The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1913. THE MEAT TRADE WORKERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 11, 11 January 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1913. THE MEAT TRADE WORKERS.

The possibility of a labour crisis in New Zealand’s great meat industry being brought about by employees’ fresh demands for new rates of pay is being regarded with considerable interest by farmers and others intimately associated with the industry. Though even the chance that a disorganisation of the trade may temporarily occur has its disquieting influence, no very serious consequences are anticipated, and with the lessons of the immediate past in mind, it is hoped the men will be reasonable and will not be led away by the specious agitator, as were the unfortunate miners in the North some time ago. From the South Island word comes that the outlook is decidedly hopeful, and that the large majority of meat trade workers are opposed to anyj strike for quite a number of reasons. Of course, there are firebrands, utterly inconsiderate of all economic aspects, and mostly without family ties, who are urging their fellow-workers to “go out” at all hazards, but there is every indication that the good sense of the great majority will have none of tins. Judicious mediation should certainly effect an amicable settlement, for neither employers, farmers, or employees, desire a suspension of operations, though should it bo forced on them, farmers are considered to be in a better position to hold out without serious loss at this juncture, than they have been for many years past. Wellington is spoken of just now as the “storm centre,” and a rather windy effort is being made to blame the Labour Department on a side issue, for not at once acquiescing in a. demand to have the Slaughtermen’s Federation’s resignation under the Arbitration Act cancelled. Naturally, the Department before cancelling a registration, must be satisfied that a majority of Ihc members of the aplying Union desires it, and to talk about “a deliberate attempt” to “trap” the men on the Department’s part, is foolishly far-fetched. It is unfortunately such statements that do damage and make mischief.