THE SHEARERS' DISPUTE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9954, 16 September 1910, Page 3

THE SHEARERS' DISPUTE

SHEARERS' DISPUTE. [Per Press xissociation.] DUNEDIN, September 16. The Ofcago shearers' dispute to-day came before the Conciliation Council, consisting of Messrs J'. R. Triggs and P. Hally. Mr Giles, the Auckland member, was not present. The case was practically the same disputes as that heard in Christchurch on behalf of the Canterbury shearers, where no agreement' was arrived at. Mr Pryor, for the Sheep-owners' Union, asked the. Council to refer the matter to the Arbitration Court, as he had no evidence to offer. Mr Laracy, for the men, protested against the attitude of the Board of Inquiry at Christchurch in not taking evidence. He had come to the conclusion that tho fight was being forced on the shearers, who had come out, and who would protect themselves as best they could. Mr Triggs said that when this dispute left the Court he suggested reference of the matter to the Commissioners to take evidence and make ,a recommendation, but the Commissioners wanted an undertaking from both sides to abide by the award of the Court after the Commissioners had made a recommondation. Both sides signed such an undertaking, which had been nullified by the action of the representatives of the Union, the latter practically dictating to the Commissioners. Mr Laracy said the Union was willing to accept any award of the Court, and abide by it conscientiously. Mr Triggs replied that if Mr Laracy and Mr Pryor would'put their heads together to take the Commissioners out of "the difficulty the latter would help.

After a private conference with the parties, the Commissioners adjourned to .Wellington, on Wednesday next. This was done to enable tho shearers to confer with the head of their federation.

Last night Mr M. Laracy, the general secretary of the Shearers' Union, received the following telegram from Mr R. Scrapie, organiser of the NewZealand Federation of Labour, Westland:—"Stick to your guns; count on moral and financial support of my Federation in your effort to demand justice for vour class; your fight, otir "fight." This morning the_ following further telegram was received from Mr J. Glover, secretary of the New Zealand Federation of Lnbotlr:— '* Heartiest conpraLuliitions ;m your determined tuaud; your light i.s our fight"