UPHEAVAL IN AUSTRALIA.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 5535, 17 February 1914, Page 3

UPHEAVAL IN AUSTRALIA.

STRONG MEASURES URGED BY A LABOUR LEADER.

IMPRISON AND DEPORT THE

EMPLOYERS

Sydney, February IG.

The master butchers met today,

and approved of the committee's resolutions. They decided upon resumption of work at the Glebe abattoirs, and cattle will be sold at the Homebush yards. Mr Furse. of the Employees' Union, commenting on the employers' Union proposals, says that the men are willing to resume tomorrow provided wages and terms asked are granted. The secretary of the Masters' Association said the employers welcome any compulsory conference or pro-perly-constituted tribunal presided over by Judge Heydon, as they consider that they would receive fair treatment from such a way.

The secretary of the Australian Workers' Union declares that a conspiracy exists on the part of the Employers' Federation to keep meat from the public. He considers that the Government should step in and control the abattoirs. The Government would be justified in immediately arresting and putting into gaol every member of the committee appointed by the Employers' Federation. There was a recent precedent for the deportation of the members of this committee. The union could place 5000 men, armed if necessary, at the service of the country to protect the interests of the public,' and ensure the food supply. Melbourne, February 16.

Recognising the seriousness of the threat of the butchers' employees to cease woik tonight, the council of the Federated Employers' Union is considering the question of taking charge of the dispute between the masters and men both in Sydney and Melbourne.

Representatives of the various States were informed of the danger of a strike in Melbourne. They suggested applying to the Court for a compulsory conference, but it is reported that the Sydney employees do not favour a conference. The slaughtermen in the city aoattoirs ceased work today. The men refused to clean the pens after killing, and the employers .also refused to do any work. The City Council then intervened, and closed the abattoirs. One thousand men and 200 employers are now idle, and the city is faced with a meat, famine.

Over 3000 men are at present affected by the strike. Unless a speedy settlement is made, it is estimated that 15,000 men will be out of work in two days. Arrangements have been made to supply the hospitals and Government institutions by the Masters' Association. There is a great demand for dairy produce and fish, and in some cases prices have advanced.

SYDNEY STRIKE PROCEEDS. Received 9.35 a.m., 17th. Sydney, February 17. A mass meeting of strikers unanimously decided to reject the employers' proposals made through the Minister for Labour, and explained that they would have been prepared to favourably consider resumption on their own terms, leaving the subsequent decision to the Court. The strike, therefore, goes on.