222 LABOUR IN MADRAS the next election we-that is the labourers working in factories--would bave their representatives on the Provincial Councils, I think to a certain extent, not altogether, it would meet the desires and wishes of the labourers I have the honour to represent. But what you really want is to have the franchise widened immediately, if at all possible ?... That is of course what would be the first and best thing I would ask for. But when you are speaking of promises I would not be satisfied with a promise which is not absolutely incorporated in the Statute, as it comes to be framed, so that at the next step we are sure of getting in as a matter of course. SIR J. D. REES May I ask you one or two questions? But not to approach you like a wolf in sheep's clothing, I must say that I am a director of railways, mines and tea and coffee estates in India. You have only 20,000 in your unions in Madras ?... In the city of Madras, Yes. It is the day of small things in that respect ? Yes. You had what you yourself described as a wellmanaged strike at the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills. ? No, there was no strike but there were two lock•outs in the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills. The strikes I referred to were of the tramwaymen. You referred to various causes which are likely to give trouble in labour--forces let loose by the war and the Russian Revolution which have widened and colour ed the political outlook. So far as your association is concerned did you point out the appalling results of the Russian Revolution ?... Yes: All the vernacular newsPapers and the English newspapers naturally give the
