SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3759, 7 March 1907, Page 3

SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE.

Strikers Fined £5 Each.

Christchurch, March 6

Over one hundred slaughtermen were summoned to appear before the Arbritration Court yesterday in connection with the strike at Islington and Belfast. Judge Sim presided, supported by Mr S. Brown and Mr R. Slater.

Mr T. W. Stringer prosecuted and Mr J. Dougall defended. Judgment was given to-day. The Court found them guilty of taking part in a strike, acting in combination and refusing to work because the companies would not agree to their demands. Several of the defendants were dismissed, but the charges against all the others were sustained and the men were fined £5 each.

The Court desired to add the hope that the men would consult their own interests and those of their employers by arranging, to return to work without further delay. The companies’ offer to discuss the terms with the Union and make the rates finally settled operate as from the date of the strike was a very fair one, and apart from any question of penal consequences the men were illadvised in not accepting the offer. The case against the Ashburton slaughtermen, 50 in all, was then taken for hearing, and, being on all-fours with the others, the men were each fined £5, the fines to carry costs spread over the whole body of the men.

It is probable most of the men will pay the fines at once, and failing that the Department will issue distress warrants as in the case of an ordinary debt.

The judgment of the Court was very lengthy, and every point was exhaustively dealt with.