Westfield Dispute

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 279, 15 February 1928, Page 9

Westfield Dispute

HOLD-UP OF INDUSTRY UNION’S RETICENT ATTITUDE No material change in the vexatious position at the Westfield Freezing Works has been disclosed. Cdose on 300 men are still out of work and the disruption of one of the most Important industries of the province is still on. The farming community is affected to a serious extent at a time when drought has made its circumstances extremely difficult. No statement is yet available from the Butchers’ and Slaughtermen’s Union. All that has been admitted is the obvious fact that the dispute continues, and that there is no indication of any improvement. A three-hours’ meeting of union members last evening proved abortive in respect of settlement. It decided, however, to appoint a committee, which went to Westfield this morning and then reported back to a union meeting at the Trades Hall at noon. It is stated that this meeting was by no means tranquil and, also, that it did not advance the position toward improvement. It is understood that another meeting will be held this evening. The secretary, who is usually the mouthpiece of a union (in this case Mr. W. E. Sill) afterwards was sufficiently informative to state, as he passed waiting Press representatives, that there was “nothing doing.” The Press and the public are thereby left to guess whether he meant that he had nothing to say, or that there was no further development in the dispute. Mr. Sill, for the union, has made a longer statement in justification of the men’s attitude. ‘The dispute is on all right, but I have nothing to say.” So far, the only information as to the cause of the works closing has been given by the managing agents to the effect that because a butcher considered a certain sheep was a “stag,” which was disputed by the foreman and the Government veterinarian, “goslow” methods were adopted, as a result of which the men were paid off. Yesterday some thirty men were discharged to join the ranks of the 250 who left on Monday. The permanent hands, numbering about 30, are now the only ones remaining. The management adheres to the stand that it will re-engage the men provided the normal killing rate Is maintained. In view of the seriousness of the position from the farming viewpoint the agents are considering the possibility of manning the works with other men.