THE LABOUR SITUATION.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 261, 4 November 1913, Page 3

THE LABOUR SITUATION.

FARMERS ORGANISING. . A largely-attended meeting of the farming community and townspeople took place at the local sale yards on Saturday afternoon. The meeting was , called to discuss the labour situation and to organise ! free labour to provide an outlet for the district's produce. Delegates were present from Hamilton, and included :—Messrs Ewen McGregor (president of the Hamilton branch of the Farmers' Union), F. E. Smith (president of the Waikato Winter Show), T. Hinton (president of the Waikato A. and P. Association), and N. G. Gribble (secretary of the Hamilton branch of the Farmers' Union). Mr Alexander (chairman of the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers' Union) said the time had arrived when the farmers should stand up for their rights, and if others would not help them to ' ship their produce then they must do it themselves. He advised them to show a bold front, as this was a time for action. The present state of affairs was a disgrace to the country. Mr McGregor said he wa's extremely sorry to have to undertake the task of addressing them on this matter, as it was no small thing for him to have to do. He | them to approach the 'matter with extreme caution. They should keep discussion of . the strike out of the question, as they were not in any way concerned with that, but should confine their attention wholly and solely to the handling of their produce. At present they could not send any more butter or frozen meat. They were present to find out what the farmers of Te Awamutu intended to do. If they decided to assist he trusted they would work together. Mr Gribble then read the following resolution, which had been passed at Hamilton that morning :—" That this meeting approves the principle, if necessary, of sending free labour to the waterside to load and unload the products of the country and its imports, and to so far as necessary lend support and protection to those so engaged; and,further, i in preserving private and public •property, keeping the peace, and maintaining the same to the best of our abilitv; that the offer of the executive of the Auckland provincial branch of the Farmers' Union to undertake the necessary work of organisation- be fully availed of, and that • volunteers hold themselves in readiness to immediately proceed to the waterfront under the command or direction of the Union or its appointees; that a committee be appointed to collect names and enroll them, and where possible arrange for horses and accoutrements to be in readiness to proceed as directed." Mr Gribble stated that the executive of the Farmers' Union had gone carefully into the matter, and had drawn up enrolment forms. It was a difficult time for farmers to go to town, but if thev wished their produce handled then they must do it themselves. Mr F. E. Smith said he had given the • matter considerable thought, and he had come to the conclusion that they would have Jto adopt strong measures. They little realised the loss that threatened them. If they did not rise and .strike' there was a bad year in front of them. They were born with the right of freedom of speech and action. He had been informed that their supplies could not be guaranteed acceptance for a period beyond six days. That meant ruin for some. He was prepared to go to the front to-morrow. Dr Reekie said that Te Awamutu would take no second place in this matter, and they heartily supported the resolution. He stated the business people of Te Awamutu were behind the matter, and would render all assistance possible. He then' moved the resolution. MrLuxford, in seconding the resolution, said he was prepared to close his office and go if necessary. A iarge number of those present were then enrolled.

TE AWAMUTU CONTINGENT

-i. In answer to the call of the Farmers' Union for men to proceed to Auckland as special constables, some filty mounted men left Te Awamutu for Hamilton at 5 p.m. yesterday. The numerical strength was added to as the party proceeded, volunteers being picked up all along the road. Before Ohaupo was reached the number exceeded one hundred . men. The majority of the volunteers are farmers, while among them were several business men. Mi T. H. Luxford, who was in command, lined the men* up in front of the post office, where, prior to leaving for Hamil- - ton, they were addressed by Mr rbC. Alexander, president of theTc Awamutu branch.of the Farmers' Union. He exha ed the men to do their duty, and on no account \ to lose their tempers. They would I be placed under responsible officers, and he hoped they would obey them to the letter. They would be required to preserve law and order, and he hoped they would help to do so. Three hearty cheers were then . given for the men. ~ yMr Luxford addressed a few to the men and impressed ■ 'upon them the need of keeping their temper, and not to mind a

few epithets being thrown at them, and which they must expect. . , . , . The men were then formed into fours, and amidst cheers leit for Hamilton.

Advice has been received that the men who left last evening for Hamilton will be engaged drilling .during the day. A further contingent has been asked tor, and they will leave this evening at 5 o'clock to join the mam body before proceeding to Auckland.