VOLUNTEERS AT WORK

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 52, 25 November 1926, Page 12

VOLUNTEERS AT WORK

♦ SLAUGHTERING OPERATIONS GO ON WAINGAWA STARTS WITHOUT TROUBLE FREE LABOURERS DO WELL Dominion Special. Mastertoll, November 24. Slaughtering operations commenced for the season at the Waingawa Freezing Works this morning, when the slaughterboard was manned by sixteen volunteer butehers. Matters were taken very easily for the first day, and the management of the company express themselves as being quite satisfied with the position. Though many more volunteers have expressed their desire to assist, both as slaughtermen and general hands, only sixteen reported to-day, the balance havii g advised that, owing mainly to shearing, they would not be available for a few days. The number is sufficient for present requirements, but will be gradually added to. day by day to cope with the supply of stock as it increases.

The day opened very quietly, there being no evidence of any resistance by the unionists. Some representatives of the latter body, however, had apparently been busy at the works the night previously, the volunteers being greeted with a sign posted on the main gate bearing Jack London’s definition of a “scab.” This was the only tangible evidence of any activities by the unionists. •Killing was commenced shortly after 8 o’clock, the first hour or so being devoted to coaching the men in the method of dressing required. Their home killing experience stood most of them in good stead, and by midday the standard of dressing was described as being most satisfactory to the company. No hands were employed for the slaughter board or cooling floor, the work being carried out by departmental heads. As the output increases, however, it is proposed to engage men gradually, while slaughtermen will be put on as they become available. CANTERBURY PREPARATIONS UNLIKELY’ TO BE CAUGHT NAPPING Dominion Special. Christchurch, November 24. As the result of steps taken at a meeting to-day of representatives of the primary producers in Canterbury, it is unlikely that the freezing works in the provincial district will be caught napping in the event of slaughtermen tn the South Island deciding to follow the example of their fellows in the North Island, and refuse work when it is offered them. The meeting was convened by the executives of the Canterbury A. and P. Association, the North Canterbury Farmers’ Union, and the Canterbury Sheepowners’ Union. The Canterbury works in the ordinary course of events would have opened next Monday, but the effect on stock of the weather experienced recently lias been to delay the opening. The meeting was fully representative of the three organisations, and representatives were present also from South Canterbury and Ashburton districts. Mr. J. D. Hall was voted to the chair. The proceedings were not open to the Press.

Subsequently it was stated that the matter had been fully discussed, and the opinion was expressed that it was one of vital interest and concern to al! primary producers, and that it was essential that stock should be promptly dealt with and with the minimum loss and delay. The following resolutions were arrived at unanimously

“That this meeting of- representatives of primary producers supports the attitude of the freezing companies, in resisting the demands of the Freezing Workers’ Federation for increases in the rates of pay on the award now current.”

“That this meeting undertakes to use every effort to supply the men necessary to carry on operations in the event of the union officials failing to do so ”

It is- understood that substantial and very gratifying offers of assistance have been received from the country districts throughout Canterbury should the trouble being experienced in the North Island extend to the South Island. News has been received in Christchurch that a meeting of slaughtermen was held at Picton on Tuesday night, and that it was decided that they would commence work if called upon. MEETING "at” FEILDING MOTION IN FAVOUR OF RESUMING WORK. Dominion Special. Feilding, November 24. A largely attended meeting of members of the local branch at the Slaughterman’s Union was held to-night to consider proposals for returning to work. After about two and a half hours’ deliberation, a motion in favour of starting work 1 , was carried by 41 votes to 26. The majority was gained by the vote of the labourers. The butchers were steadily opposed to the motion and finally left the meeting. AUCKLAND DEADLOCK CONTINUES

Dominion Special.

Auckland, November 24

The deadlock in connection with the slaughtering of export stock that has arisen in Auckland continues. The ordinary operations at the various freezing works are being carried on, and there has been no further call made for slaughtermen to kill for the new season’s export trade. It is understood that uo further call will be made this week, the companies not being desirous of forcing the issue until compelled to do so in the interests of producers. Definite action, however, must soon be taken, as the season is advancing and stock maturing must be dealt with. AMPLE FREE LABOUR AT IMLAY Dominion Special. Wanganui, November 21. This morning when a call was made for labour at the Imlay freezing works no unionists offered themselves, and

free labour was employed. There was no lack of the latter, and in fact more men were offering than were required. Some 20 butchers were placed on the board, and the number will be increased gradually' as the hands become more accustomed to the work.

LONGBURN VOLUNTEERS WORKING WELL

Dominion Special.

Palmerston North, November 21.

The position at the Longburn freezing works is reported to be quite satisfactory and no difficulty is being experienced. The free labourers employed have been handling stock in such a commendable manner that the total of animals being killed will be increased daily as from to-morrow.