The Bootmakers' Strike.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6061, 7 May 1891, Page 2

The Bootmakers' Strike.

As tho matter of the Auckland boot strike ! is of some public interest we will summarise the contentions of both parties. The employers claim that living is cheaper than elsewhere, so that the operatives are equally well off with less wages. To this it is replied that no proof is given, and that the difference, if any, is infinitesimal. The employers allege that they buy their material cheaper and charge less for their goods. The rejoinder is that if they buy cheaper than others the advantage is in their favor, and they are better able to pay the wages which others not similarly favoured pay. The employers contend that the Auckland work is inferior, to which the men answer that when selling, the employers claim that their goods are equal to any, that this was proved by the awards at the Dunedin Exhibition, and that if at one time low class work was done, it is nob so now, as managers and men have been brought from the (South. They also say that in making up the "universal statement" certain low grades, such as canvas work, &c, were, recognised as specially appertaining to Auckland, and the rates were settled by the Auckland representatives. The masters argue that tho wages and rates they offer are large and sufficient. The reply of the men is that while some smart workmen may for shorb periods earn high wages at piece work, if their earnings are averaged over the whole year, broken time included, and for each and all other classes, the result will be found not large, probably not over 35s a week for men all round, and that in any case the Auckland employers would be no worse off than those of other places. The strike is a most unfortunate one ,* but certainly the men seem to have right and reason on their side, and it is to be hoped that the new employers who refuse to pay the rates current throughout the colony, and generally admitted to be fair, will be in the end induced or compelled to give way and adopt the results of the. Conference. —Post.