FACING A CRISIS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12611, 23 November 1926, Page 10

FACING A CRISIS

PREPARED TO START MASTERTON, November 22. A combined meeting of representatives of stock firms and producers to consider the freezing workers’ dispute passed the following resolution:' — “Having in view the threat to bov - cott New Zealand meat in England, this meeting suggests that as the matter is of national importance the Government should cable the 'situation to London. It should be pointed out that the freezing workers’ award docs not expire until June, 1927, that the farmers’ returns for meat and wool are much less than when the award was made, and that the economic situation of the farmer following the depression caused by tho British coal strike makes it impossible for him to carry on with any increased costs in reaching the consumers. The position is that in the event of no labour offering tho fanners and their sons are prepared to do the work of killing the stock themselves.' NEW UNIONBEING FORMED NAPIER, November 22. The Hawke’s Bay freezing workers meet again to-morrow night, and important developments arc anticipated. It is believed a certain section of tbc strikers are organising a breakaway lrom tbe union, and the formation of a new union. H is also understood that sonic of tho free labourers have gone a good distance towards forming a union, and if this is accomplished membership will be offered to those of the present union who wish to break away If sueli a move is made it will probably mean tho immediate settlement of the present strike. A similar action by the Auckland watersiders in L'fl.'l was speedily effective in settling a general similarly unpopular strike. The strikers hero make no secret of their views, and openly assert they are sick of not working, and resent the manner in which idleness has keen forced upon them. POSITION AT WANGANUI WANGANUI, November 22. A mass- meeting of local freezing workers to-night carried a resolution endorsing the action of the Hawke’s Bay workers, and plodj'inj; support. Union men will not answer the call when tin* Indav work- op-.u to-morrow. Alter the meeting to-r.ight., Mr A. McLc-cd, district secretary, told a reporter that the dispute was nut confined to slaughtermen, but to all workers. They wore more concerned with workers whoso earnings wore below tlie bread lino than with piece-work-ers, who could earn hi*£ sums in busy seasons. Quoting the 1925 figures lie said that fellmon'jcr-’ awrairc earnings were £3 15s 7.1. Mivrrvrr. Cl 2s 4d, and slaughtermen £'s 4s -Id to £0 2s per week. Last season a worker at the Inilav works a von. nod L” * l's 3:1 per week for 20 weeks, and n 'Whnhnlu worker averaged 23 I ltd from Hi gher 2lst. 1025, to July (3th. 1020. Assistants behind tin* mutton butchers earned only £3 per week on account of broken time. Mr McLeod altribukd iho existing situation io the refusal of the employers to meet the men in conference.