ARBITRATION COURT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 24 March 1922, Page 5

ARBITRATION COURT.

THE BUTCHERS' DISPUTE.

CBT TELEURAPH PKKBS ASSOCU TIO3S . )

WELLINGTON, March 23. The butchers' dispute was heard by the Arbitration Court to-day. The only points on which a decision of the court was sought was regarding wages and the term of the award. Mr. Croskery, for the union, said the case was a clearing up of the butchers' awards for the Dominion, as Wellington was the only centre not enjoying the ruling, rate. As the union had not had an opportunity of appearing before the court for six. teen months, he asked that no reduction be made after the award had been filed. The increase in the weekly wages sought was eight shillings and sixpence. Mr. Grenfell, for the employers, said that Mr. Croskery had apparently overlooked the fact that the workers had been receiving a bomis while waiting for the court. He submitted that the rates in the old award should be renewed.

The president said it was generally recognised that the granting of higher wages had, temporarily at any rate, come to a stop. Everyone knew that industry was not stable, and that everything depended on the price of primary products. It was the fortune of war that some unions received benefits before others. The court would find itself faced with a. serious difficulty if; it tried to make a general rule that unions which had obtained an award after a certain date were to be exempted from the provisions of any subsequent decisions. Respecting the term, his Honor was inclined to think it did not matter whether it was long or short. Decision was reserved.