FREEZING WORKS TROUBLE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18542, 12 April 1930, Page 8

FREEZING WORKS TROUBLE.

NO FRESH DEVELOPMENTS. “GO SLOW” POLICY CONTINUES. There were no fresh developments in South Canterbury yesterday in regard to the freezing works trouble. Work was not commenced at Pareora until about 11.30, the men having been discussing the position up till that hour. When killing was resumed, the “go-slow” rate was observed, and the position was the same throughout the afternoon. At the Smithfield works, a start was not made until 9 o’clock, sheep being killed at the rate of four an hour until noon. At 1 o’clock a further meeting was held, and this lasted until approximately 2.45, when work was once more commenced, again at the “go slow” rate. The local manager of the New Zealand Refrigerating Co., and the Canterbury Frozen Meat Co., were approached by a “Herald” representative yesterday afternoon, but they had no statement to make regarding the position. It was learned on good authority yesterday that the South Otago Freezing Company, at whose works the trouble commenced, have no intention of disposing of the free labour engaged. It was stated that it was the intention of the Company to continue to employ free labour, and that they will not dispose of their services for any reason connected with any possible re-engage-ment of the men who had left work. Farmers Discuss Position. The position at the works was discussed by the South Canterbury Executive of the Farmers’ Union at their meeting yesterday, when the following motion was carried:—“That this body supports the Freezing Companies in any action they might take in keeping the works open.” The chairman (Mr J. Bitchener, M.P.) said that the action of the employees could not have been taken at a v/orse time as far as farmers were concerned. In view of the dryness of the season and the general shortage of feed, farmers would be heavy losers without having to suffer hardships in getting their stock killed. The committee of the Timaru A. and P. Association also briefly discussed the present trouble yesterday, but the discussion was taken in committee.

The meeting passed the following resolution:—“That this Association is prepared to stand behind the Companies in any action they think fit to combat the trouble.”

POSITION UNCHANGED IN NORTH CANTERBURY. By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, April 11. Throughout to-day there were is no further developments in the freezing works trouble locally. The Islington and Fairfield Works were the only ones operating at the normal rate, “go slow” tactics being followed at all the others. At Islington during the forenoon the men held a meeting, but afterwards resumed, killing at the normal rate. The managers of the Companies spent several hours in conference today, but would say nothing as to the result of their deliberations. Mr H. C. Revell, secretary of the Freezing Workers Federation, also was uncommunicative. He stated, however, that there had been no further extension of the trouble in the South Island. Representatives of both sides said statements on the position locally might be issued to-morrow mornifig. It is expected that the works will operate at slow rates for half a day to-morrow. At most of the works there has been concentration on the killing of lambs since the trouble began, as lambs would lose condition most rapidly on dry diminishing pastures. Fortunately, there has been a little rain in parts of the province to-day, and prospects are for more. There has been no rain in the near neighbourhood of Christchurch.

STOP-WORK TACTICS. By Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN, April 11. The freezing works trouble developed a new angle at Burnside to-day. Three stop work meetings were sandwiched between killings form of go slow tactics. Nevertheless it is reported that only 84 of 250 men employed are showing sympathy with the Finegand strikers. If drastic action is taken no difficulty is anticipated in finding labour. The strikers at Finegand are giving no trouble. Volunteers yesterday killed. 1300 sheep.