MASTERS STILL RESOLUTE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLII, Issue 6023, 4 March 1914, Page 5

MASTERS STILL RESOLUTE

GOVERNMENT MAY NATIONALISE INDUSTRY

(Per I-ress Association.) Sydnry, Mnreh :i The decision of the master butchers as to whether they will accept the original pfopo.su! .-.£ Mr Estell. Minister for Labour, tor a !!>,', hours week, and an increase of 5< per week, has'not yet been disel^ed. Tr is Relieved, however, that they have decided to adhere to their attitude, of

insisting on work in-nig' resumt.-d on thy conditions ruling prior to the

strike

A mass meeting of ri:e men is to held tonight to consider the position They are still willing to retnni to work on the term, of Oabiuei's »>ri-

ginal suggestion 01' S'.''. hours and -Js per week advance !.i the event of no settlement bei.ij; reached they propose tc open more Union depots.

Although the supply of meat at the masters* uepots was short yesterday no attempt was made to utilise chilled stocks.

The wharf labourers worked overtime last night, but still decline to ship fro/.eu cargo.

For the first time siin-n the strike the master butchers operated at the Moniebiish sales to keep up the city supply.

A number of nun-associated butchers also bought freely. Competition was keen and prices higher.

During an interview with the master butchers Mr Holman, the Premier, intimated that unless the dispute was speedily settled the government would take steps to nationalise the industry. lie also intimated that their licenses for killing space at Glebe island would- be cancelled. The Minister gave an assurance that in future the men would not strike, but would refer their disputes in a constitutional way to the Court.

The masters are indignant at Mr Holman's threat. Sydney, A!arch o Todays meeting of the master butchers was uneventful, but it is gathered that the mnjority of -members fuvoui' tll/1 introduction of free labour. Air E-steii .-ipprouched the iron trade employers to endeavour to bring about a conference, but the masters decided only io consider the suggestion if the men resumed.