LABOUR IN MADRAS 33 city of Madras the Rickshaw-wallas had to strike and they came to me for advice and help, and we have formed a Rickshaw-wallas Union. My friend, Mr. E. L. Iyer, Bar-at-law, has helped me in that work, and you will be glad to learn that we will soon be owners of ten rickshaws, which are given to our members. The rickshaws are presented to the Union by the friends of the poor and by patriots who love this country. From the income derived from the rickshaws, the funds of the Union are strengthened, and we expect and hope to do good work. THE NEW REGULATION But now let me come to the most important point. I have good reasons to believe that the Government are going to apply repressive measures to all those who come here to help you. A couple of days ago the Madras Mail, which is told first all official nervs, and which is a favourite with the Government, has published the following: "A new rule issued under the Defence of India Act makes salutary provision against the stirring up of industrial agitation among classes engaged in work necessary for the successful prosecution of the War. This rule is worded as follows: " (1) No persons shall do or attempt to do any act calculated or likely to impede, delay or restrict work necessary for the successful prosecution of the War or shall dissuade or attempt to dissuade any person from taking up such work; and (2) if any doubt arises as to whether any work is necessary for the successful prosecution of the War a certificate to that effect signed by a Secretary to the Government of India shall be conclusive proof on the point." The 3
