A SLAUGHTERMAN’S APPEAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9685, 13 June 1917, Page 6

A SLAUGHTERMAN’S APPEAL

A CASE REVIEWED. DISCHARGED MAN’S POSITION. Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 12. The position of slaughtermen under the -Military Service Act was discussed hv the First Auckland Military Service Board which reviewed the case of William Bottomley, a slaughterman employed at the Southdown works, ■who was previously granted exemption “sine die” on condition ho remained in his occupation. , On account of the stoppage of refrigerating operations Bottomley was discharged by the company. He was thereupon called up by tho Defence authorities, and appealed for leave of absence until slaughtering was again commenced in September. The board stated that tho company appealed on behalf of its essential 'workers and the Government supported it and protected men engaged in essential industries, hut tho moment tho supply of sheep ceased or other circumstances intervened and refrigerating or killing was stopped the 00111fiany discharged the men. and left them o their own resources. The assistant superintendent of works stated that in Wellington appeals made in the off season on behalf of slaughtermen were allowed. Tho secretary of tho Slaughtermen’s Union said that slaughtering was a seasonal occupation, and if work in any of tho works was stopped owing to Tuo close of the .season or for any other reason, .the men, when killing again offered, would go hack to work. The season in Auckland usually lasted from Onioher till April, but owing to the extraordinary conditions caused through the war, slaughtering went on all tiie year round with short intervals, when no work was done. Witness anticipated a shortage of slaughtermen, provided the meat could ho shipped without hindrance. For that reason Bottomley should bo retained in New Zealand. The hoard "deferred decision.