FARMERS AND THE ARBITRATION COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3559, 26 June 1912, Page 2

FARMERS AND THE ARBITRATION COURT.

REPRESENTATION DESIRED. AN AUCKLAND MOVE. By , Telegraph—Special Correspondent, AUCKLAND, June 25. The northern farmer is fully alive to his own importance, and he' wants to do his -share in seeing that the engines of the Ship of State are well oiled and run smoothly. His latest demand, raised at the meting of the Executive of the Auckland Fanners’ Union, is for representation on the Arbitration Court-

Mr Joseph Flanagan brought up the matter by proposing that as .farmers are the worst sufferers by Awards of the Arbitration Court in the case, of such trades as carpentering, plumbing. brick-laying, painting, and allied trades, the Farmers’ Union Executive should take steps to he represented at the Arbitration Court when disputes in any of these trades are under consideration.

Mr. Flanagan said that under the present system awards were given without a reference being made at all to those who were most conserved —the using and consuming public as a specific instance. Mr A. Schmidt, in seconding the motion, said that in addition to the question of justness' to the ' wageearner, they had also to consider the question of fairness to the public. Under the present system the workers asked lor higher wages. The employers agreed, and the public paid tlie piper. Under the circumstances it was only fair to contend that they should be represented when sucli issues were being discussed. Other members of the Executive, including Messrs Judd, Bowler, and Magill, opposed the motion on the ground that hitherto the farmers had held themselves aloof from the Arbitration Court, and they considered that it would be unwise for the Union to bring itself in any way within the scope of the Act.

Mr Flanagan, in reply, contended that they could not afford to remain outside all the time. The farmers were being made to stand the racket. Tlie effect of almost every Award reached them, and it was time they moved to protect themselves.

Mr Jas. Boddie suggested as an amendment should read so as to, apply to “Farmers and other users,” that would bring in all who were concerned. Mr Flanagan agreed to the suggestion, and the motion was accordingly carried with that amendment.