SETTING AN EXAMPLE.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1846, 4 June 1885, Page 3

SETTING AN EXAMPLE.

A remarkable and gratifying instance of considerate conduct on the part of Sheffield workmen has just Lean made public. (says the London Daily Telegraph of March 25). It appears that MessrV William Coolce and Co. (Limited), of the Tinuley Steel, Iron, and Wire Works, have, in common with other kindred industries, felt the* depression of trade very severely. The wages of their ironworkers are governed by the South Staffordshire Board, arid the men are therefore in a position which precludes them from making any concessions in that way, even il.it. were asked. The other j day a deputation representing the puddlers, and millmen employed by the co.mpariy-r-from 100 to 150 in number—waited upon Mr Thomas Wilkinson, the secretary, and stated that they knew, the company could not ask them for a reduction in wages, as they were bound to abide by the decisions come ;tp in. South Stafford-^ Bhire. Still, being perfectly aware ot the difficulties under which the company labored, owing to the extraordinary hardness of the times, they had felt' it their duty to 'do | something to show their desire to assist in tiding over the depression. They had, therefore, held a' meeting at which they bad decided to offer the company- tf week's work for nothiug, and they-JiQpe^the offer would be accepted. iMr Wilkinson, who wai much moved by this generous act of Belfsacrifi.ee on the part of the men, said he could not do otherwise than accept the. noble, offer which had been made. When ;we think of the terrible battles between labour and capital of which Sheffield has been the scene, the change is mosj? gratifying. It was only aome five years ago that there was an obstinate strike at the same Tinsley works, accompanied by personal violence. Some oE the very men who sent this deputation may hare known Broadhead, who organised a criminal to murder oi? mutilate iihe operatives who disregarded the decrees of .a secret; tribunal directed by a few lawless ruffians.