There was no suggestion of extreme measures.
Their demands were reasonable, and it was believed that the employers were prepared to give fair consideration--indeed, members had had assurance from an authoritative quarter on the other side that such was the case.
Notwithstanding the moderate tone adopted in presenting it, the resolution met with strenuous opposition.

The great majority of those present were quiet, steady-going men who wanted chiefly to be let alone at their work and who were hostile to the suggested action, which might finally land them in "trouble." The old-time workers in the Maitland Mills had no grievances against their employer.

They, of course, would gladly accept an increase in wages, for the cost of living was steadily climbing, but they disliked intensely the proposed method of making a general demand for an increase in wages and for better conditions.
The sporting element in the meeting were frankly and fiercely antagonistic to anything that would disturb the present friendly relation with their employers in the Maitland Mills.

"The old man" had always done the square thing.

He had shown himself a "regular fellow" in backing them up in all their games during the past year.