SYDNEY BUTCHERS’ STRIKE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16486, 27 February 1914, Page 7

SYDNEY BUTCHERS’ STRIKE.

EFFORTS TO RESTORE PEACE

AN APPEAL FOR FUNDS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. SYDNEY, February 26. So far the master butchers have not been approached by the Cabinet Committee, but all parties are anxiously awaiting the result of the conferences with tho men, who state that they are prepared to enter into further negotiations, even with the masters. The Grand Council of the employees has deoided to make an appeal throughout Australia for funds to continue tho fight.,

If necessary, a resolution will he carried that no foreign cargo can be shipped during the continuance of the trouble.

As a result of the strike, 160 carcase carters, members of the Draymen’s Union, are idle. Every effort is now being made to get tho then back to work. If this is done, it is understood that a tribunal will be appointed to arbitrate quickly on the matters in dispute. NO INFORMATION. PREMIER DECLINES TQ BE INTERVIEWED. SUPPLIES AT DEPOTS INCREASING. (Received February 26, 8.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 26. The strike developments which had been anticipated did not happen to-day afid the position as far as a settlement is concerned is unchanged or has reached a deadlock. The only announcement vouchsafed by tho Cabinet Committee was that nothing was contemplated to-day. Since his return from New Zealand Mr Holman has declined Press interviews and requires inquiries to be made through a messenger. The Hon J. Estell left this afternoon for Wallsend to attend a banquet in his honour. Representatives of the butchers and the strikers respectively hold frequent meetings, but apparently get no nearer a solution.

It is reported that a movement is afoot amongst the carcase butchers to revert to the slaughtermen’s award rates of £4 5s instead of £G recently paid. Such a move would prove fatal to the Government’s efforts to bring masters and men together in conference.

The men, while confident, declare their willingness to confer. At the Homebush sales offerings were small and the attendance was very limited. The only buyers were suburban and country butchers. Supplies at the various depots are steadily increasing. Another depot has been opened at Manly. Fish, eggs and other dairy produce are more plentiful and prices have eased somewhat. A number of strikers have left for Queensland. MR HOLMAN’S ADVICE. MEN URGED TO RESUME. (Received February 26, 8.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 26. It is understood that Mr Holman has advised the butchers to resume on the old conditions and seek redress by constitutional means. In tho event of the acceptanco of this advice work will be resumed immediately. A decision is expected to-night.

TROUBLE IN ADELAIDE. ADELAIDE, February ZG. A mass meeting of the Meat Employees’ Union expressed dissatisfaction with the hours and the present rate of wages, and decided to ask for a conference with tho employers within forty-eight hours. There are prospects of tho trouble spreading.