SYDNEY BUTCHERS' STRIKE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16485, 26 February 1914, Page 7

SYDNEY BUTCHERS' STRIKE.

MASTERS STATE THEIR CASE,

SAY THEY HAVE BEEN HARASSED. By Telegraph—Pres9 Association—Copyright. SYDNEY, February 25. The,Meat Industries' Committee has forwarded a further letter to the Hon J. Estell, Minister of Labour, emphasising the • fact that tho employers had never refused to allow the men to continue work upon the terms of existing award. Tho committee has also issued a long statement showing how, during three years and a half various branches of the industry have been harassed by members of the employees' Union in 6pite of the fact that the earnings in many cases have increased by 50 per cent. The employers have received no reply to this or the previous communicationAny meat coming to Sydney killed by men employed by masters who have not signed the Union's agreement is declared " black." Tho secretary of the Employees' Union has been requested .to meet Ministers to-day. CABINET COMMITTEE APPOINTED. BOTH SIDES AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS. MEAT DEPOTS OBSERVE HALFHOLIDAY. (Received February 25, 9.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 25. A committeo has been appointed by the Cabinet, consisting of the Hons W. A. Holman, J. Estell and F. Flowers to deal with strike matters.

The committee is working quietly and declined to disclose the direction or effect so far of its efforts. . The committee conferred twice today with representatives of the men. Outwardly the position is unchanged. Everything is quiet. Both sides are waiting for a Government move. Depots were opened early to-day and closed at one o'clock the employers being determined to run no risks of infringing the statutory half-holiday. One or two more depots have been opened. Though the supply still is far below the demand, the management has greatly improved and unseemly crushing and crowding have been averted to a large extent. The commencement of the Lenten season is a factor in slackening the demand for meat.

Consequent on the further increase in the price of fish and having been practically meatless perforce for a fortnight, Sydneyites are devoting much self-persuasive argument to the question as to whether they are not better without animal food. On present appearances they will be given time to reach a decisive conclusion.

It is calculated that by the end of the week the depots will have netted about £20,000. Some master butchers who have been compelled to close are reported to be desirous of securing a division of the profits which, so far, has not been made. Local bacon and small goods supplies are practically exhausted. The weekly calf sales te-day were a failure. Only two buyers attended. MASTERS IN CONFERENCE. (Received February 25, 9.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 25. The master butchers are sitting in close conference discussing a communication from the Cabinet. Early developments are possible. MASTERS' RELIEF FUND THE FIRST DISTRIBUTION. (Received February 26, 1.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 25. At a late hour to-night the Cabinet committee had nothing to report regarding a strike settlement. Efforts towards a definite move to-morrow are anticipated. The master butchers' (fcmmittee made the first distribution from the relief fund to small suburban butchers whose shops have been closed. IN MELBOURNE. THE MEN TO ACCEPT OFFER. MELBOURNE, February 25. By a large majority the employees have decided to accept the master butchers' offers for settlement.