SIDELIGHTS ON WHITELEY'S.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81918, 15 February 1907, Page 4

SIDELIGHTS ON WHITELEY'S.

AX UXPOPULAK EMPLOI'LII.' A representative of the Grey Argus, on learning that ilr I'. Bock, of drey mouth, worked, iu Wlutelijy's estau>lislimeiit, had au interesting chat with him, aud learui uiucli that will prove of interest to the pulilie. .Mr Beck stated that the news of White.ey's murder would cause a great sensation in London, where lie was looked w.tn. fear by his employees and respect iu liiianeial circles. The establishment run by Wluteley was an enormous one. and comprised almost everything from a pin t,o an elephant. There were over GWK) employees, and the business was run like clockwork. The employees were like so many machines, and if they made a mistake were instantly dismissed Uo matter how long they had been in the service. Wniteley was a bumptious man, and every morning drove to the establishment ill a buggy and pair. He walked through the establishment and treated the inen like a bully, if he noticed a man idle be would call him and tell him lo go and get paid off All were in fear of him. When anyone was engaged lie was presented with a ropy of tin- rules of the establishment, and on reading .Mr Beck's eopv one ean sec they are most drastic and would not l>e tolerated in a country like New Zealand. The employees have their meal< on the premise, and vvark from (.30 a<ni. to 6.30 p.m. The fallowing extract from the rule book will lie of interest:

Every) employee is liable to be discharged without -previous liotic and ha,s the same privilege of leaving. Every employee shall, 011 admission, sign 'the Engagement Book, and thereby admit the terms of the engagement and that previous notice to leave is ueither given nor required. Half an hour is allowed for dinner, and a quarter of an hour for tea. Ten minutes are allowed for wash- j ing the hands. Each lady in the shop is to be dress ; ed in plain black stuff dn->-. made to clear the ground. Plain linen sailor collars and cuffs. No colour and only black jewellery. No rings to be used in business by anyone. Never ask customers if thev will have good.? entered. Any assistant taking bad money must pay the full amount. (lossiping, loitering, standing close together, or making unnecessary noise is strictly prohibited. Smoking is strictly pronibitcd. Any assistant found with matches in her or hi? possesion will be instantlv dis(hargel. * Mr Heck .-tnt.Mi h- r-Invvi \ v>eive months in the establishment only because he was in search ot e.\j> .'iumrv. He thinks that the reason for the murder is that Rayner went to WhiLelev to ask for employment. Widtelev never treated men with respect, and 110 doubt llaymT was incensed at the treatment he had received and fired the shots. Whenever Whiteley had trouble with men one would call iu policeman and have them removed. Mr Beck is surprised that Whiteley escaped so long, as everyone employed by him detested him.