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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 69

Timaru, 16th February, 1891. Mr. W. J. Love, Secretary Otago and Southland Millers' Association, Dunedin

Timaru,

Mr. W. J. Love,

Secretary Otago and Southland Millers' Association, Dunedin.

Dear Sir—I am in receipt of yours of the 4th inst. Enclosed please find list of those millers who have signified their willingness to adopt the eight hour system. Re North Island, the latest communication we have from there is, "That the employees of the Auckland mills have waited on their employers, who have also stated that they are willing to introduce the same system." In your letter you mention that two of the members of your Association were not waited upon by our delegates, but you don't mention either of their names. We may state that our delegates waited on Messrs. Webster and White, and made an appoinment with Mr. Webster to meet him at his office between 10 and 10.30 a.m., on 17th ult. On calling at his office at that time, Mr. Webster had gone out, leaving word with his clerk to the effect that he would not see the delegates, as he declined to give any definite answer until after the regular meeting of the Association. Mr. Runciman was not called upon, but we had the assurance of his son that he was quite agreeable to the eight hour system.

Our delegates called at the office of Mr. Hay, in Oamaru, but he had gone out of town, and we don't know of any others who were not visited, but would like to get names of those firms you refer to. We cannot see how we have treated your Association unfairly in any way, as it has always been our strongest desire to bring about an amicable understanding without any friction, hence our suggestion for a conference to be held, which we think is the most satisfactory way of settling the matter. We would again urge you to use your best endeavours to bring about such conference, so that the whole matter may be thoroughly discussed. I enclose you a copy of reply from the Canterbury Millers' Association to our letter, which you will see page 17 is very unsatisfactory, and our Society think they have been unfairly treated in the refusal of the Association to grant a conference. Awaiting your early reply.

I remain, yours faithfully,

David Orme, Secretary.