Page:Labour in Madras.djvu/110

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84
LABOUR IN MADRAS


not been tried for the first time by the authorities of the Carnatic and Buckingham Mills. I ask yon again and again for patience so that we may have time to proceed with our plans and win the victory. The only thing, I repeat, that we want from you is to stand united, firm in your resolve till victory is won. Before concluding he announced that 500 new members had joined that day and 100 extra women members. On December 10th a meeting of the Labour Union at the Union premises was held. Mr. C. F. Andrews spoke to the labourers. Mr. Wadia presided and made the following speech : I have very great pleasure in bringing at to-day's meeting our great friend the friend of the poor of India, Mr. C. F. Andrews. He has the courage of our leader Mahatma Gandhi and has been with him a few days ago and brings to you a message from him. Mr. Andrews has great experience of all troubles regarding cooly matters, regarding the affairs of labourers, not only in this country but of elsewhere also. Therefore you will listen to him patiently and you will find for yourselves what good lesson he has to give you. There is one little matter of which I must speak to you. On coming here I understand that a few labourers have this morning gone to the Mills. Their number is very insignificant and they cannot be regarded in any manner as our friends. Everyone is responsible for his own actions and our business is to see that our own actions are clean and righteous. I should advise you, as I have done for so many days past, stand united, let