IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14821, 12 November 1913, Page 11

IN CHRISTCHURCH.

SHORTAGE OF SUGAR.

AULSEBROOK AXD CO. TO SHUT DOWN. Messrs. Aulsebrook and Co., manufacturers of confectionery, cocoa, and biscuits, have decided to close, down all portions of their factory to-day. For a weok or so some of tho departments have been run short-handed owing to the comparatively small sup; ply of sugar remaining in stock. This is now exhausted, and there is nothing left but to close.

Until the strike is over there is, apparently, no possibility ot obtaining further supplies of sugar. It is not known how long tho factory will be shut down—everything depends on the period during which the strike continues or during which the shipping cannot be worked. Operations will bo resumed as soon as supplies aro available. One hundred and htty persons— men, boys, and gills—will bo thrown out of work temporarily. This is the first largo manufacturing firm in Christchurch which has been compelled to suspend operations, though, many such firms elsewhere havo closed. *

A CAMP FOR STRIKERS. Tho combined Lyttelton and Christchurch .Strike Committees will decide, at an early date, where tho camp for the men ou striko is to be located. It is intended to commence billeting the wives and children of tho Lyttelton strikers on Friday.

GENERAL STRIKE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

ATTITUDE OF STRIKE

COMMITTEE

On Monday tho Christchurch Striko Committee received from Mr P. Hickey, secretary ot the United Federation of Labour, a telegram asking if Christchurch would follow other centres in declaring a general striko. Yesterday the secretary of the committoo (Jlr W. E. Woodham) sent tho following telogram in reply to Mr Hickey's enquiry : — "It would be an absolute calamity to have a general strike in Christchurch before an attompt is mado to introduce special police and 'scabs' in this district." BOOTMAKERS' ATTITUDE. At a meeting of the New Zealand Boot Trade Union held last evening, it was resolved:—"That tho branches bo urged to give the men at present locked out by the employers in connexion with tho. Federation of Labour the most liberal and financial support." "The New Zealand federated boot trade, who have faithfully observed the provisions of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act for the past sixteen years, records its emphatic protest against the dastardly conduct of the employers in subverting the principles of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act to establish 'scab' institutions, and declare that all .unions composed of eclf-respecting members will reqinro to seriously consider the advisability of cancelling registration if tho course is persisted in by employers." :

UNION SUPPORT

CASH AND SYMPATHY

At a special meeting of the Canterbury Printers' Machinists' and Bookbinders' Union, held last night: the following motion was carried:—"That this Union is of opinion that the present industrial crisis has been specially created by the Employers' Federation, backed up by the 'Square Deal' Government, with the object, in our opinion, of smashing the United Federation of Labour." The sum of £20 was voted to the strike fund, • and members pledged themselves to a voluntary levy of 2s per week. The Gasworks' Union last night adopted the following:—"That the Federation of Laboμr be asked to stand firm in the present crisis, and that the sum of £5 be voted, with a voluntary levy of Is per week."

The Grocers' Assistants' Union, at a fully-attended meeting, only three members being absent, carried the following:—"That we are thoroughly in sympathy with the waterside workers in tho strike, and endorse the attitude taken up by the Federation of Labour, and that members inform the executive of the union of the names of firms receiving goods handled by free labour, the same to be forwarded on to tho Strike Committee."

NOTES.

A meeting of tho Typographical Union is to be held on Saturday night at which striko matters are likely to be discussed. As far as can bo ascertained at present there is no likelihood of the members of the union coming out.

It is understood that the Christchurch Strike Committee has secured premises in Manchester street South for tho purposes of a depot for the receipt and distribution of foodstuffs and other goods for strikers. A manager and •assistanteliavo been appointed, and the fitting up of the premises is to be put in hand at once.

In consequence of tha «H"-nke, some of the local lemonade makers are being put to inconvenience to obtain sugar for syrup making, and the price of aerated drinks may be expected to be increased.