SLAUGHTERMEN'S STRIKE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 23, 25 January 1913, Page 5

SLAUGHTERMEN'S STRIKE.

THE COMPANIES’ ULTIMATEM. (Per Press Association.) AVellington, January 24. This, evening the ultimatum issued to the slaughtermen by the combined representatives of the meat freezing and exporting companies expired. Hie offer which it contained has not been accepted by the men, who have ignored it altogether. As the companies definitely intimated that, failing an acceptance of the offer within tl e seven days’ grace allowed, they would consider themselves free to make such other arrangements for carrying on their business as may sepm best, it may be assumed that action on their part will very soon be taken. There is much conjecture as to what the companies are likely to do. In some quarters it is held that the works will be allowed to remain closed for the rest of the season, and that the companies will rely upon being able to re-open them next season with non-union labour. It is not considered very likely that any serious attempt will be made to man the boards with farmers and farmers’ son, as just now there is great pressure of work throughout the country, and the farmers are themselves crowing for more labour.

The other letter was to the secretary of the Canterbury Sheep-owners’ Union, to whom Sir Geo. Clifford wrote: “In reply to yours of the 21st inst., I can assure you that the freezing companies of New Zealand gladly unite in acceding to your recommendations to solve all differences with their slaughtermen by reference to arbitrators of trusted independence, whether mutually appointed or otherwise. I may recall to you that th companies have always been ready to adjust these differences by the legal methods provided by statute, or by any other fair system of arbitration. I would point out, however, that an agreement to arbitrate must contain provision for the enforcement of the consequent award for a definite period. [ cordially concur with you in the expression of your desire that the companies, if reasonable proposals are continuously rejected, should co-oper-ate with the members of the Slaughtermen’s Union who uphold the principle of arbitration, by which a safeguard is provided against deplorable circumstances of a business in the permanent stability of which producers and workmen are alike so deeply interested. I confidently believe that a clear sense on the part of the majority of slaughtermen of their own best interests and those of their fellow workers will render unnecessary your thoughtful offer of manual assistance, which, however, is gratefully acknowledged as a testimony of your recognition of the moderate and liberal attitude of the. freezing companies.”