FLAXWORKERS’ DISPUTE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2001, 10 July 1919, Page 3

FLAXWORKERS’ DISPUTE.

The following letters in connection with the above appeared in the columns of our Palmerston North evening contemporary:— Sir. —There appeared a letter signed R. T. Bell in Saturday’s issue of your paper, denying my statement that representatives from the Flaxworkers’ Union took part in the negotiations for a settlement of the flaxmills dispute, Mr Bell’s statement is tantamount to charging me with a deliberate misrepresentation. To prove to those interested (it is not necessary to prove it to Mr Bell) that what I said was correct, I will relate a few of the details which occurred during the proceedings. Messrs Hillier, Scott and myself, the selected representatives of the Union, were asked to bo at Mr A. Seifert’s office at eleven o’clock on Thursday, July 3rd, to confer with representatives of the millers, Mr Ayrton acting as intermedium. Mr Ayrton acted in that capacity till about one o’clock, when he was compelled to leave. From then till two o’clock the matter was discussed with Mr A. Seifert in Mr Torbit t’s office. We then went to lunch, returning about three o’clock, and again discussed (he points of difference with Mr Seifert. Arriving at an agreement, we retired to the union office, Mr Seifert promising to give us a ring when he got another miller to sign the agreement. The fact that (he signing of the agreement had to be delayed until Mr Seifert got in (ouch with another miller willing to sign, suggests to mo

the thought that Mr Bell wasn’t there during the afternoon, and was only sent for when a signature was required. To conclude, Mr Bell's letter is a fitting culmination.to his action at the beginning of the late dispute.—l am. etc., A. J. JEFFREYS. Sir. —In reply to Mr Jeffrey's letter appearing in your last, issue, I am glad to acknowledge bis admission that I did not confer with him in the settlement of the flaxmills dispute. I must, however, take exception to his comments concerning Mr Seifert, who left for America yesterday, and is therefore unable to defend himself. Briefly put, Air Seifert and myself met and conferred with Messrs Ayrton and Torhi! shortly after eleven o'clock lasi Thursday morning. We readied a verbal understanding about one o'clock, and then Mr Seifert and I wont to lunch. Apparently Mr Ayrton or Mr Torbitl, Tam not sure which, was unable to induce the Union officials to accept our conditions verbally, and Mr Seifert told me so over the telephone. I returned to his office about four o’clock, and after a further discussion with Mr Seifert I agreed with him to sign a recommendation for a settlement providing the president and secretary of the Union signed the acceptance of same. The recommendation was taken to the office of the Union and was returned signed by the officials mentioned, and the business was concluded in this way about half-past five. I don't understand Mr Jeffrey’s concluding remarks concerning myself, but I have quite a clear conscience in all I have done in this matter, and am glad to know the settlement will help to relieve the distress which was reported as becoming most acute with some of the flaxworkers, and I trust a better understanding will always exist in future between the parties concerned in the recent trouble. —I am, etc., R. T. BELL.