THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10756, 30 April 1913, Page 6

THE SLAUGHTERMEN.

ANOTHER STRIKE AT SMITHFIELD. [From Otjr Cokukspondekt.] TTMARU, April 30. Another butchers' strike has occurred in the Christchurch Meat Company's Smithfield Works, tho outcome of an incident alleged to have occurred before working hours to-day. The story n that three men who were among the pievious strikers overtook on the way to work a man who stood by the employers during the trouble. Tho three mad'e an insulting sound, whereupon the man drew a, revolver and threatened them. His story, gleaned from the company's representative, is that he drew a knife, merely as a joke. The three men, on reaching tho works, consulted with the other butchers, who decided that the man complained of was a dangerous man to work with, and demanded his instant dismissal, ceasing work themselves- All the slaughtermen who were on strike before have gone out to-day, leaving onlv the -free labour taken on during the strike period and' a number of learners to man the boards at a time when the works are under high pressure. The man "who is alleged to have threatened his comrades was an official ol tho union before the big strike but opposed the strike and refused to cease workThe directors of the Meat Company will hold a meeting at Christchurcn today. Later. AH the men who refused to go back to work at Smithfield have been paid off. There were forty-six tally butchers and seventeen "learners on the board. Now only the seventeen learners remain.