Page:Labour in Madras.djvu/105

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LABOUR IN MADRAS
79

add. The work that we have begun of collecting a relief fund is going on very steadily and surely.

Remember, my brothers, that you are fighting a noble fight and in the new days that will open, let us hope that with the help of Ishwara we may see the opening of a new era of prosperity for all of us. If you follow as you have done in the past, patiently and righteously the path of truth, God's blessing will be on you. (Cheers.) There is another piece of good news, i.e., that during the day 600 new members have joined the Union. (Cheers.)


On the morning of December 7th.

Almost all the Mill-hands, including hundreds of boys locked-out, assembled at the Union premises at 6-30 this morning to hear the result of the negotiations of their 18 representatives with the Mill authorities. Mr. Wadia also arrived at the premises early. In another half an hour the representatives having returned with the tidings that they had placed their three requests, viz., that there should be no dismissal of any labourer, that payment should be made to the labourer for the days of the lock-out, and that no part of their gratuity funds should be forfeited and that the Mill authorities in reply said they wanted time to consider the demands. This was announced to the meeting by Mr. Dandapani Pillay and the gathering dispersed to meet at 4 p.m.


On the evening of December 7th a meeting was held. Mr. Wadia presided and made the following speech:—

This morning, as you are aware, 18 of your representatives, nine from each Mill, went to see the