OPINIONS OF EMPLOYERS. 71 “ We cannot say that extra zeal on the part of the rank and file is very evident, hut the more intelligent the worker the more highly “ he or she appreciates the system. “ During its operation we have apportioned nearly £100,000 as the u workers’ share of our profits. Undoubtedly a part of this is the result of the increased interest of our workers, but to what extent “it is impossible to say, certainly not all. We have never advocated “ the system as enabling an employer to make more money for himself, “ but as a benefit mainly to the workers, without too great cost to the “ employer. “ While there can be no guarantee of industrial peace, the com- “ munity of interests fostered by the system undoubtedly promotes “ harmonious relations between employer and employed and thus “ reduces the risk of labour disputes to a minimum.” “ K. K.” writes : — “We have every reason to be satisfied with the working of the “ scheme. There is a general good tone amongst our people and a “ keen interest in the prosperity of the Company, particularly on the “ part of old servants. It is impossible to estimate the money effect “ on the Company, but our feeling is that we lose nothing and probably “ gain something by the scheme. We attach much importance to the “ fact that no one has ever been promised anything in the way of “ Bonus; it has come as an agreeable surprise and as a gift. We keep “ the Bonus as private as ppssible both as regards the names of the “ participants and the amounts of Bonus and the method of “ calculation.” Mr. Tom Morley, printer, writes; — “ My opinion is that after receiving the Bonus a few times, it is “ taken as being part of the wages and does not make much difference, “ except in isolated cases, but 1 think it helps to make things run a “ little smoother.” Messrs. Humphries & Bobbett, corn millers, write : — “ We have had no friction with our men at all.” Messrs. Hollason & Jones, brace, belt, and garter web manu facturers, write : — “ In our opinion profit-sharing has been satisfactory to a certain “ extent. We consider that the nature of the scheme, which is only a “ partial one, prevents it being as satisfactory as it might be. We “ think that to be perfectly satisfactory the amount given as Bonus, “ or at least a part of it, should be left in as capital and a dividend “ paid on this capital, at the same rate as the ordinary capital of the “ firm or Company. We think that arrangements of this kind do tend “ to promote harmonious relations between employer and employed, “ but it is impossible to say to what extent. Speaking for ourselves, “ there have been no strikes or serious disputes here.” Messrs. Wyles Bros., Ltd., wholesale boot and shoe merchants, write: — “ Our experience of Profit-sharing amongst the general employees is, “ that it is very much appreciated by all concerned and with us has “ been very successful. The best of feeling prevails amongst the “ employees, and labour disputes are unknown to us. Several of our “ employees have been with the firm between 20 and 30 years. “ The prospect of receiving a Bonus at the end of the year “ undoubtedly calls forth extra zeal on the part of the employees, who “ are aware this payment annually is quite optional on the part of “ Directors and is subject to satisfactory trading results.” Mr. Daniel Cameron, of Messrs. D. Cameron & Son, builders, writes: — “ The giving a Bonus certainly promoted zeal and greater interest. “ But with some natures it promotes arrogance and a sense of over- “ importance and sometimes cheekiness. But to the prudent and “ discreet it makes better servants throughout and prevents the incli- “ nation to strike and causes those who are getting a Bonus to sever