JOSEPH M. HERMAN & CO. -MILLIS.

A joint application was received on January 22, 1897, from Joseph M. Herman & Co., of Millis, shoe manufacturers, and their employees, concerning the prices paid for the work of sole-tacking and pulling lasts. The firm proposed a reduction of two cents a dozen for the work in question, which was opposed by the workmen.

A hearing of the parties was had on January 27. It appeared from the declaration of the representative of the firm that it was intended in the near future to revise all the prices in the factory with a view to making a product of a lower grade than was then made; and after some discussion and a failure to effect agreement, it was suggested by the Board that in view of the probability of larger question arising, further proceedings on this subject be deferred, and the employees paid on account in the meantime, until prices should be settled either by agreement or by

arbitration, as circumstances might require. The suggestion was acquiesced in by all concerned, and no objection being made, the application was placed on file, subject to the right of either party to call it up again.

Subsequently, on April 12, at the request of the employees' agent a hearing was assigned for April 21, and the parties were notified accordingly. A reply was received from the firm acknowledging receipt of the notice and stating that the difference had assumed such a form that it could be easily settled by the agreement of the parties, and requesting a postponement of the hearing. The agents of the employees were promptly notified of this communication, and on April 20, the Board was notified that the case had been settled by agreement.

T. D. BARRY & CO. - BROCKTON.

A joint application was received on March 8 from T. D. Barry & Co., of Brockton, shoe manufacturers, and the lasters in their employ, requesting the Board to fix a price for lasting McKay-sewed shoes on the Chase lasting machine; also a price for lasting similar work by hand.

The parties having been heard and the usual investigation made, the Board rendered the following decision on April 30, 1897:

In the matter of the joint application of T. D. Barry & Co., of Brockton, and the lasters in their employ.

PETITION FILED MARCH 8, 1897.

HEARING, MARCH 12.

The written application in this case calls for the fixing of prices for lasting McKay-sewed shoes on the Chase High Speed Lasting Machine. A price for lasting similar work by hand was also called for by the application; but this part of the case was withdrawn by agreement at the hearing.

Having considered the question of machine lasting,. the Board recommends that the following prices be paid in the factory of T. D. Barry & Co., at Brockton, for lasting McKay-sewed work on the Chase High Speed

Lasting Machine, that is, for pulling over, operating and pulling lasts:

It is further recommended that care be taken by the employer or foreman to keep the workmen supplied with a sufficient number of racks and lasts.

By agreement of the parties, this decision is to take effect from the first day of March, A.D. 1897.

By the Board,

BERNARD F. SUPPLE, Clerk.

Result.-The decision was accepted by all

concerned.

T. H. JONES. - STONEHAM.

A notice was posted in the shoe factory of T. H. Jones at Stoneham, on January 25, stating in effect that all the employees were thereby discharged, but that on the next day the factory would be opened for all who desired to work on terms prescribed by the firm, that is, upon a reduced price list. Some thirty or more of the employees accepted the price list and returned to work, but the majority did not do so. Thereupon others were hired as opportunity offered, residents of the town being preferred.

On February 2, the Board visited the factory and were informed by the superintendent that the reduction was necessary and reasonable, that there had been a lack of discipline and good order in the factory for some little time, that the employer declined to treat with the unions or their representatives, and must insist upon hiring workmen as individuals; that the determination was to run a "free shop"