THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10684, 3 February 1913, Page 3

THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

WORK COMMENCED AT GISBORNE. [Pes Paess Association-.] GISBORNE, February 3. The Gisbome Sheep Farmers' Frozen Meat Company started killing operations to-day with seven men. Tho company is expecting no difficulty during the day, and onticipates carrying on.

[Per Press Association'.] WANGANUI, February 3. The managing director of the Wanganui Meat Freezing Company states that tho company has received a number of spontaneous offers of assistance. The directors held a meeting this morning, and unanimously decided that immediate steps should bo taken to engage labour for the works, giving preference to old employees. The company intends to use its best endeavours to, reopen the works within the next few days, and the managing director feels certain that* it will be successful in doing so. WELLINGTON, February 3. Mr Hally, the Conciliation Commissioner, has unofficially been endeavouring to bring the parties to the slaughtermen's dispute together with a view 7 to settlement, but so far has failed. He says that the parties appear hardened up and the chances of settlement on ordinary lines are not bright. He intends to approach both sides again on Wednesday and to submit certain proposals which may get over the difficulty. Mr Hally does not think there is the slightest chance of a general strike.

The secretary of the Slaughtermen's Union says that the news of seven men taking boards at Gisborne did not oome as a surprise, nor did it affect the .position. The capacity of- the jvaiti shed is 40, and as the seven men who have started are described as station hands, they are not expected to make much difference.