THE SLAUGHTERMEN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8354, 14 February 1913, Page 10

THE SLAUGHTERMEN

POSITION AT PETONE. i Own Correspondent. As the slaughtermen get more accustomed to the work, the tally increases. Yesterday's tally was a distinct improvement ou that of the two previous days. The number of butchers has been increased, and the men on the “board” totalled forty-six. The men “cut-out” at a little after 4 o’clock, and there being no more sheep immediately available, work ceased for the da The number of sheep slaughtered yesterday amounted to over 1300, and the work was done in a very satisfactory manner. It has been stated that the pelts have been cut about in such a mannei that a large percentage have been rendered unfit for export. This statement which has been published has no foundation in fact. The condition ol the pelts when they reach the iellmonnerv could not possibly be better, and it is vouched for by the Gear expert that the slaughtermen now on the “board” are turning out the pelts as well as, if not bette rthan, any butchers that have ever been employed at the works. A large consignment of sheep was expected to arrive at Petone last night and the number of slaughtermen will be increased by ten to-day, bringing the total up to fifty-six. Petone is still quiet, and few slaughtermen who are on strike are to be seen. A number of them have secured employment at Upper Hutt. EXPERTS WORKING IN THE SOUTH ISLAND. INVERCARGILL, February 13. Killing started at Mataura, Ocean Beach, and the Makarewa Freezing Works to-day, sixteen men being employed at Mataura, a similar number at Makarewa and ten at Ocean BeachThese were all that were required by the companies. In the meantime the officials of the companies state _ that they are satisfied with the initial start, and that the men engaged include expert slaughtermen, though noe members of the union. POSITION IMPROVING IN CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH, February 13. The present position in regard to the trouble with the slaughtermen is improving, and it is reported that at all the works in Canterbury more butchers started this morning, and that applications are coming in still from men wbo are anxious to take up work. Some of the men who have applied and whose services have been accepted have not yet started work, as in some instances they are at present in the country, and in other instances they have to give a week’s notice to their present .employers. So far the works are not fully manned, and it is not expected that a full output will be obtained for some time. In the meantime, it is considered inadvisable for farmers to rush their stock into the market. If large numbers come forward it will be impossible to deal with them expeditiously. Applications arc being received for slaughtermen’s work from all parts of the district, and judging by present indications the number manning the boards will be greatly augmented during the next few days. RECOMMENCING OPERATIONS IN OTAGO. DUNEDIN, February 33. The Burnside Freezing Works vi ore opoeoneod to-day with thirteen men on the boards, and they put Through between 500 and 600 sheep. Work on the whole was carried on very satisfactorily, and it is anticipated that more men will be at work to-moi’ow. It is understood that a neeting of slaughtermen was held on Tuesday evening, but nothing has transpired with regard to the business done. The South Otago Freezing Works at Balolutha opened on Tuesday, and everything has been running smoothly. Thirteen men are on the boards and are working satisfactorily.