IN POVERTY BAY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 4 February 1913, Page 5

IN POVERTY BAY.

FREE LABOUR AT WORK. GISBORNE, Last Night. Work was resumed at the Gisborne Sheep-farmers Kaiti works this morning, with seven free labour slaughterens, and during the day others joined the board, though the exact number at present working is not available. In an official report the managing director (Mr C. A. DoLatou'r) says: "Work was maintained to-day, and a large number of inquiries were made. » Others are expected to join tomorrow. Every effort is being made to keep places;for the men who have been in employment, and who have given satisfaction. A large tally is not being attempted. As soon as tho men harden up, the pace can be increased, but not much is expected for the first few weeks. Fifteen shillings per day is being paid to men who can kill- sheep but who are not accustomed to the .fast methods of the factory slaughterhouses, and 12s 6d per rlny is being paid for learners. Accommodation will be provided at the works for tho men if required." At the Taraheru works, an official announcement to the press states: "A board of eight or ten men is ready, and will probably start in a. day or two."

The Tokomaru Bay correspondent of the Gisborue Times stales that work is expected to bo resumed at the works there to-morrow with free labour—probably not. less than seven or eight men. principally station hands. Only about three slaughtermen have left Tokomaru Bay, and the remainder (about fourteen) are expected to hang about- for a week or two. Stock-owners are not anticipating any difficulty in holding their stocks, but buyers are not inclinpcl to quote until-they see how the new men shape on the board. The quantity of stook coming forward will be regulat'Od bv the number the men are able to put through.

CAXTERBUKY SLAUGHTERMEX. RESOLVE TO STAND FIRM. CmrSTCHUIICH. Last Xight. The Canterbury Slaughtermen's Union met to-ni^lit. but the meeting was unt open to the pres.'-. At its oonclusio.ii. the secretary communicated the following report: "The meeting was very largely attended, and representatives were present from the freezing works at Fairfield. Smithfield and Pareora. Tt was waived': 'That the Union make n firm 'stam! for 30s per hundred.' Tt was further reported that a majority of the men have got employment, at harvesting. navvying, and so on, mid it is their present intention to remain at that class of worlc." The reporter asked if any resolution" was arrived at with reference to employment hy the companies of free lahour. The secretary replied that there was nothing to report under thai head. Tie was also asked if any. arrangements had hcen made for picketinci. find the. secretary replied that the Union did not work in that war.