LORD ASHTON AND HIS MEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 88

LORD ASHTON AND HIS MEN.

UNREST IN LANCASTER

LABOUR LEADER’S REGRET. (From Oor Own Correspondent.)

LONDON. November 18,

Lord Ashton, the proprietor of the large linoleum works in Lancaster, and formerly Liberal M.P., has determined to show his disanproval of the Socialist orators in a forcible manner. * The industrial welfare of the town of Lancaster is wholly dependent upon the linoleum industry, and the town itself has benefited to a colossal extent by Lord Ashton’s benefactions. Moreover, Labour leaders readily testify to his sympathy and desire to advance the welfare of the workers, while the "wages and conditions at his works are better than at any similar works in the kingdom.

Notwithstanding these facts, some imported Socialists have for many months now been attacking Lord Ashton and describing him as a thief and robber. An increase of wages has been under consideration, but Lord Ashton now announces that the proposed rise will not be given, and, more than that, a batch of men has been dismissed. Most of them have had a fairly long period of service. They expressed surprise at their dismissal, maintaining that they were not disloyal to the firm, nor dissatisfied with the working conditions. It will be recollected that in Lord Ashton’s recent manifesto his employees were informed that, when trade was bad, the firm would only keep men whom they regarded as friendly and loyal to them. It had previously been the custom to find men temporary employment, if any department Avas short of work. It has leaked out that an emergency meeting of Lord Ashton’s Relief Committee has been held, at Avhich intimation Avas received that he would no longer continue the relief. The amount snent by the committee for Lord Ashton to relieve poverty and suffering amounts to about £2O per Aveek, and during periods of great distress it amounted to something like £2OOO per year. Mass meetings have been held at the works. At the Lune Mills, Avhere over 5000 men are employed, a resolution Avas carried unanimously conveying assurances of loyalty, and asking for reconsideration of his decision. Jxird Ashton Avas asked to receive a deputation from the workpeople. At St. George’s works a somewhat similar resoluton Avas adopted. Mr J. H. Clynes, M.P., has expressed his regret at the situation arising, and says: “We have always found him, as compared with others, a Aery good employer, paying the trade union rate of Avagee, and —which is the most important point—always approachable Avhen avb wish to see him.’’