FLAX INDUSTRY CONFERENCE.

Shannon News, 31 August 1928, Page 2

FLAX INDUSTRY CONFERENCE.

NO DECISION ARRIVED AT. P'RIMR MINISTER OFFERS BASIS OF SETTLEMENT.' i The conference held at Wellington on, Wednesday between the Prime Minister (Hon/J. G. Coates) and the representatives of the Flaxmillers' Association and the Flaxworkers' Union,' to v endeavour to bring about a settlement of the present dispute obtaining in the flax industry, failed to achieve this result, after " negotiations which lasted from 10.30 a.m. till 6.20 p.m. A Per the recent proposals put forward by the millers had been discuss- " ed, the latter submitted the following proposal: —"That the Union waive any claim to have the millers' books audited, but accept -a straight-out 10 percent, reduction in wages." This was not acceptable to the Union. The Union representatives' proposal) was: "That they, would accept, a five per cent, reduction in wages until such time as the millers' books were audited. The mills to be started ..in the meantime." It was Inferred by the men that, possibly the 'Government, might make' up the difference to the millers by eoncessions in freight and power. • This proposal was turned down by the millers.

As a final effort to bring fibout the> desired end, the Prime Minister put forward the following for 'the consideration of both parties:— "That we, representing the . flaxmill owners an.d the flaxmill workers, agree to a settlement of the present dispute obtaining in the indus- ' try on the following basis:— , 1. A wage reduction of 10 per cent, on present award wages based on the average value of flax at £24 10s. ; ' ■! 2. Wage to be increased to award rates when flax reaches the aver- , age price of £27 10s. "It is agreed that an investigation shall be made into the trading accounts and last year's balance by the Department of Industries an« Commerce and that the, position garding a sliding scale of wages shall be reviewed after the investigation has been completed." We understand that a meeting of the millers was held yesterday to discuss 1 - the above proposal. The members of the Flaxworkers' Unpon will meet in the Maoriland Theatrs on Saturday, at 2 p.m, to consider the Prime Minister's proposals.