14 JANUARY 1928, Page 3

There is to be a, conference between employers and men

within the next few days, but there can be little doubt that the men will be bitterly opposed to the employers' scheme. They will have a strong case if they can prove, as it is believed they can, that wages account for a comparatively small proportion of the price of cotton goods. As for the increase of hours, it is obvious that longer hours increase . overhead charges and shorter hours reduce them. It may be said that the proposed increase is only theoretical because many of the operatives are already . on short time. In that case, however, one can only say that the theoretical c_ure is not a practical one.