THE BOOT TRADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5519, 20 March 1896, Page 3

THE BOOT TRADE.

The following is a copy of a letter that has been received by Mr H. Milligan, secretary of the Bootmakers' Union, dated Dunedin, March 16 : — Dear Sir, — We exceedingly regret that all our endeavours to arrive at some mutually satisfactory arrangement regarding terms of labour and wages should have again proved futile. Our voluminous correspondence, embracing suggestions, counter - suggestions, refusals and withdrawals, leave us at this date practically as far advanced as when the adjourned conference of Jan. "7, 1896, passed the resolution placing both sides in a free and independent position. We therefore now revert to that position, having failed to alter it. We would in courtesy, however, to your position, inform you that on andafter March 30, 1896, each member of our Association will work under the rules and conditions of labour as per enclosed statement, which will be duly posted in the factories on March 20, this giving all parties ample intimation of our intention. In regard to the matter of wages, it is our opinion that this is a question that is always best approached by both capital and labour mutually agreeing to appoint, say, six duly authorised delegates empowered to frame a statement xuider which both would mutually and satisfactorily work. If at any time it be your wish to open the question thus, we are prepared to meet you in all fairness of spirit. — lam, &c, Alfred H. Bridger, Secretary for the New Zealand Boot Manufacturers' Association. '