THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1891.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9041, 17 February 1891, Page 2

THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1891.

The establishment of a community of interest between employer and employed has long been considered by thinkers the best available method of obviating the friction between labour and capital of -which tho world has seen so many disastrous consequences of late, and which at the present moment continues its threatening existence. Of the various devices which have been put into, actual practice, profit sharing has to far been found to be the most effectual; and this has been so because the present relations of employer and employed are easily adaptable £o it, and nothing of a revolutionary or irretraceable nature is involved in it. The experiment may be tried, and if it is not successful, th,e status quo ante may be easily reverted to; and if no good follows upon its

trial, nuilhur clous any injury to organisation ensue from its failure. The first experiment in profit sharing was made in 1542 by M. Lsclaire, a houso cleoorator, of Paria. He was a man who would have bnen distinguished in amy walk of life. Finding the cares of supervision of his business peculiarly intolerable, ho conceived the idea of making his workmen partners with him. Ho therefore assigned to himself, besides interest for his capital, a fixed allowance for his labour and responsibility as manager, and divided the profits among the whole body, himself included. The result was almost magical. Out of this simple method there grew a complicated self-regulating machine, the motive power of which was the interest each man had in the result—an interest sustained by the knowledge that the reward would be proportionate to the effort, and that there was assured by industry provision for calamity, old age, and death. So smoothly and beneficently did the system work that even after M. Leclaire's death it continued to prosper, and survived even the disturbance in trade caused by the Franco-German war. Many imitators followed M. Leclairo in France, and successful businesses were and are carried on under the system, and that in many cases under conditions far more complex than the simplo division of surplus profits among all interested. Industrial profit sharing has not made much progress in England. An experiment was made at the Whitwood collieries, but it collapsed from a variety of causes, the chief of which was unexampled prosperity in trade, which admitted of returns that could not be maintained when the normal condition of business was resumed. But the experience to be gained from the Whitwood experiment has been valuable as showing the nature of the rock on which it split. There can be no doubt of the advantages it conferred while in operation, and there is as little question that the very magnitude of those advantages hastened the end by provoking outside jealousy on the part of the trades unions as well as of less generous employers. Industrial profit sharing has suddenly acquired a new interestin Dunedinfrom the circumstance that it is now under trial by one of our business firmsMessrs James Duthie and 00., who, as is well known, are engaged extensively in a carrying business. The scheme which they have formulated is as follows:—They deduct a certain fixed sum per annum for the cost of management and for providing capital, horses, harness, plant, stabling, and yard accommodation. Thesurplusprofit,after payment of this claim, wages, feed, repairs, claims, all trade working expenses, and providing for all bad debts contracted during the year, is to be divided into two equal portions, of which one goes to the 'firm and the other to the employes proportionately to the number of days each has worked. The firm retain full authority in the management of the business and over the employes. They fix the rate of wages, but provide for the annual appointment of a committee of three from the staff, whose duty it shall be to bring before the firm all grievances, and to make suggestions generally. They also stipulate, but this is not essential to the scheme, that an accident insurance fund shall be established out of payments by each employe of 6d per week. In this experiment o£ Messrs Duthie and 00. we have industrial profit sharing as between employer and employed in nearly its most elementary form. It amounts simply to the payment to the men of a bonus proportionate in amount to the sum of their individual industry and care. It is not pretended that philanthropy has prompted the experiment. The firm candidly say that they hope to induce each employe to look upon himself as working for something outside his daily wage, and they calculate that they can afford to let him have the reward of his individual efforts. We are not so enthusiastic as to think that the introduction of profit sharing generally will bring about the millennium ; but we unhesitatingly express the belief that generous recognition by employers of the possibilities of increased diligence and care by their employes would do much to allay if not to effectually banish labour troubles. The system is applicable to nearly all industries —certainly to all those which depend on a profit fixed by the ordinary rules of trade. It might be difficult to introduce it in such industries as gold mining, where returns are precarious, but to all ordinary businesses and industries it should be equally applicable; and, further, its introduction would have effects more beneficial and far reaching than the mere donation by an employer to his workpeople of a sum of money proportionate to their positions and diligence in his service. Viewed in this narrow way it is simply an instance of judicious generosity; mutually beneficial, no doubt, but proceeding no further than the parties immediately concerned. Community of interest would mean mutual confidence. If any such arrangement is to be permanent, there must be complete mutual trust and good faith. The employes must feel satisfied that they have not been induced to extra efforts by misleading promises. And this implies a disclosure of the amount of capital invested, the rate of interest expected from it, and the amount of profit it yields. The general adoption of such a custom would immediately purify the industrial atmosphere. No man would hasten to get rich at the expense of his fellows, while the energies of all would be roused in the expectation of participating in the reward. In fine, short of absolute and pure co-operation—in the attainment of which there are at present insuperable difficulties in the way—a system whereby the worker shall have a direct interest in the result of his labours, an incentive to diligence and carefulness, and to the cultivation of his inventive faculties, seems the best way out of the labyrinth in which industrial relations are at present involved. It is true that very advanced Socialists condemn profit sharing as a quack remedy for poverty—as being a proposal by employers to give as a favour that which ought to be given as a right. But less visionary and more practical economists have lauded it as a practicable solution of labour troubles.

The publication in our columns yesterday of Mr James Mills' letter to the Secretary of the Federated Trades Union : Gouncil has made the public aware of the difficulties and annoyances the Union Company's non-unionist employes have had to endure since tlie late strike. It has for some time past been almost a foregone .conclusion

that the company would find itself compelled in self-defence to take tho decided step of declining to engage union men, since it has been perfectly well understood of late that the life of its non-union employes had been rendered almost intolerable by the unionists on several ships in which unionists and non-unionists were working aide by side. Tho bad management exhibited by the union leaders from first to last has been almost incredible. It was folly to assume the tone of domination which for a long time previous to tho strike characterised the union's dealings with the company; and it was perfect madness to precipitate a conflict while there were a vast number of non-unionists eagerly waiting to get the employment then monopolised by their union brethren. But the supreme act of almost criminal stupidity was committed when union men employed on tho company's boats set to work by every possible means to induce tho free labour contingent to go out or join the union ranks. The union leaders must surely have expected, as they certainly have forced on him, the stand now taken up by Mr Mills. The result, though it can hardly bo wondered at, is certainly to bo regretted, since we fully believe that a union among employes is, when properly conducted, an advantage, not only to the employed but to tho employers. The seamen's union, as it now exists, has shown itself, as Mr Mills puts it, " practically hostile" to .the company; nor have its members any right to expect from the company any other treatment than that which is given to an undeclared, but hardly disguised, enemy. Of course, Mr Fisher disclaims having inspired or sanctioned the endeavour of the unionists to sow discontent among the non-union men, and the attempts by strenuous and unfair means to induce them to join the union. We fancy, however, that the public will supply their own answer to tho pertinent inquiries Mr Mills makes. He had a right to expect that if the union leaders disapproved of such means being employed they would have effectually prevented them. While we do not at all wonder at Mr Mills' decision not to engage union men, we trust that this does not mean the dismissal of the union hands at present in the service of his company. The Union Steam Ship Company has all through the dispute preserved a position of fairness aud impartiality which is infinitely to its credit, and it can afford now to exhibit a certain magnanimity in dealing with the trades unions. In view of the present misguided action of their union hands in interfering with the free labour in the proper performance of its work, it will no doubt bo necessary to promptly mete out punishment for anything of the sort that is again attempted; but by retaining in its employment the union hands now under engagement, tho company will only show the strength of the position it occupies and add to the public appreciation of its considerate treatment of its employes.

Tho postal authorities are advised that the R.M.S. Monowai will leave S3n Francisco for Auckland on the 21st. The Alameda, with the colonial mails of the 26th January, arrived at San Francisco from Auckland on the 15th inst., one day late.

As a good deal oE misconception exists in connection with the honorarium to bo paid for the two sessions, the following from the Wellington Post will be of interest:—Legislative Councillors in Wellington, nil ; Legislative Oouucillora residing out of Wellington, £200; members of the House of Representatives residing in Wellington, £200, made up as follows: Houorarium, first session, £100; expenses, £25; honorarium, second session, £50; expenses, £25. Members not residing in Wellington, £250; made up of honorarium, first sessioD, £100; expenses, £50; honorarium, second session, £50; expenses, £50. Tho honorarium is reduced one-half for the second session, but the allowanca for expenses remains the same for each.

An inquest was held at the Pelichet Bay Hotel yesterday afternoon before the district coroner (Mr B. H. Carew) and a jury of six (Mr Paul Fredric, foreman) on the body of Donald Cameron, who was found dead in the harbour on Saturday afternoon last. The widow of the deceased stated that he was a native of Inverness and had resided in New Zealand for over 17 years. Lately he had been koeping a small dairy farm at Purakanui, which ho left about five weeks ago, it not having been a'togethor a success. For a long time he had complained of a pain in bis chest whicb, ho believed, proceeded from the heart. Recently the pain increased, but he never took medical advice. The deceased did not brood over the want of success of the farm, but witness thought that it had increased the pain he felt. Before leaviDg home on Saturday morning he was very weak, and staggered as he was leaving the house. Frank Grant, Kichard Cairney, Odin Holler, John Watson, and Sergeant O'Neill were also examined, their evideaca going to bear out the statement of the facts already published by us. The coroner Baid that the main question, as it appeared to him, for the consideration of the jury was whether the deceased came to his death intentionally, or whether by some accident he fell into the water. After consideration the jury returned a verdict of " Fouud dead." They also suggested that on occasions of the kind a medical man should be called in to decide whether death resulted from drowning or from some other cause.

It h understood that Bernard Ginsberg, a storekeeper at Nenthorn, who was committed for trial 6t the ensuing sittings of the Supreme Court on a charge of a breach oE the Bankruptcy Act, and admitted to bail, has left the colony— presumably by the last 'Frisco miil steamer. A surety of £100 was given for his appearance before the Supreme Court.

A yoaag man named Heighman has been arrested, on warrant, at Mr Rutherford's Mount Nessing station, Albury, on four charges of larceny of books from the Dunedin Athenasum. It in alleged that the books, alter being removed by the accused from the institution, were pawned by him under various names. He was brought to Danedin by the express train last night and will be charged at the polico court with the ofEencs.

We recently published some information with reference to tho high price now paid for mica aad the great demand which now exists for it. Quite recently a mine has been opened up in the Macdonell Ranges about 130 miles from Alieo Springs, in the Northern Territory of South Australia, and on the line of the proposed transcontinental railway. Mr E. W. VanSenden, of Dunedin, has shown us a specimen sheet of mica from this mine, which should be 6een by thosa who have opportunities of prospecting the country, as it is more than probable that deposits may yet be found in this colony which would yield handsome returns to the discoverer. Up to the end of January some nine tons of mica had been raised from the Bonstead mine to which we have referred, and as it is worth a very large sum per ton the shareholders expect to receive handsome dividends, in spite of the fact that the mica has to be carried for a long distance by camels. Tho reef is said to be widening «3 it goes down. In a cross-cut at one cud of the outcrop a piece of mica wa3 taken out weighing about 2cwt, most of which would cut into leaves 16in by Bin.

All the cases set down for hearing at the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday morning before Mr B. H. Carew, R.M., were either confussed, struck out, or adjourned. Tho case, Cooperative Meat Supply Association v. A. Wickland, claim £3 4s Id on a judgment summons, which was partly heard on Thursday last before Messrs John Logan and P. Wishart, J.P.s, was again brought up before the same justices. A3 Mr W. A. Stout (who appeared on behalf of the plaintiff) stated that ho had no further evidenco to'cali, the bench declined to mako an order.

A civil sitting of tho Supremo Court, was held yesterday, but no busiuosa was transacted beyond arranging for the order in which cases should bo tnken. After hia Honor Mr Justice Williams had taken his seat on tho bench, tho caau of Ketr v, Keddio was mentioned by Bir X, Stout and Dr FitchcU, anil it was nrrnuged that it ohould stand over to tho March sittings; tho date of hearing to be subsequently fixed. Sir Robert Stout naid that the plaintiff in the case of Jones v. Tho Undaunted Gold Mining and Water Rnoo Company had died, and this case was ordersd to stand over. On tho application of Sir U. Btont it was ordered that the ciwo Dicltio v. The Dunediu Tramway Company should bo tried by a special jury of 12, and it was set down for hearing on tho 13th of March. Tho suit for judicial separation, Forsyth v. Forsytb, wao mentioned by Dr Fitchett. It was set down for trial, by special jury, on the 17th of March, but as tha civil sittings open on tho 16th, tha opinion was expressed that it could not well bo taken on the following day. Tho case was allowed to etand as fixed at present, to bo mentioned again at a future sitting. Tho court was then adjourned until 10 a.m. to-morrow (Wednesday), when the ease Campbell v. Rose will bo heard by a special jury of 12,

The only cases dealt with at the City Police Court yesterday morning were nine charges of dtuukenue33. James Murphy (agninst whom there were 14 previous convictions) was fined ss, with tho usual alternative; and Catherine Stevenson (10 previous convictions) 103, in default 48 hours' imprisonment. Elizabeth Tatlersall, who had been before the court 38 times previously, was sent to gaol for three months. Three first offenders wore convicted and discharged, and tha remaining number were each fined ss, with tho alternative of 24 hours' imprisonment. Messrs J. Logan and W. Wardrop were the presiding justice?.

A meeting of non-commissioned officers of volunteer corps in the district was held in the Garrison Hall last evening to consider the advisability of forming a con-commissioned officers' club. Colonel Wales presided, and about a score of officers were present. It was unauimously resolved that a club should be formed, and tha following committee, consisting of a member from each corps, wag appointed to draw up rules to be submitted to a future meeting: —P.O. Woollot (Donedin Naval Artillery), P.O. Weir (Peninsula Navals), Sergeant - major Park (Hussar?), Sergeant Baron (B Battery), Corporal Morgan (Engineers), Sergeant Jaok (City Guards), Sergeant M'Millan (North Dunedin Rifles), Sergeant Wilaon (Wakari Rifles), Sergeant Geddes (South District Rifles), Sergeant Moncrieff (Highland Rifles), Colour-sergeant Dougherty (Irish Rifles), Sergeant Gillies (High School Cadets), Band-sergeant George (Garrison Band), and Drum-major Millar (Ordnance Band). It was mentioned by the chairman that the first monoy raised towards the object was a sum collected at a church service, which, with interest accrued, now amounted to £20 143 7d.

Mr H. S. Fish has intimated his intention of addressing the electors of tho city on Thursday evening at the City Hall.

Colonel Webb, who is about to assume the command of tho Otago district, will arrive in Duned in to-morrow. Liautenant-colonol Gordon, who is being transferred to Ohristchurch, to take command of the Canterbury district, will leave Dunedin for tho north on Friday next.

At last night's meeting of the South Dunedin Council, Mr W. Wardrop, in view of recant events, handed in his resignation as Mayor of tho borough, and intimated hia intention of again contesting the election.

The old identities are rapidly Jpasßing away. Tho Christchurch papers report the death of Mr John Price Quaife, of St. Albans, one of the pilgrim fathers by tha Cressy, one of the first four ships. Thu Invercargill papers record the death of Mr James Laing in his 82ad year. Mr Laiug arrived in Dunedin ia 18G0, and soon afterwards removed to Southland with his family. Mr P. Laicg, manager of the D.1.0, i.) tha only oon of deceased bow resident in the colony.

Toe Rotorna correspondent of the Auckland Herald writes:—"The discovery of the dead body of a chile), one of tho victims of the Tarawera eruption, was raada unexpectedly yesterday, Dear the old wall at Te Wairoa, by a nativo named Hare Katera and Mr M'Douald, who were out with a party of visitors on their way to Tarawera Mountain. The body, which is in a remarkably good state of preservation, is supposed to be one of Penetith's children who were lost on the night of the eruption, the father having left his wharo with two—one on his back and the other under hi 3 arm, —intending to roach the runanga house on the opposite side for Bafety, but he had not gone far when he lost both children. Tho mud and ashes at this time were pouring out of the volcano, smothering the settlement to a depth of several feet. The late heavy rains have bsen washing away the mud in places, so that tho discovery of other dead bodies may now take place frequently. Tho remains of the other child cannot be far away, although the spot where one has first been found does not correspond with the account given at the time by the father, who said he lo3t them inside the fence, instead of which the remains were found alongside the road."

A large number of gentlemen, mostly belonging to boating circles, attended at the Sussex Hall yesterday afternoon to bid adieu to Mr A. D. Sligo, who is leaving for Sydney, and to present him with a handsome travelling bag and a field-glaß3. Mr Frank Wright, who made the presentation, recorded in a few appropriate words the esteem in which Mr Sligo was held, mentioned how heartily they wiehed him suecoss, and hoped it would not be long before he returned to Dunedin. At the Daily Times Office yesterday afternoon, Mr Sligo was also the recipient of a neatly-finubed composing stick, presented by Mr J. B. Dundon, on behalf of his fellow-workmen, End bearing within a shield the following inscription:—"Presented to A. D. Sligo by his fellow-employes, O. D. T. Jobbing Room, oa his leaviDg for Sydney, February, 1891." The presenter remarked that the memento selected was of a very practical kind, but he trusted it would serve to recall to Mr Sligo many pleasant associations of his connection with the jobbing room. While his coworkers wiehed him all success with the " stick and rule," they anticipated that he would not bo neglectful of the " brush and pencil." Mr Sligo acknowledged in suitable terms.

On account of the Garrison Band taking part in the promenade concert on Friday evening in aid of tho Kakanui relief fund, they hays postponed their open-air concert on Wednesday evening.

The Loudon Bellringers and Fau6t Family will commence a ehort season of six nights at the Princess Theatre next Monday. These performances elsewhere have been very successful, and tho Southland Times in referring to their performances at Invercargill states that they gave "a clever, bright, and amusing entertainment, which could not fail to delight any audience. So quickly did item follow item, and so excellent was each, that the large audience was kept in a continual state of excitement, either in interested wonderment at the musical and acrobatio skill of the performers or iv convulsions ai thtir irresistible comicalities. For not a singlo moment did the interest flag or the?enjoyment cease, and when at last the curtain fell upon the laughable pantomimic sketch with which the performance concluded the general feeling was one of complete satisfaction, tho unanimous verdict one of unqualified approval."

Messrs B. O. Keyno'ds nnd Go. sell Dr Mauneell's furniture, horses, carriages, &a. on March 2, 3, and d. To-day, at their rooms, they cell household and office furniture.

Wednesday, the 25ihinst, has been proclaimed a bank holiday.

An ordinary general meeting of the Standard Insurance Company will be held on MUrch .2nd, and not the 30th, as printed yesterday. The D.1.0. shareholders and customers generally are reminded tho company's great summer bargain tbales have vow commenced. A larjje quantity of good and useful lines in every department ara laid out, and will be cleared at real bargain prices.— [&DVT.]

" Lorno " Is everywhere regarded as the cremt de la cremc of whiskies.—[Advt.]

Money con bo obtained from R. Franols, Octagon (next Atnenomn). Kspaid weekly, monthly.—Advt.] JOHif Hislop, Watohmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. The oldest established horns in town. Kepairi of all kinds. Sood assortment Watohea, Cloaks, and Jewellery. Spectacles to suit nil BiK'ata.—[Advt.]

Sea G, and T. JToung'a otcck of watches, clocks, jewelisry, Bterlliig silver and electroplated goods, Five firei-daes awards received H.Z. and B.S. Kxhifcltipu JSBS-80. I'rices strictly moderate. Largoot and flne«t «toek In N.Z. to select from.—[Advt.]

By special appointment to his Kxcelleuey the Governor Lord Onalow for premier quality Aerated Waters and Cordials.—" Of other Soda-waters that nave como under our notice, and take a very high place in Australasia, we would be remisß if we did not mention that of Messrs ' Thomson and Co., of Dunediu."— " Australian Browern' Journal," 1890.— Thomson and Co., Crystal Springs Mineral Waters Workß, Dunedin.—fADVT.]

There ara more cures tnsiio with Dr Socle's AiriOricsn Hop Bitters than all oltiai modiciuss.