THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY ,MAY 2,1890

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8794, 2 May 1890, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY ,MAY 2,1890

As during the present week the Eight Hours movement is to be brought with imposing prominence before the mind of Europe, it may be well tp state briefly some of the argumentative pros and cons which have been advanced in regard to this important agitation. This task is rendered easier by the recent appearance in the New Review of two articles upon the sub| ject—one, in opposition to the proposal, by Mr Bradiaugh; the other a reply by Mr H. M. Hyndman, a well-known Social Democrat. Mr Bradlaug'h's hostility to the movement is suggestive of the gradual change

which the consideration of social questions is producing in the position of parties at Home. In regard to this Eight Hours question, for instance, tlio terms Conservative, Liberal, Kadical, as applied to different politicians, aflbrd no safe indication of their opinions or attitudes. Air John Morley and Mr Bradlaugh aro both Radicals, while Lord Dunravon is a Conservative ; yet Lord Dunraven is inclined to support the movement for limiting the hours of employment, which is opposed by Mr .Bradlaugh and Mr Morley. In fact it must be remembered that the new social Liberalism not only differs from

the old Cobdenite Liberalism, but that the two principles are incompatible. Mr Morley, no doubt, lias sympathies with tho new school and cannot exactly be called an individualist, yet he and Mr Bradlaugli have really less in common with the Socialist idea than have the so-called Tory Democrats.

Mr Bradlaugh formulates four objections to the proposal, the first of which presents the familiar root of difference between the two social parties. "It is not, and ought not to be, " the business or duty of Parliament " to fix the hours during which adults " may work. There is a tendency " growing of most dangerous charac- " ter, and of which this Eight Hours " movement is part, to look to the " Legislature or to the Government to " supply immediate remedies for all " evils, however arising in the struggle " for existence." Mr Bradlaugh does not argue this point; he simply states his emphatic opinion, but the concluding sentence of his article affords a further insight into his reason : " I shall give " my voice and vote in Parliament to " prevent any breaking down of tho

" self-reliant spirit winch puts tbe " bulk of our population materially in " advance of most European peoples." Mr Hyndman, in reply, flatly denies the dangerousness of the " tendency " in question. He asserts that the clanger lies in refusal to use the Legislature. " Either legislation or revo- " lution. I prefer legislation," and he claims in this respect to be less of a subversionist than Mr Bradlaugh. Moreover, the Legislature has been used in times past by the capitalist class to pass laws of oppression, and it is only natural that the workers, when they have the opportunity, should " capture this class " legislation " and employ it for their own betterment. Mr Bradlaugh's second point is that the hours of labour "should be the " subject of separate negotiation and " arrangement in each industry, and " such arrangements should be arrived " at by mutual discussion and under- " standing between the employers and " the organised employed." He asserts that great difference of opinion exists among the workers themselves " as to how short a daily period of " labour in each industry is possible, "having regard to profitable conduct " of the respective undertakings," and thinks the matter should be left in the hands of the respective Trade Unions. Mr Hyndman replies that the difference is only one of degree; that the desired object is to organise not only the 400,000 Unionists, but the whole body of 7,000,000 workers; that the Trade Unions have not been successful in bringing about improvements; and that no really effective result can be obtained save by the united demand of all workers upon the Legislature. Thirdly, Mr Bradlaugh argues that a legal prohibition of work for more than eight hours in each 24 hours would be " certainly ruinous to many of the "largest industries in this country "; and, fourthly, that the prohibition would in some cases certainly involve a serious reduction of wages. The fact that both the combatants are at radical variance upon these questions proves that there are no certain data for arriving at a decision. In reply to Mr Bradlaugh's fear of foreign competition, Mr Hyndman recalls the fact that the same argument was used against the Factory Acts and has proved quite illusory, as the factory hands now produce far more at less cost with 56} hours a week than they did with 72. "" The tendency of shorter " hours is to introduce everywhere " improved machinery," and it is predicted that after the passage of the prohibition England would hold her own against foreign competition in every branch of trade " still better

" than she does now." Moreover, there are no less than

1,500,000 wage-earners who are not affected by foreign competition. It must also be borne in mind that the agitation is now assuming an international character. The writers in

the New Review have in mind solitary action on the part of Great Britain, but the danger of disaster through foreign competition would be greatly discounted by simultaneous action on

the part of different countries, It must be conceded, however, that the. likelihood of such simultaneous action is not; great. In regard to the wage question Mr Bradlaugh is confident that the proposed enactment would lead to a general reduction of wages. Mr Hyndman believes Mr Bradlaugh is " entirely mistaken." It is pointed out that it is precisely in those trades in which the shortest hours are worked that wages are highest, and that Victorian experience —and we might add that of New Zealand^tends to dissipate the fear of wage depression. " Wages are regulated per- " manently by the average standard ." of life in each trade, and temporarily " by the amount of competition for " employment in that trade. Now it " is clear that the reduction of hours " of labour to eight will, other things " remaining unchanged, reduce the " severity of competition in each trade "by absorbing a number of unem- " ployed hands. Consequently, the " tendency will be for wages to rise." Supposing, however, Mr Bradlaugh's prediction to prove correct, Mr Hyndman is bold enough to advocate the establishment of a minimum wage, to be "settled by the workers themselves." Since the workers only receive L 350,000,000 in wages out of a - total annual income of £1,200,000,000, he thinks there is no " lack of a superfluity of " wealth to satisfy their reasonable " requirements."

Of course, both Mr Bradiaugh and Mr Hyndman agree as to the desira-

bility of shortening the hours of labour in the physical, moral, and mental interests of the worker; the point of dispute is as to the method of accom-

plishment, Here in JS'ew Zealand we have partially—though only partially— solved the problem •without legislative interference, but such co-operative action is perhaps only possible in small

communities.

It is noteworthy, by

tlie way, that Mr Hyndman considers

that the most obvious need for the

system exists in the case of railway,

tramway, and shop workers, Govern-

ment employes, and kindred industries

—in fact, the very class of industries which co-operative action has failed to benefit in New Zealand. Wo trust that before long the boon of shortened hours "ivill bo granted to those classes iv our midst, if not by legislative enactment, at least by an extension of the present co operative understanding.

The inaugural lecture in connection with the session of the University of Otngo was delivered in tho Ohoral 11*11 last evening by Professor Oilray. There uas a brgo attendance of tho Ronernl public ami of atiuleuts, tho behaviour of tho lutter being throughout almost exemplary, ami scouring for them at the close of the proceedingo n special word of commendation from the chancellor. Professor Gilray, who was received with tho utmost cordiality andfrequeutly applauded, chose as tho subject of his lecture "Tho Development of English Literature." A vote of thanks to the professor was carried by acclamation, and tho meeting was terminated bufore 9 o'clock.

Tho reheanug of tho easo in which damages were sought on account of allege:! poisonous inattor iv ginger ala manufactured by Samson and Low, of Dunedin, was concluded at tho Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. Tho evidence was principally of a scientific character, and ab its close counsel did not again address tho court. His Worship reserved judgment. The Licensed Victuallers' Association held their annual meeting on the afternoou of Friday last at Cornish's Central Hotel, when there was a larger muster of members than usual, Tho balance nheet showed the association to have a good balance in hand. The followiug members wera elected to fill tho various offices:—Mr C. V. Greenslade, president; Mr G. Jacobs, vicepresident ; Mr W. L. Philp, treasurer (each of whom were re-elected). Mr George W. Geddes was appointed secretary. Committee for the etisuing year—Messrs Bateman, A, Thomson, Carroll, Welle, Owen, T. Chapman, M. Joel, Palmer, and G. R. West. Messrs J. F. Nixson and J. Barren wera elected auditors, and Mr S. Solomon reappointed solicitor to tho association. Mr J. Wells having resigned tho secretaryship last October, owing to business arrangements in connection with the exhibition, was j accorded a vote of thanks for services he had so ably rendered tho association for so long a term.Six uew members were elected. The only business done at the Wharf Labourers' Union yesterday was the revision of tho j rules of the union. It is expected that tho business will be concluded to-day. Another of the old landmarks of Dunedin is shortly to be removed, as we learn that Mr EC. Reynolds, attorney for Mr J. Showman, of Ballarat, has signed the contract for the building of tho Provincial Hotel. The hotel when completed will be a most substantial one, and an ornament to Stafford street. Mr F. W. Petre is the architect, and Mr D. W. Woods tho successful tenderer. Plans for the rebuilding of tha theatre are now in Melbourne, Mr Showman having decided to submit them to the best authorities there before entering upon the work, which, however, we understand will in all probability be begun about July. Mr Andrew Black, a Scottish baritone, made a great success at Manchester by his performance of the part of Elijah in Mendelssohn's oratorio, given under the direction of Sir Charles Halle, recently. The local papers speak boldly in his praise, one and all considering his reading | as second only to that of Mr Santley. j Two rather severe shocks of earthquake were felt at Arrowtown yesterday morning. The couucil of the Protection League of Otago held a meeting at the Coffee Palace yesterday eveniDg. Mr W. Swan, tha president, occupied the chair, and there wero present Messrs Hutctmon, Wollett, Seiby, Dixon, Neil!, Merry, and Kemnitz A large amouuc of detail business was transacted, and several accounts passod for payment. A special meeting of the Tailoresscs' Union was held iv the Young Women's Christian Association Rooms last night, tho president (Mr D. Pinkerfcon) presiding. Thare was an excellent attendance of members, the room being full. The business of the meeting was to consider as to whether any aid should be given to factory hands in Auckland who are out on

strike at present.

After the question had been

fully laid before the meeting, it was unanimously agreed to forward £20 for the purpose stated, aud to make a lovy—6d per week on female members, and lg per week on male members—to enable the union to send to the same quarter £25 as long as it was thought necessary to do so. It was further agreed to forward £5 lo Wellington in aid of the Petone Woollen Mills hands, who are also out on strike. The ordinary monthly business of the union waa then dealt with. It was of a formal nature. The chairman reminded members that the Drapers' Assistants' Union had been affiliated to the Trades and Labour Council, of which body the Tailoresses' Union was itself a part, so that it behoved members to support that uoion as far as lay in their power, and particularly to observe the hours within which the members of the union worked. Ho cautioned them not to purchase in any shop after 0 p.m., and not to patronise shops which remained open after that hour, else they would be doing as injustice to a union which was worthy of every support. These remarks were enthusiastically received by the meeting. About 80 names have been received by the committee of the Technical Classes Association

from pupils williog to join the classes this

session. It is, however, anticipated that a greater number will yet come forward and avail

themselves of thq advantages accruing from attendance at these classes, tut it is highly desirable that those who intend to do so should at once joiu, so that they may start even with the other pupils who have already sent in their names to the committee.

With reference to the high cable charges to Australia and Mr Heaton's suggestion that the rato should be Is per word, Sir James Anderson points out that England, the Indo-European Company, Germany, and Russia get at present on a message to Australia Is 5d per word, Persia receives 7d, the Persian Gulf Government de-

partment also takes lid, India charges 7id, Java Is id, Australia Is 2d\ and the Eastern~Extension Company gets 43 6d for its enormous mileage. Australia alone therefore gets more than Mr Heatou's shilling, and India, for her Persian Gulf cable and land system, receives 6jd over what Mr Heaton considers to be a remunerative tariff.

Mr George Holdship, the New Zealand local managing director of the Kauri Timber Compauy, having proceeded to England on leave of absence, Mr JF. 0. Bridgeman, the inspecting officer of the Melbourne board, will continue to act as local secretary and chief executive officer of the company in New Zealand during his ab-

Information has been received that the Rev. William Saunders, the new pastor for the Moray

place Congregational Church, has arrived in Melbourne, and will reach Bunediu about the 13 th inst.

Mr Geo. C. Milu's talented compaDy gave thnir second representation of "The Merchant of Venice " at the Princess Theatre last night before a capital house. Mr Miln's acting as Shylock was again the theme of general admiration. It ia 60 forcible and intelligent that

it entirely enchains the attention of his auditors throughout, and his every sentence is rendered with a distinctness of utteranco that cannot fail to ba appreciated, the whole exposition of the character he assumes Leing euch aa ouly a capable and powerful actor can give. The remainder of the company gave every assistance to the principal. To-night "Othello " is to be staged, with Mr Miln in the title role and Mr H. N. Douglas as lago. The same play will be repeated to-morrow night, when Mr Miln will take the part of lago and Mr Collet Dobsou that of Othello, Tais arrangement is a most happy one ou the part oF Mr Miln, aa it will afford him further scope for <3i?playiog his undoubted talents as a finished and clever actor, and it is to be hoped that those two remaining opportu-

nities will not be lost upon the theatre-going public of Dunedin.

Mr D. U. Speddingwili Eell choice Victorian wines ontlieetliiDst.

Messrs Lorie and Hoy will hold their weekly produce Bile to-day, tm.l to-morrow they will sell houso hold furnltuie nn(ieffect3.

Mr Henry Inruer will sell household furniture, &c: to day.

Mr VV. 'Quin will eel! on the 22nd May the Heriofc Railway Hotel.

The annual llQcnoinf; meeting for the Merton dia,rict will be held on the 7th June.

Messrs James A. l'r.rfc ar.'d Go. will sell canarica anil poultry on Saturday, imil on Tiicachy so;t the wlinln of the exhibition fernery, Ac. Metsra M. U. Reynolds and Co. will Bell apples to-.-ay, and to-morrow at. tlw exhibition Messrs-A. Toolh and Sons' valuable ro'leotioti of pictures antl a number of others by local artists.

Dr Macphorson haß removed to Uio corner of tho Octagon and Stuart street.

A fpeclul meeting vi tlio W<ut Harbaur Unroiißli Council will be held on tho <iJi to hem-and determine nil claims uncl objections to tlio burgess list. AmcultDKof (loleimttß from tlio various Assoo'atl.m footbiill uluba In Olajio w m bs held Mils evening to form un association.

rI lvi annual meeting of the Otara University Footbill Club will be hold on Saturday.

DoltT.iitos of Dunedln mid' suburban lodpis, M.U.1.0.0.F., meet this evening to confer re medical alicnJmieo.

In rinldr to have iinod aprini; dowers tho lmltia abould bo planted ut oiiub. The largest colleuiion obliiinabluiit Guoitciis Matthkivs', Moray place.— [Advt.]

Pish and Oystkusl I !—Tlio undersigned nre propped to supply Stewart Islunil oysters in tiny quantity at ten Bliillfngs per suck nt tlio Bluff.—UllWlK and Co., Muff Harbmir.-[AuvT.l Tho "i'urity" Cigarettes have tnken highest award at lixliibitlon.—[Auvt] We wlvine visitors to bo plioloijriipliod by Kilen Qeor(!«, us bis are the boot photos in Dunedin.— [Advt.]

Public Caution. — Gingkii Alic — Unlvernity Laboratory, Uunedin, lath August 1885.—1 hereby cmtify that I have analysed Thomson and Oo.'s Ginger Ale, and Had tho same to bo of excellent quality, comparing very favourably with tho best Imported bntuds of similar beverages; the ingredients are pure Jamaica Ginger, finest Cane Sugar, Carbonic Acid, and flavouring of viirions fruitß. All the Ingredients are of a very pure quality, and are skilfully blended, with the result of producing a very wholesome and refreslrfnjj beverage, containing not n trace oi' alcohol.—[ am, 4c, (sfgncilj J-AsiksG. Black, Professor of Chemiaty and Colonial Analyst. All our goods are labelled " White Cross Brand."— Thomson & Co., Crawford street.—[Advt.] Bariiys Tricopiikrovs for Tim Hair.-The first journals in the world, m"dic*l men of the highest eminence, prominent citizens of nil professions, and lndieß who have used it for years in their dressing rooms and nurseries, admit with ono aecorJ that for Imparting vigour, gloss, luxuriance and curl to tho hair, eradicating scurf and dandruff, Barry'o Tricopherous ims no equal. 12