AUSTRALIAN SLAUGHTERMEN.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14621, 28 January 1918, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN SLAUGHTERMEN.

There is an uneasy feeling in the YVaitara district owing to the employment of Australian butchers at Borthwiek's Freezing Works, and on. Wednesday the works were stopped for the purpose of hearing Mr Harper, the firm's manager from Christclmrch, who came to discuss the matter ("says the "I'ost's" correspondent). There were hundreds outside the works, including ai the employees, the Mayor of Waitara, and other citizens, and a number of farmers. At the request of the meeting, Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., presided. The employees nominated men from every branch as a delegation to meet the manager; and they, with the member, the Mayor of Waitara, and Mr T. Elliot, one of the largest suppliers of stock to Bor Lh wick's, met the manager, when the grievance was- discussed. Mr Harper stated'that the firm would not employ Australians if suitable labour-could be found in the. Dominion for the killing and trimming boards ,but they could not obtain such labour.-The-men suggested the taking on of learners, and said they were: prepared to assist them and keep up the killing boards to the .standard 'required. The local manager pointed, 'out the difficulties in this course. As a deadlock ensued, Mr Jennings suggested that, the men should ?-etire and see if some finality could be reached. The men returned with a written resolution, which.was to the ett'eco that they were prepared _to keep up the standard with learners if Australians were not kept on. Mi Harper said he would give full consideration to the request, and added that Australians were employed in ;Southern.works. • _ : "-■ .'■"■•-