CANTERBURY READY FOR TROUBLE AT FREEZING WORKS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18013, 25 November 1926, Page 11

CANTERBURY READY FOR TROUBLE AT FREEZING WORKS.

FARMERS OFFER TO SUPPORT COMPANIES. A meeting convened by the executives of the Canterbury A. and P. Association, the Farmers’ Union and the Shcepowners' Union was held yesterday afternoon for the purpose of discussing the labour position in regard to what has developed in connection with the North Island freezing works and the possibility of similar trouble occurring when the Canterbury works open in either the second Or third week next month. The works would have opened on Monday next but for the fact that the condition of the stock has_ been affected by the season. Yesterday’s meeting was fully repre sentative of all three organisations concerned, and the South Canterbury and Ashburton districts were also repre Sented. It was considered that the matter was of vital interest to primary producers, as it was essential that, in dealing with stock there should be a minimum of loss and delay. Mr J. D. Hall presided over the con ference, which we.nt into committee to consider the business. After the meeting the following information was handed to the reporters:— The history of events leading up to t.he present position in the North Island was detailed, and the situation discussed in all its bearings, particularly in view of the fact that the Canterbury works would shortly be opening the season. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:— “(1) That this meeting of representatives of the primary producers sup ports the attitude of the freezing companies in resisting the demands of the Freezing Workers* Federation for increased rates of pay on the award now current. “(2) That this meeting undertakes to use every effort to supply the mer necessary to carry on operations in the event of union officials failing to do The newspaper representatives were given to understand that there have already been substantial and gratifying offers of assistance from the country districts throughout Canterbury in the event of the trouble in the North Island extending to the South.