, Page 7

FARM LABOURERS.

(To the Editor of-tie "Timaru Herald.") Sir,—l am sorry my short letter on Mr Kean's meeting at Pleasant Point should -have caused such an outburst- of feeling on the part of that gentleman. He must not expect to find all -workers ready to swallow whatever decoction Labour Union promoters may dish up for them. I had thought that'on the whole Mr Kean had stated the case very welh and cally shown, that the schedule issued by the Union was unworkable and not in ilia interest of either party. The schedule demands extra rate of pay for overtime at harvest. Mr Kean is opposed to this and stated that, longer hours would have to ba worked at harvest time at the same rate of pay, or they might go short of bread. • Just a line on the financial aspect of ithc Farm Workers' Union. Mr Barr, late President of the Trades and Labour Council, is reported to have stated that the contributions! were what I stated in my last letter. Mr Thorn at his meeting at Temukais reported as having stated that he was not going to discuss the conditions, as had bsen done at Pleasant Point. He wanted that ''five bob to pay into the funds of the Union." Mr Kean says no such payments are demanded. Who is right? I have not yet joined the Union, so only know what the leaders state are the payments required. Mr Barr plainly stated that 6d per week was charged as a rule, but in some easws asjow as 4d was taken and 2a 6d as a joining fee. If. Mr Kean joins he will know better. One thing I would ask him : How would lie provide for the annual finance of the Union without a continuous contribution from members ? I anv-etc, .-• •/ .-'. - - •-..• i ' ■■ ' - " \ WORKER,