Mr J. C. Firth and His Workmen.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4419, 12 July 1884, Page 2

Mr J. C. Firth and His Workmen.

(To tho Editor.)

Sin,—Allow me to emphatically contradict a statement made by Mr Dargaville that Mr.!. C. Firth was one who was grinding down tho wages of the working man and had httlo regard for their interests I have been in Mr Firth's employ for 23 years and can testify to his earnest endeavours at all times to promote fthe welfaro of his workmen. I think I can safely say that in no one instance has he ever reduced their rate of wages, notwithstanding tho fluctuatuve of the labour market. This statement 1 can safely make —that he has in many instances raised the rate of wages. Mr Firth has ever been mindful of the interests and comfort of his employe's, assisting them in every possible way for the good of their interests and in cases of sickness and accident to an extent that very few employers of labouv would have done ; in fact, he has been more like a'father than a master to his workmen. To my knowledge and that of othors, scores of men who have been employed on Mr Firth's Matamata Estate have testified to having received the best of treatment, hearty consideration for their welfare, and highest rate of wages. So has not only cared for us, but for our wives and families, by paying out of his own pocket annually an insurance premium on the lifo of every old workman in his employ. Instead of being the working man's enemy, he has over been their friend, and I can safely challenge anyone to disprove my statements. — (Signed* Edwin Tremain;, Wharf Mill.