TO TEST A VOTE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 48, 26 February 1914, Page 7

TO TEST A VOTE

"OVERTIME" STRIKERS PRESENT POSITION IMPOSSIBLE MR. JUSTICE HIGGINS'S PROPOSAL (Bj Telejraph.— Freai Association.— Copyright.) (Received February 26, 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. A meeting of the Wharf Labourers' Union decided to test- the vote of last Thursday's mass meeting by a secret ballot on the overtime question, and whether the present attitude shall be maintained, it being contended that the present position is impossible. Members of the Watersiders' Federation have decided on a certain policy, and the council calls upon the Sydney branch to fall into line. The majority has accepted Mr. Justice Higgins's proposals to resume work. The majority, he says, must rule. CABINET COMMITTEE IN MEAT TRADE DISPUTE. EVERYTHING IS QUIET. SYDNEY, 25th February. A committee has been appointed by Cabinet, consisting of Mr. Holman, Mr. Estell, and Mr. Flowers, to deal with strike matters. The committee is working quietly. Its members -decline to % disclose the direction or the effect, so far, of their efforts. They conferred twice to-day with representatives of the men. Outwardly the position is unchanged. Everything is quiet, both sides waiting for the Government to make a move. The depots were opened early and closed at 1 o'clock, the employers being determined to run no lisk of infringing the statutory half-holiday. One or two more depots were opened, though the supply is still far below the demand. The management has greatly improved, the unseemly crushing ami crowding being largely averted. The commencement or the Lenten season is a factor in the slackening demand for meat and the consequent further lengthening in the price of fish. Being practically without meat perforce for aya v fortnight, residents of Sydney are devoting much time to self-persuasive argument on the question as to whether or not it is better to be without animal food. On present appearances- they will be given time to reach a decisive conclusion. It is calculated that by the end of the week the depots will have netted about £20,000. Some of the master butchers who were compelled to close are reported to be desirous of seeing a division of the profits, which so far has not been made. Local bacon and small goods supplies are practically exhausted. The weekly calf sales were held to-day, but were a, failure. Only two buyers attended. ANXIOUS WAIT MEN PREPARED FOR FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS. EVEN WITH THE MASTERS. (Received February 26, 10.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Bay. So far the master butchers have not boen approached by the Cabinet Committee, but all parties ' are anxiously awaiting the result of the conferences with the men, who state they are prepared to enter into further negotiations, even with the masters. The Grand Council of the employees has decided to make an appeal throughout Australia, for funds to continue the fight if necessary. A resolution was carried to the effect that no frozen ca-rgo be shipped during the continuance of the trouble. As a result of the strike 160 carcase carters and members of the Draymen's Union are idle. Every effort, now seems to be directed to_ getting the men back to work. If this is done it is understood a tribunal will be appointed to arbitrate on the matters in dispute. IN CLOSE CONFERENCE DEVELOPMENTS POSSIBLE. SYDNEY, 25th February. The master butchers are sitting in close conference, discussing a communication from the Cabinet. Early developments are possible. NOTHING TO REPORT DISTRIBUTION FROM. RELIEF FUND. SYDNEY, 25th February. At a late hour to-night the Cabinet Committee had nothing to report in regard to strike settlement efforts. A definite move will, it is anticipated, be made to-morrow. The Master Butchers' Committee made the first distribution from the relief fund to the small suburban butchers whose shops arc closed. TROUBLE IN ADELAIDE PROSPECTS OF IT SPREADING. . A MASS~MEETING. (Received February 26, 10.20 a.m.) ADELAIDE, This Day. A mass meeting of the Meat Employees' Union expressed, dissatisfaction with the hours and present Tate of wages, and decided to ask for a conference with the employers within fortyeight hours. There are prospects of the trouble /spreading.