The Sun.
London, England, 1861-07-02 00:00:00

THE BUILDERS' STRIKE.

Yesterday being the time fixed upon by the mem-
bers of the Master Builders' Association for putting
into operation the resolution adopted at their late
meeting, to enforce the new system of payment
and engagement by the hour, much interest was
evinced not only by the operatives in the trade
more immediately concerned but by the working
classes generally in the result of the proceedings.
Only a few firms, however, carried out the resolution.
On inquiry at the committee-rooms of the Brick-
layers' Society, the branch of the trade more imme-
diately interested, as their men were to leave all
the firms where the system was introduced, we
were informed that up to five o'clock last evening
they had received information only of the following
firms having enforced the terms of the resolution,
viz. :—Messrs. Cubitt, Myers, I'Anson, Higgs,
Patrick, Foster, and a few of the small masters—
in all about 12. This list is exclusive of the firms
(10 in number) where it had been previously intro-
duced. At several of the large works, amongst
others those of the Metropolitan Railway, the
Sewers Works, &c., no alteration has been made.
It is thought that there are a few other firms where
the system has been enforced, but no report had
been made to the society.
Several of the large employers, who have exten-
sive contracts in hand, and by whom it was sup-
posed the system would be enforced yesterday, came
to the decision of first having conferences with
their men, with the view, if possible, of averting
the evil to both parties • and this had also the effect
of making the number fess than was expected. The
following large firms, including those who adopted
it yesterday, are reported as now enforcing the hour
system :—Messrs. Belk, Lucas, Trollope, Walker,
Ashby, Mansfield, Holland, Freake, I'Anson,
Cubitt, Myers, Higgs, Patrick, and Wythes. These
firms, with the exception of the first two, are
almost without masons and bricklayers, and their
works are at a stand-still. There are 27 firms,
large and small, now paying upon the terms of
the compromise:

It appears from the strike pay-sheets of the brick-
layers that on Friday last, out of 84 men receiving
the strike pay, there were 40 non-society men who
had turned out against the system. So few com-
paratively of the employers having enforced the
new system, the carpenters have not thought it
expedient at present to strike at any of the shops,
as was their intention last week, but to allow all
the men for the present to remain in under protest.
The plasterers have not yet come to any final deci-
sion as to the course to be pursued by their trade.

COUNTRY MARKETS.

COLCHESTER-JUNE 29.

A week of showery weather. Not so large a supply of
wheat. Best samples at the prices of last week; inferior
dull, and unsaleable. Spring corn meet with little demand
at late rates.

Wheat, white s6s to 62s Beans, Mazagan.. 36 to 42s
red 44s to 56s Middle & small 38s to 44s
Barley —s to —s White peas 44,, to 48s
Oats —s to —s Grey.. 38s to 44s

CHELMSFORD-JUNE 28.

A rather limited supply of wheat, but the greater part
out of condition. Best wheats again receded is per qr on
last week; inferior qualities fully 2s per qr. cheaper, and at
that reduction very little business doing. Spring corn dull,
at about late quotations.
Wheat. white 29s to 61s
red 38s to 57s
Barley 29s to 42s
Chevalier 32s to 45s
Grinding 26s to 37s
Malt 61s to 67s
Chevalier 64s to 69s
Oats 26s to 31s

Peas, Partridge ..44s to 454
White 43s to 46s
Boiling 43s to 47s
Dun 4os to 43s
Beans, Tick 39s to 483
Harrow Ticks 39s to 50s
Mazagan 33s to 45s