WORKMEN'S RINGS IN SWEDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4325, 27 March 1884, Page 3

WORKMEN'S RINGS IN SWEDEN.

A Novel Idea.

Wk havo reooived from Sweden a couple of lengthy circulars printed on yellow paper and referring to the proposed establishment in that country of workmen's rings for the purpose of ameliorating generally the condition of the artisan and labouring classes. One of the papers haa printed on one side in the English, French, German and Spanish languages a short circular letter to consuls, soliciting information with regard to similar "rings" in the several countries where they reside, and the state of the labour market, while the other side of the paper contains a circular letter to editors of newspapers, and also printed in the same four languages. The composition of the English one is decidedly shaky. It is politely addressed "To the honoured editors of newspapers in all countries I" and the following paragraph may be quoted as indicating tjje purpose _in view : ««Aa ono of the most important conditions for obtaining this aim [improving the position of the Swedish workmen] U to get them profitable and suitable employment, and as Buoh is not always to be had in our country, the leaders of the movement have pro- ; posed to us to try—if possibly—also abroad to arrange, that our brave and clever workmen and servants of different branches could obtain more remunerative employment than hero in Sweden, where during the winter the time for work Is short and the opportunities to get it are scarce. We allow us therefore to Bubinit this matter to your well wise judgment in order to know whether the foreign press regards this proposal practicable and just, or at least worth a discussion in your honoured paper. Iho writer thence goes on to solicit "informations about the wages in all countries, ( The other paper consists of an " open letter addressed by the principal director of the movement (Mr L. O. Smith) to the workmen of Sweden. It is printed in French, and is equal to about a page and a half of Stab matter. With great diffuseness, Mr Smith states the proposals of the concern : Its principal intention is to establish workmen's rings throughout Sweden, so that it may be enabled to act as a kind of intermediary between masters and men; finding labour for the one, and employment at a profitable wage for the other, and thus obviating the chance of a glut of labour in the winter It also proposes the establishment of "economic kitebens " for tha workmen, so as to bring down the cost of living, the startintt of a workmen's bank which will make advances for tha construction of dwellings payment for which Is to be made on the Weekly instalment system ; the foundation of savings banks and pension fund?, and the procural of technical and elementary instruction for its clients. It likewise seeks to procure cheaper clothing for the people, and to propagate amongst them the principles of temperance. It addresses itself to the entire working population of the country, —agricultural labourers and sailors as well as artizans—and intends to open up communication with foreign Governments, capitalists, and contractors, with a view to meeting their wants m the labour market. The undertaking is a highly ambitious one, and may be regarded in the light of a sound experiment. 4.8 such its success or failure is sure to be watched with great interest. The address of the principal promoter is: "L. O. Smith, Centralbyran for Sveriges Arbetarenngar 1 Stockholm."