Butchers’ Dispute.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1914, Page 5

Butchers’ Dispute.

SYDNEY’S MEAT SUPPLY. SITUATION LITTLE CHANCED. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] Sydney, February 22. Cabinet lias discussed the strike position. At the conclusion ot the meeting, Mr Estell stated he had placed before his colleagues proposals for a cerain course of action. It was decided that further investigations should be made before anything wa; done. Mr Estell declined to state the nature of the proposals, but it is rumored that information is being gathered with a view to action against employers under the Coercion Act.

One development is the removal of the embargo on skins, hides and stock killed by the master butchers. The step was taken in view of the fact that large numbers of fellmongers’ employees bad been working short time for months, and the non-removal of the embargo would mean 300 unemployed. Though there was a big crowd of interested spectators at the Homebnsb stock sales, the offerings were small, the only buyers being suburban and country butchers, the city slaughtermen entirely holding off. Prices were up to 2s Gd dearer. Bacon, eggs, and cheese were in strong request, and supplies are below the demand. Bacon has advanced another penny. Small goods are all in short supply, and Victorian and Queensland markets are being called on.

THE EMPLOYERS’ REPLY. MEAT SUPPLY INADEQUATE. ALLEGED CONSPIRACY ON THE PART OF THE EMPLOYERS. (Received 9.55 a.m.) Sydney, February 24. The employer's, in a letter to Mr Estcll, asks that those who have broken the law be prosecuted. A legal course bill he necessary to instil into employees honesty in regard to the contract relations. The policy to bo adopted was one for the Government to settle, and the sooner it is decided to be enforced, or, as an alternative, to have, the Act repealed, the hotter for everybody concerned. Yesterday’s meat supply was inadequate, although the output was the largest since the masters commenced killing. : Three'additional depots were-opened to-day. The strike committee''decided that the work bo continued in the meat preserving industries. The Labour Federation is opposed to a general strike.. To-doy’s meeting of the employers’ committee will discuss the question of accepting the offers received from-free labour and calling for voiuntees’ unpaid labor so as to place the industry on the old footing. The Unionists informed the Government that the employers had entered into a conspiracy with the intent to restrain trade.