The Butchers' Strike

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 203, 25 February 1914, Page 5

The Butchers' Strike

THE EMPLOYEES' REPLY. WANT THE LEGAL COURSE FOLLOWED. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Sydney. February 24. The employers' letter in reply to Mr. Estell asks that those who have broken the law <be prosecuted. The legal course is necessary in order to instil into the employees honesty with regard to contractual relations. The policy to be adopted is one for the Government to settle, and the sooner it is decided and enforced or, in the alternative, the Act repealed, the better for everybody concerned. Yesterday's meat supply was inadequate, although the output was ihe largest since the masters commenced killing. Three additional depots will open to-day. The strike committee has decided that work shall be continued in the meatpreserving industries. The Labor Federation is opposed to a general strike. To-day's meeting of the employers' committee will discuss the question of accepting the offers received of free labor and calling for volunteer unpaid labor, so as to place the industry on its old footing.

The unionists informed the Government that the employers had entered into a conspiracy with intent to restrain trade. MR. HOLMAX RETURNS. CABINET IX SESSIOX. PEOPLE BECOMING RESTIVE. Received 24, 7 p.m. Sydney, February 24. Immediately on landing, Mr. Holman joined the full Cabinet which were discussing the strike. The Ministers remained in session the greater part or the day.

For several days plain-clothes constables have been making inquirios regarding the master butchers' sources of supply of meat and the methods of distribution, prices, and other matters. The result was placed before Cabinet. The Industrial Registrar also interviewed the members of the men's Council.

The people are getting restive at the protracted meat hunger, the master butchers' supply falling far short of the demand. Many households have been meatless for a week, excepting for what levies fowlyards yielded. Increasing quantities are being obtained privately from the country, amd the stress in North Sydney is relieved, outside slaughtermen providing a limited supply. Sales are continued daily and larger consignments are promised. At Paddington a pork butcher broke' away and stocked his shop with mutton. He did a roaring trade, but eventually the inspectors threatened prosecution on the ground that his was not a licensed butcher's shop.

XO ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE. Received 25, 12.5 a.m. Sydney, February' 24. At the conclusion of the Cabinet meeting, Mr.. Holman announced that he was not in a position to make an announcement as to what decisions had been reached, nor give any indication of the Government's proposals respecting a settlement of the strike.

WHARF LABORERS. _!_- REFI'Sh'tO HANDLE MEAT OR RABBITS. Received 25, 12.55 a.m. Sydney, February 24. Excepting for a further increase in the unemployed in the iron and affiliated trades, the position is unchanged. Efforts to .secure a basis of settlement continue.

The wharf laborers, without consulting the union, decided not to handle frozen meat or rabbits while the butchers' strike continues. IROX TRADE DISORGAXISED. Sydney, February 24. "We are going to abide by the law and we expect others to do the same tiling." This sentence, from the statement published on behalf of the employers in the iron trade, raised the whole issue at slake in connection with thife and other strikes. The iron trade is now practically paralysed. Most of the faumlaries are to all intents and purposes closed down, and all contracts for locomotives and water mains at a standstill. Steamer repairs are also stopped. Although the Wharf Laborers' Union has decided to resume overtime, the coal lumpers refuse to work after hours.

A BAKERS' STRIKE THREATENED. Received 24. !).45 p.m. Sydney, February 24. The bakers threaten to strike unless the masters consent to a conference to discuss the question of the abolition of night work.