Nottingham Munition Tribunal, 5th July 1916

“NOTTINGHAM MUNITIONS TRIBUNAL.

“OBJECTED TO WORKING UNDER AN ARMENIAN FOREMAN.

“Captain J. A. H. Green presided over the Nottingham Munitions Tribunal at the Guildhall to-day [5th July1916], when several applications for certificates of discharge were considered.

“A toolmaker, who asked for a certificate of discharge, expressed a desire to go to London to work and improve his position. One reason why he wished to leave was that the foreman was Armenian, born in Budapest, and he objected to work under him.

“Captain Green: How long- have you made your mind up that it is unpatriotic to work under this man? — Ever since he came.

“A letter was read from the firm, explaining that the applicant was an efficient workman, and was paid 5s. a week above the district rate. They were not sorry to have an opportunity of declaring that the foreman was an Armenian, and held a certificate exempting him from the restrictions governing enemy aliens. He was a member of the Amalgamated Engineers, and was authorised by the Minister of Munitions to wear a war badge.

“The Chairman said the application would be refused, as the man was employed in useful work, and the firm were treating him fairly. The point regarding the foreman was not worthy of consideration.

“An Ilkeston bricklayer submitted that he was unable to earn sufficient money in his present situation to maintain an invalid wife. His average earnings for the past twelve months amounted to £1 11s. a week, and he was paid 8d. an hour, but was not permitted to make up the time he lost in consequence of the wet weather.

“Applicant confessed that last week he earned £3 2s. 11d., and that his wages for the past six months averaged 34s. He had been granted exemption from military service conditionally that he remained in employment as a pan-feeder.

“Capt. Green expressed the view that the case did not come within the Act, and that a certificate was not necessary.”

'Nottingham Evening Post', 5th July 1916.