THE MEAT INDUSTRY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 17, 18 January 1913, Page 2

THE MEAT INDUSTRY.

A GENERAL STRIKE

ULTIMATUM TO THE MEN,

(Per Press Association.)

Wellington, January 17

All the freezing companies in New Zealand, except that at Nelson, were represented at the Conference held to-day to consider the slaughtermen’s demands. The following official statement of the proceedings was furnished by Sir George Clifford, who presided:—“The Conference of Freezing Companies have found themselves unable to recede from the liberal offer already made by them of a rise of 2s 6d per 100 carcases of sheep or lambs. There has been a steady rise since 1906, from 20s per 100, and the present rate of 25s per 100 seems to the Conference to be adequate remuneration for the work performed. Nevertheless ,to prevent a dislocation of trade and the cessation of employment for the other 85 per cent, of their employees, the companies are willing to meet the demand for increased wages to slaughtermen to the extent named. The companies cannot concede the demand of the slaughtermen as to the further restrictions of learners, which limits the number of learners to one in proportion to 20 slaughtermen, and to only one such set of learners in each season; and, moreover, practically confines to one class of men the supply of such learners. This demand would automatically destroy the industry for all interested in it, whether employers or employed, within a certain period, and it, moreoer, subversive of the freedom of the individual to choose his career in a free country. Neither can the companies consent to the alteration of what are called the preference conditions. These have hitherto rendered it compulsory upon all slaughtermen to join the Slaughtermen’s Union, but have also imposed upon the Union the obligation to admit all duly-qualified applicants. The new demands ypset this equally balanced compromise, and cannot be accepted, even in the interest of the workers themselves. There are further demands as to the arrangement of the hours of work, which would dislocate the whole of the complicated machinery of the larger factories. The stipulation that no slaughtering should commence before 8 a.m. would necessarily drift the work in other departments to a later hour than at present, and cannot be conceded in fairness to other workers, nor in justice to the clients of the companies. The companies now renew their former offer of an increase of wages to 27s 6d per 100, and have asked for a definite reply accepting the'same within seven days, failing which they will consider themselves free to make such other arrangements for carrying on their business as may seem best.” In a letter sent subsequently to Mr Reardon,„ r secretary, of. the ; Slaughtermen's ‘Union, the following, resolution of the Conference was conveyed- “ That the offer of 27s 6d per 100 (plus other modifications be once more and finally offered to the slaughtermen. A reply to this offer now made by the Conference of freezing companies is required within seven days, from Friday, January 17th.”

1 the case for the men

Christchurch, January 17

In an interview to-day, Mr C. Were, secretary of the Canterbury Slaughtermen’s Union, made an important statement in connection with the slaughtermen’s dispute. “Wo want 30s and we won’t be satisfied till we get it.”

DEMANDS CONCEDED AT MAS-

TERTON

Gisborne, January 17

A wire has been received here by the Slaughtermen’s Union from an official labour source, stating that the Waingawa Freezing Company (Masterton) has conceded the men’s demand for 30s.

WAINGAWA TO GO OUT,

Masterton, January 17

The slaughtermen at Waingawa Freezing Works to-day gave notice of their intention to cease work on the expiry of the award on January 31.

WELLINGTON MEN AT WORK

Wellington, January 17

The slaughtermen are working as usual at the old rate. The agreement expired last night, and there will not be a stoppage without notice. Representatives of the freezing companies are conferring in Wellington. The impression here is that the Canterbury companies are willing to pay the advanced rate.

Timaru, January 17

Hennessy, secretary of the Smithfield Slaughtermen’s Union, informed a; Post reporter that the union has given notice to cease work. The men will down tools on January 29. Hennessy said he was speaking only for his own men.

THE WAITARA WORKS

Waitara, January 17

The butchers employed at the Waitara Freezing Works gave notice today that they would cease work on the 30th inst.

CANTERBURY TO CEASE WORK

Christchurch, January 17

The Canterbury slaughtermen gave notice on January 15 of their intention to cease work. The notice expires on January 29.