FREEZERS’ STRIKE

Evening Star, Issue 18020, 14 July 1922, Page 8

FREEZERS’ STRIKE

THE PROSECUTIONS. INTIMIDATION ISSUE RAISED. At the Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, the inspector of awards proceeded, against fourteen members of the Freezing Workers’ Union for allegedly taking part in a strike, a penalty of £lO being claimed! from each. The first case was taken against George Collister, an employee of the North Canterbury Farmers’ works at Kaiapoi. Lengthy evidence was given regarding what had happened at the four works in the vicinity of Christchurch. It was admitted that the defendant was the last freezing chamber hand to leave at Kaiapoi, and it was possible that ho might have been driven out through intimidation.

Frederick Charles Ellis, secretary of the union, said that he had made a statement to the effect that the union knew nothing about the matter. The Magistrate (Mr Wyvern Wilson): That is a statement that makes one think, and think seriously. If the union is supposed 1 to control its members and* does not, what is the use of it, and what is the use of preference to unionists?

To Mr Thomas (counsel for defendant), witness said that he had given no instructions to strike.

Cormsel submitted that if a certain number of the men left their work and 1 intimidated the rest, the latter could not bo fined as parties to the strike. If there had_ been a strike at all it had been a sectional one.

The magistrate reserved his decision in this and the second case. The remaining cases were adjourned until this decision has been given.