THE SLAUGHTERMEN'S DISPUTE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13857, 21 March 1907, Page 8

THE SLAUGHTERMEN'S DISPUTE.

SOME POINTS OF DIFFERENCE, (Pep. -Uxirar. Piiess Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 20. Although tbo difficulties between ihcmcnt companies and slaughtermen appeared to have been finally settled when the men resumed work, still some points of difference are outstanding. Sonic dissatisfaction exists at Islington in regard lo the interpretation uf the agreement upon which the men went back to work. No serious trouble is anticipated, but tlic men have declined to do certain things "required of them by the Christehnrch Meat Company, and they state their determination to persist in this attitude. A compromise is expected, and negotiations are in progress. The difference is on the interpretation of the clause regarding the duties of slaughtermen. Tho clause is as follows: "Killing and dressing sheep tuid lambs to consist in killing, cleaning, taking off skin and shank with wool pieces, taking inside out, wiping thoroughly, cleaning, putting on neck strings iindJ butchers' tags." T'ho men claim they arc entitled to abide by the strict letter of tho agreement, but- t.hc officials hold tho view (hat the duties of tho men should not lie limited to matters stated in the agreement, but should also include skirming the beads and removing the sweetbreads. The men refuse to do this, and' stand firmly by tho agreement. Tho agreement has not. yet been signed, and the. men say it will not. lu until this matter is fixed tip. TIMARU, March 20. 'l'he Parcora slaughtermen are gradually rotuvuing to work. There were 20 working on freezers 'to-day, five more coming to work in tho morning and two in the afternoon. More are' expected to come in tomorrow. There were 18 beginners working on potters. The Parcora delegate to Cliristehurcb asserted on his return that the fines of is and 6d .were npt agreed to. He understood tho line was lo ho 3d, and it appears that on bis report Alio men refused to accept the fines clause. The. Sniitbfield men approve of tho fines its easier than the former system of making them buy damaged carcases. At tho Smitlilield works 51 butchers aro at work, and everything is going smoothly there.