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CHAPTER VIII.

great enterprise impressed us as more autocratic than anything we saw
elsewhere, and we doubt if anything of the kind would be possible to-day
in industry in any Indian province. We readily admit that the autocracy
 is, in a large measure, benevolent, and that the workers’ physical
needs receive a large amount of care. Wages by Indian standards are
high and hours generally satisfactory, welfare activities of various kinds
are carried on with vigour and success, the standard of living is comparatively
 high and, if a much stricter discipline is demanded than is
usual in Indian industry, the increased efficiency of the workers is reflected
in their material betterment. The workers made no representation to us,
but we note that a petition presented to the Governor of Burma on their
behalf, of which copies were given to us by the Corporation, stated that
they “have no grievances to recite, no cause to represent ”. Although
we find it difficult to accept this as a complete statement of the position,
we must regard the fact that the Corporation, without any recruiting
activity, can secure a large labour force in a most isolated spot, as clear
evidence of the attractions it offers. But there is another aspect of the
position. We were informed by the General Manager that the management
had built up a sort of patriarchal system and that they were convinced
that it is far more to the interests of the workers and the industry generally
than a system where there are trade unions and political organisations.
He also said that, during his service with the Corporation, there had
never been any collective representation made by the workers on matters
connected with their employment. Occasionally a man would approach
him with a petition written by a petition-writer saying he had been unjustly
 dismissed and praying that he might be reinstated, but, when the
matter was investigated, it was always found that the man had no cause
of complaint and that he had been justly dismissed. In this settlement,
to which access is at times not easy without the assistance of the management
 and in which residence without their consent is difficult, the control
of the employers over the work and life of the workers is comprehensive.
We recognise that the circumstances are altogether exceptional and that
with an extraordinary mixture of races, each housed in separate camps,
effective combination would not be easy to establish, even if the employers
favoured its creation. But we consider that there should be some recognition
 of the workers’ collective rights, and some means by which
when necessary, they can effectively present their case. We recommend
the appointment of a labour officer, who, amongst his other duties, should
direct his attention to the formation of suitable works committees.
Official Regulations.
Two questions in connection with the regulation of labour conditions
 in this enterprise call for comment. In the first place, lead poisoning
 is a factor which has to be considered in connection with the health
of the settlement. We recommend that government should frame regulations,
 after consultation with the Corporation and after examining the
rules in force in other countries. We de not intend to imply that the
Corporation has taken no action in the matter. We understand that no
person is employed until he has been examined and passed as fit for work