PETONE WOOLLEN MILL HANDS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2717, 11 March 1916, Page 6

PETONE WOOLLEN MILL HANDS

NOTICE TO QUIT

FATE OF KHAKI ORDERS

Yesterday morning the greater nu®« her of tlio employees of the Petone Woollen .Mills gave notice in writing of their intention to cease work, at the end of seven days. If they carry out this expressed intention somo 200 operatives will be out of work and the Petono mills will have to be closed down. As tho mills aro engaged at present solely in tho production of "khaki" goods for the Expeditionary Force, the closing of. tho mills would bo » matter of more than local importance. Eor this reason the Minister of Munitions 'and Supplies (the 'Hon. A. M. Myers) attended,, at the invitation of the union, a meeting of tho Wellington Woollen Mills Employees' Union at Petono on Thursday night. This meeting, was called to consider what further action the union should take regarding the demand for increased wages, ana presumably the wholesale sending in of notice is the outcome of tlio meeting. The workers have asked for a 10 per cent, increaso all round, and the company has offered a o per cent, increase, with a 5 per cent, bonus on wages earned from January 1 up to date. Mr. Myers addressed the ,mceting at length. Ho pointed out to the workers that they were citizens of His Majesty's Industrial Army, and that as such they had duties and obligations. It was his duty as Minister of Munitions to see that our soldiers x went away fully equipped, and it woidd be his duty as Minister to seo that the goods for this purpose were delivered. The employees nad shown up till the present a patriotic desiro to fulfil' all the obligations entered into by the company in regard to the production . of military supplies; and ho expressed a hopo that such differences as existed between tho employees and the company would be satisfactorily adjusted. Hq advised them also that in addition to their patriotic obligations they had also legal obligations. If any conference betweou the employees and tho company; should be held he would bo very pleased to attend should his presence be desired _ . _ A meeting of the Board- of Directors was held yesterday afternoon. Mr.' Myers said that he had not been, approached by the company regarding the crisis. ■ ; The deadlock is one that may bo difficult of solution. Tho mills must not be allowed to close down, for reasons already stated. All the questions involved in tho dispute will liavo to he investigated. If the employees have grievances these must be set right, and if the demands are exorbitant they must be modified. But the mills must not stop running. The dispute is of Dominion importance, because it is sure that if increases in wages are granted hero increases must be granted to, all other woollen mills employees in the Dominion, all of whom are, like the Petone operatives, making khaki as fast as they can.

All photographic supplies and Kodaks are obtainable at Bagley's Pharmacy, IVatberston. Films developed, negatives printed; city prices.—Advt. Reproductions of interesting pictures sent from • Bristol to the founder and governing director of the Bristol Piano Company, I/t-cl., Mr. D. E., Theomin, wlio is a native.of that ancient city, are noiv displayed in the Bristol Company's .windows. Accompanying' the views ara autograph greetings and good wishes for' the company's success from the president' of the Chamber of Commerce, the High Sheriff of Bristol, the Avon mouth' Dock Committee, and the Mayor and citizens of Bath—Britain's historic Spa. The presentation strikingly illustrates Bristol's wealth, both in ancient' and modem attractions, and the photographs will bo viewed with interest by all, more especially by those who are not strangers at "the western gateway of the Old Country." The opening of the new pipe orgaiii recently installed at the Petone Methodist Church, was celebrated last eveninn' hy a recital, given bj Mr." Temple White, of Wellington, assisted by Miss B. A. Brittain and Mr. C. L. Green. There was, a good attendance, and the items were much appreciated. The new instrument won favour in all directions liy its beautiful tone. Tho Wellington Accountant Students' Society will"open their 1916 session nest Wednesday evening at the Accountants' Chambers, Johnston Street. Ten-min-ute papers will ho given by Messrs. W.Appleton, A.1.A.N.Z., H. D. Edwards, A.1,A.N.R., P. E. Pattrick, F.1.A.N.Z., and V. L. Wcsterman on interesting accountancy subjects, and an instructive evening is anticipated. This being a a open night, visitors are cordially invited- to attend the meeting.