﻿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