FREEZING DISPUTE

Evening Star, Issue 21285, 14 December 1932, Page 14

FREEZING DISPUTE

FREE LABOUR PROVES ADEQUATE UNIONISTS OBDURATE [Special to tub * Star.’] CHRISTQHURCH, December 13. Work is proceeding satisfactorily on the boards of the various freezing works of North Canterbury, and with the increasing efficiency of the free labour, ho trouble is anticipated in dealing with the supplies of stock when they come forward in the peak of the season, from the end of January until 3larch. The supplies are increasing week by week, and, where necessary, extra slaughtermen are being taken on by the works. “ Wo are finding the novice labour quite satisfactory,” said the manager of one of the works to a reporter today, “ and 1 do not think we will have any difficulty in disposing of tin stock when it starts to come forward in earnest, after Christmas.” He added that some of the new hands were comparatively experienced, and had settled clown in the work quickly, but there were others that required some teaching, It all depended on a man’s particular aptitude, ‘and so far there had been no serious handicap in this respect at his works. The system of killing adopted, whether chain or solo, had a bearing on the rate of output. In the chain system, which was in use in one or two of the works, it was comparatively easy for a new man to learn and do his part quickly. In the solo method, where a man did everything, experience and ability took a little longer to acquire. In practically all the subsidiary departments of the works union labour is engaged, and there are a few union slaughtermen on the boards. EMPLOYERS’ TERMS REFUSED. [Per U.viTEi) Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 13. It is understood that a meeting of several hundred freezing workers which was called to take a secret ballot regarding the acceptance of the employers’ terms dispensed with a ballot by a large majority, and turned down the proposals.