SLAUGHTERMEN'S DISPUTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15201, 15 January 1913, Page 8

SLAUGHTERMEN'S DISPUTE

WELLINGTON WORKS TO CLOSE

LITTLE HOPE OF

[BY TELEGRAITI. —OWN' COIUIESrOXDEN"?.]

■) WELLINGTON'. Tuesday. The two big meat export companies in Wellington will close down their works on Monday.' ' " , :' : '

A full supply of sheep is being arranged for this week, but no further orders will be sent out. The men will continue working up to the time of the expiry of the notice, then the works will be closed down until an adjustment is effected, not only between the parties locally, but with those outside who are almost certain to bo involved. ' . The ballot being taken by the unions throughout the Dominion is, it is considered, almost certain to be largely against accepting the 27s 6d offer, and at present there seems little chance of an immediate settlement. , ~'• The supply of meat for local consumption is not likely to be interfered with. ' / . . '"■ POVERTY BAY WORKERS. AWAITING EVENTUALITIES. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] '/■.-'■ Gisbobne, Tuesday. Work is proceeding quietly at the local freezing works, and there is little indication of the threatened strike. No intimation has been received by the employers from the men, who are apparently waiting instructions from their executive. : - The agreement with the Tokomaru works and some of the large Southern companies expires on Thursday, and it has been anticipated that would be the signal for definite action on the part of the men. It is now stated that it is unlikely there will be any step taken by the local men until the expiry of the Gisborne agreement on February 1. The Freezing Works? Employees' Union has adopted a resolution deciding to await a decisive move before taking any action in the matter. The prospect of the closing down of the works is being viewed with concern by certain local tradespeople, and in the event of a cessation of work some united stand will probably be made, so it was, stated to-day, in the matter of credit, as a strike will not only considerably reduce the inclination of farmers to spend money, but there will also be a big curtailment in the circulation of wages.