ABATTOIR CLOSED

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4527, 23 January 1942, Page 5

ABATTOIR CLOSED

TROUBLE AT AUCKLAND KILLING WORK STOPPED The abrupt closing of the Auckland municipal abattoir at Westfield shortly before 11 o’clock yesterday morning on account of labour troubles brought to a climax the long-stand-ing dispute between the workers and the Auckland City Council, which controls the works. In consequence of this action, which representatives of the Council declared yesterday to be unavoidable, the Auckland and suburban butchers will have to rely upon freezing works for their supplies of meat until a settlement is reached. The Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. J. G. Barclay, has authorised Auckland butchers to draw supplies from local freezing works. Representatives of the trade stated last night that while there would not be any general shortage of meat, there might not be sufficient fresh beef and mutton at the week-end. “The next move rests with the Government, which has been requested to declare the abattoir an essential industry under the National Service Emergency Regulations,” said Mr F. N. Ambler, convener of the Public Health Committee of the Auckland City Council, last night. “If that is done and the Government will provide the labour the abattoir can resume operations. It is impossible to carry on under the prevailing conditions.”