MARCH OF MASKED MEN.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1891, 28 October 1913, Page 9

MARCH OF MASKED MEN.

NOVEL PROTEST AGAINST OFFICE SWEATING. Masked clerks carrying Bandwich boards called attention to their grievances and their union in London recently by marching through tho West End to Hyde Park, where a demonstration was held. This method of advertisement, it was stated, was not so much to liido tho identity of the clerks as to call attention to tho procession. The demonstration was organised by the London District Council of tho National Union of Clerks. The London branch numbers 3000 members, and of thoso soventy were bold enough to promiso to parade themsolvcs and march as sandwichmon, and about thirty turned up at tho Embankment to fulfil their promise. They were accompanied by several lady clerks, who walked through tho streets unmasked, also carrying sandwichboards. Titles from up-to-dato plays wero neatly blended to call attention to tho grievances of the brethren of tho pen, v.hich were succinctly set forth on light sandwich cardboards. There was a variety of patterns in tho masks worn, from tho heavy black and deeply fringed domino of tho highwayman to motor gngglos worn by ono or two of tho more picsperous-look'ing of tho processionists. On reaching Hydo Park tho clerks unmnskod and aired their grievances before ?.n audionccs of several hundred peoplo Tho reforms for which they aro agitating aro compulsory inspection of offices by Govornmont inspectors, to ensure healthy and sanitary working conditions, a minimum wago of Sos. a week and overtime, reform of tho secret reference system, and a system of day classes for young clerks to supersede tho present night classes.