BOOTMAKERS' STRIKE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8362, 10 December 1888, Page 2

BOOTMAKERS' STRIKE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

(Prb United Pbfss Association.)

Chuistchurch, December 8. A difficulty has arisen between the Christchurch Operative Bootmakers' Society and Toomer Bros, and Lightband, Allan, aud Co. The men complain that the firms have infringed the statement of prices agreed upon between both parties some time ago. There are several points in dispute, the chief being in regard to the price paid for extra work in certain lines of boots. Toomer Bros, recently decided to do I away with made bottoms on certain classes of ILf !? d youths'lace-ups. The rate allowed for bottoms made on stand is 5s per dozen for the former and 4s for the latter The bottoms are soles rasped, smoothed, stained, and polished. In lieu of the made bottom the sole W^! S1? Pi yglVenaeoatinS of acid <« staining, without the extra work of smoothing. Messrs Lightband, Allan, and Co. also went into the same hues. Both firms agreed to knock off 4d or 8d per pair xormerly paid for the made bottom Tne uien offered to accept 2d per pair for acid bottoms. Messrs O'Brien and Co., another firm of manufacturers, have agreed to pay the 2d per pair asked for. The operatives employed by Messrs Lightband, Allan, and Co. and Toomer have received notice from the society to finish up the work on hand and then to go out Mr Allan is absent from Christchurch. It has been decided by the firms not to take action until his return next week. Messrs Toomer Bros, offered to confer with the men on Thursday next, but the men rejected the proposal. They say the new arrangement will reduce wages 8s to 10s weekly.