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50 LABOUR IN MADRAS ness of the scandal. If these troubles are to go on for some time more, we are afraid the situation in the City will become more and more difficult. An impression has moreover been created among the men, mainly due to Police activities near the mills, that the Governo ment are backing up the employers, though their treatment of the men is clearly unjust, and that again adds to the seriousness of the situation. EIGHTEENTH MEETING On October 6th, the 18th meeting of the Labour Union was held to celebrate the victory of the Allies, on all fronts. Mr. B. P. Wadia presided and addressed the meeting on the singnificance of the victory. As a special second meeting (No. 20) was held for the purpose and Mr. Wadia's speech reported, we do not publish this here. were NINETEENTH MEETING • On November 9th was held the 19th meeting of the Union at which Mr. Wadia presided and made the following speech : My Brothers,—In this meeting the first point that I want to put to you is about our rice stores. I have here a petition from some of our members and I want you to clearly understand the position. Rice is very difficult to obtain in the city of Madras at the present time. Proper arrangements have been made by us and our store will always be kept open. To-morrow, as usual, the stores will be open. On Thursday also, as is requested by some of the petitioners, the stores will be open. But it is very difficult, as I said, to get rice,