FLAX-CUTTING RATES.

Shannon News, 25 August 1925, Page 2

FLAX-CUTTING RATES.

MIUANUT DISPUTE SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION. Fur some time past the flax-cutters employed at the Miranui iiaxmill have been dissatisfied with the rate of pay for cutting on some of the blocks, with the result that one gang, on completing their block over a week ago, refused to start on the next block unless they were paid at the rate of 18s per ton. The company's price was 17s per ton. The latter offered to meet the men half way, viz., 17s 6d per ton, but this was refused. In sympathy with the gang the members" of the two other gangs employed in the swamp ceased work on Wednesday last. In the meantime the employers and men have been negotiating for a settlement of the dispute; and as an outcome they have agreed to abide by the decision of Mr T. Dalzell, of Tokomaru, who has been appointed to assess the cutting price over the block in dispute, and it is expected that the men will resume cutting on Tuesday morning. Tlie loss of time and wages occasioned by the men going out will mean a lot to both parties. It is estimated that the flaxcutters have up to the present lost about £SOO in wages, while men employed about the mill, who were af-. fee ted, have lost about £2OO.