The End in Sight

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 199, 20 February 1914, Page 5

The End in Sight

SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE PROBABLE. MEN" MAY RESUME TO DAY. !' t i table -Press Association—Copyright Received 19, 8.45 p.m. Sydney, February 19. Renewed activity was manifested at tin. (ilebe abattoirs to-day, 70 or 80 master butchers slaughtering sheep and cattle. There was no attempt at interference. A deputation from the operatives passed through the pens to Bee that no non-union hands were employed. I lie distributing depots were opened, but yesterday's scrambling methods were not in evidence. At a meeting of the masters to-day, then- was some dissension as to the - proposed terms of settlement. It was thought that the whole meat industry's terms aad conditions of wages should be submitted to arbitration, and also the objeetion of both sides regarding feours; but Mr. Estell pointed out that it was intended as early as possible to amend the Arbitration Act to bring in an eight-hours' day wherever praeticgr- able. Mr. Estell suggested an award, be confirmed by the Court, on the linsis of the new arrangement, which is anticipated to be for 4914 hours and an all-round increase of ss. A tribunal is to be constituted imnfrdiaiety. Both sides accept the terms the union has given, with power to amend the claim by seeking a variation of the wages and hours which were the subject of the original claim. ilr. Estell is confident that the men will accept the proposition at to-night's meeting, and the masters have also to communicate a final decision. There seems every possibility of the men resuming work to-morrow. / .MASTER BUTCHERS TURN TO. FRESH MEAT SUPPLIES AVAILABLE. v Sydney, February 19. To-day fresh meat will take the pl,ie-< ol fror.cn meat. The master butchers hav« arranged to do the killing themselves. This morning the carting, distribution and cutting up was perform- . eil by volunteers, of whom an abundance offered. The Minister promised the necessary protection, though no trouble was anticipated. There are 2500 sheep and some 500 cattle availaoie as a start. These will go a long way towards relieving Use demands of the public. Future supplies of stock are assuv&L . ... Tin' grand council of the Meat Industry Union also decided to continue handling all frozen meat, with a view to facilitating a settlement. Meetings of both sides to-day will discuss a compromise, and it is optimistically predicted that normal conditions will be restored by Saturday. Meantime a brisk trade is being done in ' canned stuffs and dairy produeo. • | BUTCHERS ACCEPT TERMS OF SETTLEMENT. I EMPLOYERS MAKE CONCESSIONS. Received 20, 12.55 a.m. * Sydney, February 19. A meeting of butchers deeided to accept the terms as a fair basis of settlement, The Minister has been informed that the effect of the terms were: Resumption of work forthwith, on conditions that the employees shall have a flat rate increase of 5s above award rates, and hours not exceeding '49'/ 3 per week. MEAT-HUNGRY CITIZENS. '■ TURNED EMPTY AWAY." By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, February 19. The strike outlook is more hopeful. J1 r. Estell's efforts promise to secure a compromise. As the' result of yesterday's negotiations the Minister propounded a scheme for an interim award to be signed by both parties and operative until the Industrial Court givc3 finding, also stipulating that whatever wages are ultimately awarded they be retrospective to the beginning of t'no 'dispute. Mr. Estell believes the end is in sight, the men's representatives having promised to advocate the acceptance of the scheme. A mass meeting will be held to-night. Representatives of the committees o; l>otli sides endorsed Mr. Estell's opti mism. Each declared that the positior ■jvas at least very promising. The depots yesterday were besieger ()7 great crowds who gathered long liefore their opening. Some women were waiting for five hours in the hope of securing a supply. There were big staffs of master butchers at eaeli denoc, who were busy for two hours attending to the clamorous demands of excited meat-hungry citizens. Many had to lie turned empty away. In one depot UU sheep were disposed of in forty minutes. I'To-da v three depots have been opened in the city and three more in the congested suburbs. POSITION IX MELBOURNE. Melbourne, February 'l9. It is understood that as the result of si conference of master butchers and i men the former agreed to recommend e