THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10682, 31 January 1913, Page 3

THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

Within the last few days about sixty slaughtermen arrived in the dominion front ■ Victoria - with the idea of securing employment in New Zealand. It is explained that the arrival of these men is not connected in any way with the dispute -which has arisen between the companies and the slaughtermen, and the Australians never for a moment entertained the idea of taking the places of the men who have ceased work on account of a difference of opinion with the companies regarding killing rates.' For many years it has been the custom of a large number of slaughtermen to go to Australia at the conclusion of the killing season in New Zealand,, returning early in the year when work in the dominion was in full swing. The new arrivals Btate that they were fully aware of the position before they left the Commonwealth, but they quite expected to find that an amicable settlement had been arrived at before their arrival. The new arrivals are without exception in thorough sympathy with the local men, and express the opinion that the work done by the killers is well worth the money which is now asked.

There were no local developments in the slaughtermen's dispute to-day. Sir George Clifford and other representatives of the companies were away in Wellington, at a second conference of the New Zealand companies. The men were scattered', and the works almost completely closed down. THE EVELINE WORKS. [Per Press Associatiox.] OAMARU, January 31. The Fortnight's notice given by the Christchurch Meat Company's* employees: at Eveline works, expires tonight. The works will be closed tomorrow.