AUSTRALIAN STRIKES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15548, 4 March 1914, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN STRIKES.

SYDNEY SHORT OF MEAT,

THREAT BY MR. HOLMAN.

TALK OF NATIONALISATION..

MASTERS VERY INDIGNANT.

IRONWORKERS' AWARD.

WILL THE TROUBLE SPREAD?

By Telegraph—Press Association—

(Received March 3. 9.55 p.m.)

Sydney, March 3. The decision of the master botchers at the meeting which discussed the proposal to resume on an increase of 5s in wages and a reduction in hours to 49J, has not been disclosed, but it is believed that the •meeting decided to adhere to the attitude of insisting that the work be resumed on the conditions existing prior to the strike.

To-day's meetings of the master butchers were without result. It has been gathered that the majority of the members favour the introduction of free labour.

A mass meeting of the men was held last night to consider the position. They are still willing to return on the terms of the Cabinet's original suggestion. In the event of a settlement not being reached they propose to open more union depots, though the supply of meat for the masters' depots is short. Sales at Homebush. Yesterday no attempt was made to utilise the chilled stocks. The wharf labourers worked overtime last night, but declined to ship frozen cargo. For the first time since the strike began the master butchers operated at Komebush sales to keep up the city supply. A number of non-associated butchers also bought freely, and competition was keen, prices being higher. -■-... During an interview with the-master butchers yesterday, Mr. Holman (Premier) intimated that, unless the dispute was speedily settled, the Government 'would, take steps to nationalise the industry. He also intimated that their licenses for killing- space at Glebe Island would be cancelled. The Minister gave an assurance that in future the men would not ' strike, but would refer their disputes- in a constitutional way to the Court. Government's Proposals.. The masters are indignant at i&.'Holman's threat. It is understood that the Government's proposals to-amend the industrial law will be directed to substii«ting arbitration for " the ; present Wages Board, involving the. appointment of new • judges. As a result of Mr. Justice Heydori's judgment, the Defence Committee of the ironworkers' assistants' fears that 'the strike will now spread to all -branches of the industry, and possibly ; "%bjaoe "Got-i eminent establishments. " '"' Mr. EsteQ (Minister for Labour) to-day approached the iron trade employers, in . an endeavour to bring about a ©oifereßp& The masters, however, decided that they , would consider the suggestion only if the ' men resumed work.