HARNEY BROTHERS-LYNN.

On July 22 occurred a strike of the cutters employed by Harney Brothers of Lynn, shoe manufacturers. Two days afterwards the Board opened communication with both sides to the dispute, which arose out of a reduction in the price list for cutting. It was ascertained that the firm would consent to submit the question of wages to the State Board and re-instate the strikers, pending arbitration. On the 26th, the executive board of the Knights of Labor voted to join in an application to the State Board and permit all the men to return to work who wished to do so, but stipulating that they should return under the former prices and not under the reduced scale, pending arbitration. The firm being advised of this action, adhered to its original position, but said they would not agree to pay former prices pending a decision. The next day the situation was made more difficult by a vote of the shop's crew, to the effect that they should not only

insist upon the former prices, pending arbitration, but should object to going to work with men who had been hired by the firm since the beginning of the strike. The firm being informed by the State Board of the condition of affairs, said that on the whole they were as well satisfied to let matters stay as they were; that they had succeeded beyond their expectation in obtaining a sufficient number of new cutters; that they no longer desired the return of the strikers; that they would not treat with or recognize the union in any way, and requested the State Board to take no further action in the matter.

Subsequently, however, the matter was settled on or about August 16, under an agreement fixing the wages, and providing that the men who had been hired during the strike should be retained and all of the old employees who wished to return to work were to be re-instated.

C. F. DRISCOLL-HOLLISTON.

A joint application was received on August 25 from C. F. Driscoll, of Holliston, shoe manufacturer, and his employees, relating to wages. The case was assigned for a hearing on August 30, and the parties notified accordingly. But on the 28th a letter was received from John F. Tobin, representing the employees, stating that nearly all the items in dispute had been settled by agreement, and suggesting that further time be allowed to enable the parties to come to an agreement concerning what was left. Accordingly, with the approval of the employer, the hearing was postponed, subject to the action of either party.

Subsequently, on September 27, Mr. Tobin informed the Board that all the items, except the lasting, had been settled, but that it would be necessary for the Board to settle that part of the controversy.

A hearing was accordingly had at Holliston on October 28, and five days later the following decision was rendered:

In the matter of the joint application of C. F. Driscoll, of Holliston, and his employees.

PETITION FILED Aug. 25, 1897.

HEARING, OCт. 8, 1897.

Since the filing of the application in this case, the parties concerned have settled by agreement all the differences between them, except the price for lasting boys' split boots.

Having duly considered this matter, the Board recommends that the sum of forty-one and one-half cents per dozen pairs be paid in the factory in question for lasting boys' boots by hand.

By agreement of the parties this decision is to take effect from the twentieth day of August, A.D. 1897. By the Board,

BERNARD F. SUPPLE, Clerk.

Result.-The decision

-The decision was accepted

by all

parties concerned.

B. H. SPAULDING-MILFORD.

On August 24 the State Board received notice that on the day next preceding a strike had occurred in the factory of B. H. Spaulding, of Milford, manufacturer of straw goods. The point at issue was a proposed reduction of wages for sewing straw braid of different kinds and qualities. After a conference between the employer and employees, all agreed that work should be resumed and the dispute left to the decision of the State Board. A formal application was made and signed, and a hearing was had at the factory on August 31. Subsequently on September 29 the following decision was rendered:

In the matter of the joint application of B. H. Spaulding, of Milford, and his employees.

PETITION FILED AUG. 25, 1897.

HEARING, AUG. 31, 1897.

In this case the Board is requested to pass upon a proposed reduction in the wages for sewing braids for straw hats.

After careful consideration, the Board recommends that the following prices be paid in the factory of B. H. Spaulding, at Milford: