THE FLAXMILLING INDUSTRY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9420, 16 April 1909, Page 5

THE FLAXMILLING INDUSTRY.

THE LATEST MOVE. The latest development in the flaxmilling industry is one of _cons,iderable interest and a good' deal of importance. As it was found impossible to get a readjustment of the award to put the'industry on a payable basis the millers decided to revert to the contract system, and we are informed that last week five of Messrs Broad and Reeves’ scutchers Were offered contracts approximating fifty tons of dry fibre (for scutching and pressing at 22a 6d per ton. As the present award rate for scutching and pressing is 28s £per ton the men declined to accept the lower price. Th"y were then told that their services required as the firm had men ready to take the contract at the rate offered.

The men, we understand? have decided to take farther action as they contend the proceeding is equivalent to a Jook-ont, and of coarse a lock-out is as illegal as a strike. If the proceeding is held to he legal then the existing award is not worth the paper it is written on, according to the men’s view of the matter. On the other hand, the millers contend that they secured the best legal advice obtainable on the matter and their position is unassailable. Further developments will be awaited with interest. — Standard.