F. Einigungsamt. 
701 
877. Are any of those gentlemen manufacturers? — One of those 
zentlemen is a manufacturer; there are only two of the councillors that 
are manufacturers. I have another, signed by the provost and magistrates 
of last year, to the same effect; it is as follows: 
— „I certify that when in office as chief magistrate last year, I 
understood that the table of prices instituted originally by the manufac- 
turers for regulating certain fabrics of goods called trimmings, had been 
of benefit to both masters and workmen, and have often heard several 
manufacturers especially state so. ; 
„Paisley, 25 June 18834. 
„We cordially agree with the above statement: James Buchanan, 
late magistrate; John Hart, late Magistrate, Peter Brough, late Magistrate.“ 
878. You mean that both the reformed and the unreformed magi- 
stracy of Paisley gave their full‘ sanction to the utility of this table of 
prices? — Yes. 
879. Will you state your own opinion, as a weaver long in the 
trade, in what form and shape these wishes and desires of the well-paying 
manufacturers could be rendered more effectual, in preventing underselling 
and those reductions in prices which gambling and speculating manufac- 
kurers may be disposed to endeavour to introduce? — I know that my 
opinion differs from some others; but the Legislature passed an Act for 
settling . disputes . between masters and workmen, which has been pro- 
Juctive of the best effects, 
880. What Act do you refer to? — I think it is an Act of 1824. 
That Act provides, that in cases of dispute one weaver and one manu- 
facturer shall examine and decide upon the case; and, if not agreeing, 
the magistrate who gave the order acts as umpire. Now an Act to ap- 
„oint six or more of each class to make arrangements, that might pre- 
vent disputes, and allow the trade to go on to the best advantage for 
all parties; and in case of disagreement, I think the local authorities in 
‘he places where the dispute might arise would be most competent to 
decide upon the merits of the question. Others think there ought to be 
a central committee in London, that ought to take cognizance that Lan- 
sashire should not compete with Scotland or Scotland with Lancashire- 
But I think there would not be much machinery needed about it. I think 
“hat if that arbitration Act was extended to empower magistrates to Con- 
vene the two bodies, and to fix the prices among themselves, and if 
‘hey disagreed among themselves, that the magistrates should fix them, 
[ think that would do, at least I should like to see it tried; and if that 
3id not do I should be quite willing to give it’ up, and try something better, 
881.. Do you think it might be desirable that one or. two persons 
who have been manufacturers, but were no longer in the trade, or some 
neutral person, such as a merchant, or in some other capacity, who knew 
John Orr.“