FLAXMILLS’ AWARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 467, 14 August 1909, Page 2

FLAXMILLS’ AWARD.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN UNION AND ASSOCIATION.

The following correspondence has passed between the Flaxmills’ Employees’ Union and the flaxmillers, in respect to the claims of the workers :

“Sir, —We have pleasure in handing you herewith copy of our claims for alteration in the award expiring on the 12th inst. As the alterations suggested on the existing award are so slight, we have every confidence that any minor points can be settled in friendly conference. We therefore invite you to attend or appoint delegates to represent you, at a meeting to be held in these offices, on Saturday, the 14th inst,, at 2 p.m. We have forwarded a copy of the claims to Mr P, Halley, Conciliation Commissioner, with an invitation to attend, —-P. T. Robinson, Secretary,” The following reply has been received from the Flaxmillers’ Association :

“Palmerston N., 10th August.— To Mr Percy T. Robinson, Secretary N.Z. Flaxmills Fmployees’ Union. Sir, —A number of millers, members of the N.Z. Flaxmillers’ Association, have laid your circular letter of the 4th August, and claims enclosed, before the Committee of the Association for consideration and reply. The Committee considered the matter today, and have to slate that the Association consider it useless to discuss new demands, as the existing state of the flaxmilling industry necessitates that . substantial reduction shall be made in cost of production, and intends making application for no award, but if the Union is prepared to consider proposals for reduced wages, without prejudice, the Association will be pleased to arrange a conference, as suggested, such conference to be held at Palmerston North, as being the most suitable centre, the date of the conference to be fixed by Mr P. Halley, Commissioner, who will be asked to preside. The Association, therefore, will not be represented at the proposed conference on Saturday next. A copy of this letter has been forwarded to Mr P. Halley.—R. T. Bell, President ; Joseph Biggins, Vice-President; Bonis Seifert, K. B- Broad (Special Committee).”