D. A, DONOVAN & CO.-LYNN,

On February 16; notice was received from the firm of D. A. Donovan & Co., of Lynn, shoe manufacturers, stating that a strike had occurred in their factory on the preceding day by reason of a difference about the wages to be paid to their cutters.

The Board promptly placed itself in communication with the parties interested, and February 17, with the effective co-operation of the Hon. E. B. Hayes with the Board, the difficulty was adjusted by agreement, a copy of which was filed with the Board.

JAMES PHELAN & SONS-LYNN.

On February 24 the Board having received notice of a strike in the factory of James Phelan & Sons, of Lynn, shoe manufacturers, on the part of the hand-sewers in their employ engaged upon "turned" work, separate interviews were had, and later, a conference between the firm and a committee of employees was had at the rooms of the Lynn Board of Trade, in the presence of a member of the State Board, and the secretary of the Lynn Board of Trade.

The offer then made by the firm was submitted on the following day to a meeting of the shop's crew, and afterwards to the union; and after much discussion, and upon the assurance that some changes would be made for the greater convenience of the workmen, the offer was accepted and a settlement agreed to.

HARNEY BROTHERS - LYNN.

On February 24 notice was received of a strike of lasters and sole-fasteners employed by Harney Brothers of Lynn, shoe manufacturers. The next day the Board had communication with the parties. The firm expressed its willingness to leave the question to the State Board, or the local Board of Trade, or any fair tribunal.

At the suggestion of the State Board, committees of conference were appointed, but it was found to be necessary to call in the joint local council. Subsequently on the 26th a committee of the council was chosen, and met the firm at the rooms of the Board of Trade, in the presence of a member of the State Board and the secretary of the Board of Trade. The conference lasted till midnight, and all matters in dispute were adjusted, except one, which was satisfactorily arranged on the following day, and on March 1 all hands returned to work.

LYNN COAL DEALERS-LYNN.

On March 26, 1897, the following decision was rendered:

In the matter of the joint application of the Coal Dealers of Lynn and the Coal Handlers of that city.

PETITION FILED FEBRUARY 26, 1897.

HEARING, MARCH 3.

This case arises out of a demand on the part of the coal dealers of Lynn for a lower price to be paid for unloading coal at the wharves. There are six gangs of coal handlers in the city, and the Board is expected to award a price per ton, to be divided among the seven men who constitute the gang, and also a price per hour for extra wheelers.

After full hearing and discussion of the circumstances of the case, the Board recommends that the sum of twenty-two cents a ton be paid, and fifty cents an hour for extra wheeling.

By the Board,

BERNARD F. SUPPLE, Clerk.

Result.The decision was accepted by all

concerned.

WILLIAMS, CLARK & CO. —LYNN.

On March 8 something like a general strike occurred in the factory of Williams, Clark & Co., of Lynn. The lasters, sole-fasteners, trimmers, heelers, beaters-out and edge-setters, or most of them, left their work. The grievance was the same as at the time of the application made to the Board in December, 1896, the report of which is included in this volume, the firm having done nothing to conform to the recommendations made by the Board. Communication was had with the agent of the lasters' union, who said that the matter was under the direction of the "joint council, No. 4;" and when the firm was advised of the Board's readiness to mediate, the reply was that they had no suggestions to offer.

A few days afterwards the striking employees were paid off, and attempts were made to procure new operatives in their places. On the 14th, the Board called upon the firm the firm and found that a few new men had been hired.