THE MEAT WORKERS.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1820, 11 January 1913, Page 5

THE MEAT WORKERS.

A HITCH. DO WORKERS WANT A STRIKE? DEPARTMENT NOT SURE. /Press Association.—By Telegraph Wellington, Last Night. While the dispute between v the slaughtermen and meat is unchanged for all practical purposes, a peculiar position has arisen with the Union on the one hand and the Labour Department on the other. Though the six weeks' notice to cancel lapsed yesterday, the cancellation of the Federation under the Arbitration Act has not been granted. .If it is not granted before the agreement binding the men and the companies expires on the 17th, those striking will be liable to the penalties of the Act.

The secretary of the Union informed a Post representative that the Department is not satisfied that the majority of the men in this district desire cancellation. He strongly contends that the Union is entitled to cancellation. If the Department felt that it had not received sufficient proof of the men's desire the proper time to make enquiries was during the six weeks of notice. The Labour Department explained that in every case before it it finally cancels registration it must comply with the provisions of the section 21 sub-section A of the Amended \ct.

Tiie Department's enquiries would be completed within two or three days.

WARNING TO FARMERS. Sheep buyers in the Manawatu district have been advised not to truck any sheep after next Tuesday owing to the contemplated strike of the Wellington slaughtermen. A large number of sheep and lambs are now being trucked at Palmerston North, Feilding and Longbnrn. MEAT MARKET. SHORT SUPPLIES LIKELY. Received 10.35 p.m. London, Yesterady. Weddel's annual report of the frozen meat trade, says that owing to the trade prosperity an improved consumption of meat is likely during 1913, but it is not likely to be a material increase in the exporting capacity of Australia, New Zealand or South America. The domestic supplies also are almost certain to contract.

A general shortage is therefore probable unless foot and mouth disease forces British farmers to kill. There is every indication that the fresh meat demand has nearly overtaken the world's production.