THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10525, 11 December 1912, Page 5

THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

SHI,—It seems absurd, but is nevertheless true, that a small body of men like the Slaughtermen's Union should believe that they are able to hold up an important industry like :the frozen meat trade simply because they are unwilling to work for the very high wages offered by the companies. It.is even more foolish of them to > 'ievc that they can stop others, who ;.rxe v/iiiing to do the work, from worbing. But if a crisis does [arise in January it will be necessary for the farming community to assist the companies to carry on should they decide to resist the 'slaughtermen hi demands. I believe the various branches of tho Farmers’ Union can dc useful work by taking the names of any young men or farmers’ sons, who would bo willing to slaughter for a fortnight or so at the works while the strißo is on. It may : he said that not many are capable of doing the work, but it ■is not difficult work in reality, and after a day or so of practicelmauy would become proficient. Some would, doubtless, be attracted, by the high wages’, and would take it up permanently; in that case the farmer would lose hia man, hut we must be prepared for that Inconvenience. .A man called in here last autumn for a meal and bed for the night, and told me hffl was “stoney broke,” but admitted that he had averaged £lO per fortnight for slaughtering all. through the season at one of the works, so there can be no real, cause for complaint on. account of the rate of wages given. It appears that they will always try for higher wages, when they think they can force the companies during the rush c-f tho busy season. -There will ho a meeting of the local branch cf tho Farmers’ Union nest Saturday to discuss this question, and I hope there will he a: representative attendance as it -is a matter that affects every farmer in tho Dominion.—l am, etc., G. L. MARSHALL. Chairman Mar ton Branch Farm cm’ Union.