The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1872-02-10 00:00:00

fly sthurtrittge qserbtr.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1872.

LABOUR AND WAGES QUESTION

AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS.

The adjourned meeting of agricultural la-
bourers was held at Hagley on Monday evening,
in the large room at Mr. Tompkins's, the Prince
of Wales Inn. The room was crowded to ex-
cess with labourers from Pedmore, Hagley,
Broom, Clent, Belbroughten, Cookley, Binver,
Wolverley, aud Churchill.
Mr. T. Hunt (of Stourbridge) was voted to
the chair, who having read tho notice calling the
meeting, read the following letter:—

"Hen and Chickens Hotel, Birmiatthain.

" Sir,—Having read in the Birmingham papers an
account of your meeting, I beg to inform you that a
meekly is now forming with the view of ud--isting the
agricultural labourers throughout the country to better
their condition, and should be glad it you will put your-
self in communication with me on the subject. Anything
you may say in confidence ; no use mill be made of your
name unless you wish it, if there in any objection.

" Upon my rottim to town I will send you a prospectus,
so that I know who to send it to.
"Yours truly,
" H. ABBOTT.

"The Chairman of the Meeting."
The Chairman said they were going in the
right direction. He should be glad to hear
what the deputation had to say.
One of the men said he had waited upon his
master, Mr. N. Smith, farmer, who said that he
knew nothing about the meeting, but if any
other master gave the money asked be would do
the same—(applause). Mr. G. Grazebrook had
also offered to do the same—(applause).
The deputation who waited upon Mr. S. Smith
said he knew nothing about the meeting; neither
did he waiit to know— (laughter. A voice: We
don't suppose he dues).
The answer Mr. James Smith, farmer, gave
was that he could pay men what money he liked
without the meeting interfering, and if he got a
man who did not suit him he should turn him off
and get another.
. .

A '-'mat. from Cookley said he called upon Mr.
Bird and asked him for an increase of wages,
and was informed if he got it he would have to
go elsewhere.
Mr. Harrison, farmer, offered to give the in-
crease if any one else would—(great cheering).
Mr. Trow told the deputation that if he had
to raise the wages he should increase the rents
of the cottages from £4 to £7.
Mr. Moreton, of Broom, said if other farmers
would give the increase he would do the same
(cheers).
Mr. Wilson of Broom, agreed to give the rise
when the men could see to work 12 hours per
day.
The above were the only answers received.
..„ . . .

The Chairman said they had met that evening
together, and it was one of the most important
meetings in their lives. They had met to dis-
cuss the best means of obtaining an increase of
wages, and getting better pay for their work.
The ironworkers, the colliers, and the various
trades in the district had agitated for an increase
of wages and less hours. Even the 'milers had
got a rise of 10 per cent., and if all other classes
were getting higher wages he did not see why
the agricultural labourers should not— (ap-
plause). Meat and provisions were much dearer
now than formerly, and he considered the labour-
ing men were justly entitled to an increase of
wages. The Chairman exhorted the men to be
united, as unity was strength, and if they were
firm he had Ito doubt that the masters would give
the increase asked, as they (the masters) were
receiving the benefit of the high prices of sheep
and cattle. It was a very important question
for those present, and he hoped they would dis-
cuss it fairly, and whatever decision they arrived
at he hoped they would all be firm and abide hSr
the resolution they might come to that night.
One of the workmen next addressed the meet-
ing, and said he hoped if they decided to strike
they would act as men, not as mice —(laughter
and applause). . _

After semi: discussion, it was proposed by a
Wolverley man, and seconded by a Kinver work.
man,—" 'iliat it is the opinion of this meeting
we give our masters notice for au increase ul
wages from our present rate to 2s 6il per day ; to
nceive the same perquisites as at the present
time, and where beer is not allowed is per week
extra; waggoners, cowmen, and shepherds to be
raised accordingly; the hours to be as at present,
except Saturday ; and to leave work in the sum-
mer at five o'clock and in the winter at four
o'clock."

" Resolved—that unless the masters comply
with the above I esolutions, to give them 14 da)
notice on Saturday next.'
It was stated in the room that a farmer at
Pedmore gave his waggoner 14 days' notice to
1, ave on sod urday last. On toeing asked what
he had against Mon. the man was informed thod
it was for attending the meeting at Hagle).
this being made known greet indignation was
felt by those present, and a strong feeling was
I mtuitested against such tyranny.
A vote of thal:ka to the Cnahman e10,,d the
pioceediugs.

We may mention that the resolutions passed
do not apply to Beibroughton, the labourers of
,ehich place are calling a meeting amongst them,
;eves.

The meeting was adjourneed until Monday
evening next.

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