TO WILLIAM SHAW, ESQ.

West Coast Times, Issue 646, 19 October 1867, Page 2

TO WILLIAM SHAW, ESQ.

KGB T-iVOE OP THB WEST COAST TIMBS.

Sie — Wo, tho undersigned, compositors in tho West Coast Times office, hare read an article in tho " Evening Star" of to-nighfc, in which it is stated as follows :— '' If Mr Shaw is a large employer of labor, he has on many occasions attempted to reduce tho amount of pay of those in his employment below tho current rates ruling. It was only a few weeks since that Mr Shaw endeavored to reduce the wages of his compositors, ten per cent below what is paid in the office of this paper, and considerably below what ig paid by other newspaper proprietors on the West Coast. This ' largest employer of labor in Hokitika,' as he is on every occasion boasting himself to be, was unable to make any stand, and had to succumb. His compositors refused to work for less than current rates, and Mr Shaw humbly gave in."

We desire, in justice to you, to say that this statement is not correct, and that th» following is a true statement of tho facts of the case. In consequence of the slackness of business, and the heavy expenses connected with your establishment, and the necessity under the circumstances of reducing themto some extent, you submitted to us a proposal either to reduce the amount of composition in the paper, or to accept a reduction of ten per cent, in the rate of remuneration for a limited period. In reply to this proposal, we elected to adopt the former alternative, and we think it right to add injustice to you, that no -disagreement or unpleasantness whatever oecurredbetween. yourself and us in connection with this subject, and that we considor you met us throughout in a spirit of fah'ness. (Signed) H. L. Yates E. Payne R. Cuming Chas. Peabson H. J. Phillips J. A. Mills L. C. McDebmott W. Rex. Hokilika, Friday, Oct. 18.