THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY AND THE CRISIS OF 1922. By A.
Shadwell. (Murray. is. 6d. net.)
Dr. Shadwell's pamphlet, like everything he writes, is clear, well informed and dispassionate. He explains the true lessons of the recent engineering strike by placing it in its historical perspective, incidentally correcting the very unfair account of the dispute of 1897 which Mr. and Mrs. Webb give in their History of Trade Unionism. Dr. Shadwell lays stress on the special character of the engineering industry, which depends for success on the ready initiative and unceasing enterprise of the employers no less than on the skill of the craftsmen. Regulations that are suitable for industries of mass-production like the cotton trade would kill our great engineering industry. On the general question Dr. Shadwell observes with truth that "if trade unions wish to acquire control of industry, or a share of it, they must be prepared to undertake a corresponding measure of responsibility."
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