THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10679, 28 January 1913, Page 3

THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

[Per Press Association] GJSBORNE, January 28. 'The chairman'-of the- Gisborno Sheep Farmers' Union announces that the men having given no answer to_ tho offer made by the conference of 27s 6d with unaltered conditions of work,' they must therefore be presumed to stand upon their notice ta cease work on January 31.,, therefore it become? necessary for the company to see that, steps should' be taken to protect 'the .interests of farmers. The iactory will not close down unless labour is proved to be unobtainable." Every effort will be made to keep the: factory going. The men are now earning over £7 per week, and this at the rate now offered will rise to nearly £8 a week. The demands of '.'an outside federation, which, appears to control the free action of the local men. will not in any case be. granted by the company. To grant these claims would mean the automatic destruction of the industry throughout, the gradual reduction of the number of men capable of following it. and the loss of the employers' right to regulate and control the'work. It would also create a . tyranny over Labour itself which would be intolerable. Tho men in employment' will have the first offer of work and their places will be guaranteed till the end of the season in June,. 1016. All men, other than expert slaushtermen, wil l also have ' guaranteed preferential rights. Free labour will be. adequately paid until such 'labour- becomes efficient. Every effort will be made "to keep the present- employees, and if they lose their employment it will only be because they prefer hot to work. "WELLINGTON, January 28. Another conference of the meat companies, convened by Sir George Clifford, will meet in Wellington on Friday in connection with the slaughtermen's disputeTho Slaughtermen's Union has opened negotiations with several of the smaller North Tslnncl companies.