Australian Cables.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 February 1914, Page 3

Australian Cables.

ELECTIUC TELEtf liAl'H —COPYRIGHT. [γ-er rwsss association.] i\'O SETTLEMENT. (Eeceived This Day 9.15 a.m.) Sydney, This Day. The hopes ihat a binding compromise had been reached and the strike practically settled have vanished. The men's acceptance of the Minister's .proposal lor a flat rate increase of 5s -id above award rates, with hours not exceeding 49 h as a basis for the immediate resumption of work, was submitted to a meeting of the employers, the Hon. Mr Estell understanding that the employers were prepared to favourably consider it. The meeting closed at midnight and resulted in (lie masters rejecting the terms. In a letter

to the Under-Secretary of Labour covering - the decision, the ■employers state that from the first to last the committee appointed to deal with the matter have taken the position that they could not make any offer of settlement to , the employees, and that the matter must be dealt with constitutionally in accordance with the Arbitration Act, and adding that the committee suggested that if the men made an offer it would be considered, but as they refused to make such an offer, the committee has taken the stand that the dispute must be dealt ■with under the laws of the State. This means that the employers insist on the men resuming under the terms of the old award, and the trouble then submitted to the Arbitration Court. The Hon. /Mr J. Estell, replying to the employers' letter, claims that they failed to appreciate the constitutional aspect of the matter, and overlooked the fact that an award is in existence. His proposal was to use the Industrial r Court to procure an immediate interim award, whereon operations could bo resumed. Lt is useless for the employers to say that the offer was considered, when, as a matter of fact they refused two invitations to meet the employees in a joint conference. Throughout the negotiations the employers had given him the impression that they would have been the first to accept any suggestions submitted for an honourable and peaceful settlement. The Grand Council of the Meat Industry Employees meets this morning to discuss the changed outlook. Ominous developments are aaticipated.

(Received This Day 9.45 a.m.) Sydney, This Day. The depots open io-day are similar to those of yesterday. No chops or steak are served, buyers must be content with joints. The supply is still below the demand. The masters claim that the S prices are lower than before the strike. Owing- to' the failure to reach a settlement all the cold storage employees will join the strike today, thus cutting' oft' the supply. Prices for poultry, bacon, eggs, cheese and fish are steadily increasing. Fish is in great demand.