STRIKE SITUATION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 16, 24 February 1914, Page 7

STRIKE SITUATION.

LITTLE CHANGE REPORTED. MAY STEP IN. By Cable.—Press Association.- — Copyright. - ~.;..'....;' ],. . 4 ; February .23. s Cabinet discussed the strike position. •. At the conclusion of the meetiug the . Hon. J. Estell stated that.he placed before his colleagues proposals for a . certain course of action. It was decided that further investigations should be made before anything was done. Mr Estell declined to state the nature of the proposals, but it is rumoured that information is being gathered with a view to action under the Coercion Act. Probably ! definite action will stand over till Mr Holirian 's return. Otherwise thV situation shows little change. ' ' Both sides held' meetings to-day, but apparently the'parties are marking time until the Government action has been revealed. EMBARGO REMOVED. One development is the removal of the embargo on the skins and hides of stock killed by master butchers. This step has been taken in view of the fact that large numbers of fellmongers' employees have been short time for months, and the t non-removal of the "embargo would have meant 300 unemployed. It is announced that., the Hon. J. Estell and the Attorney are conducting strike enquiries with a view tp possible prosecutions. The result will.be placed before,the full Cabinet when Mry.Hojman retuYns to-morrow. AT THE SALES. <T , ■;.. SYDNEY, February 23. Though there was a big crowd of interested spectators at the Homebush stock -iales, offerings were small. The only buyers were suburban and country butchers, city slaughtermen entirely holding off. Prices ranged to 2/6 dearer. Bacon, eggs, and cheese are in strong request, and supplies are below the demand. Bacon has advanced another Id per lb. Small goods are in short supply, and the Victorian and Queensland markets are being called on. BUTCHER CUTS HIS THROAT. An out-of-work butcher named Herbert Creamer fatally cut his throat. ' Another-!butcher, named Perry, while fishings owasßiwashed off the rocks and drowned.; ; /o .>■>« -..;'.•.. WHAT THE MASTERS WANT. (Received''February 24, 9.55 a.m.) 'f 'SYDNEY, February 24. The employers| : in a letter in reply' to Me- Estell, ask* thatthose who have broken the law be prosecuted, as the legal course i%' necessary to instil into the employees'honesty'in regard to contractual relations. ' The policy to be adopteds is 'one for the Government to settle, arid the 1 sooner it is decided on and. enforced dr, as an alternative, the Act better it 1 would be for everybody cVWerned. Yesterday's-meat'supply was inadequate, although the output was the largest since' the : masters commenced killing. Three additional depots are open to-day. The strike committee has decided that the work shall be continued in the meat preserving industries. NO GENERAL STRIKE. The Labour Federation is opposed to a general strike!," To-day's meeting of the employers' committee will discuss the question of accepting the offers which have been received of free labour and of calling or volunteer unpajd labour, so as to place the industry on its old footing. The unionists have informed the Government that the employers have entered into a conspiracy with intent to reslvaui trade.