1915-06-28ii

The word slacker was in frequent use during the early summer of 1915 in Hamilton.

Usually it referred to men of military age who had managed to avoid volunteering to join the army and wage war in Western Europe.

However, the Hamilton Herald reported, on June 28, 1915, that there was another segment of the community being targeted with the word slacker:

“That the young men who refused to enlist for service, of the workmen who refuse to do their bit in the shops, are not the only, nor the worst shirkers, was a statement made to a Herald man by a prominent Hamilton manufacturer and member of the Canadian Manufacturers’ association today.

“He contends that a number of manufacturers in Hamilton and in other parts of Canada are worse than these men, because these manufacturers are refusing to do their bit through greed of gain.”¹

¹ “Says Manufacturers Are Among Slackers”

Hamilton Herald. June 28, 1915

The manufacturer, although not identified, was quoted at length about his view that some manufacturers were slackers:

“ ‘I know there are manufacturers in Hamilton, and throughout Canada, who will not undertake to manufacture shells or shell parts because they cannot get a fat profit out of the work,’ he stated. ‘The manufacturers who have looked into the matter are satisfied they can get their overhead charges out of the work, and that while they might not make even a fair profit, they can get through with a whole skin, and perhaps make a little. But even if they cannot make a profit, what right have they, at a time like this, to stand back and look for profits when they know that in doing this work, they are aiding the empire in a great crisis? The situation is shameful and alarming, and should be remedied.’

‘ ‘It is a patriotic duty to do this work, but if they cannot see it this way, there is another viewpoint that they should have. If Britain fails to crush Germany, it will be because she cannot get enough shells. In that event, what will become of Canadian and all other British manufacturers? We need not go far for the answer. They will be in a bad way. So there is a selfish reason behind it that might appeal to some of them – the protection of their own interests.If they cannot see this as a duty, they should at least be wise enough to see it as a protection for themselves, and undertake the work. Many of them can easily install machinery who are rejecting offers of orders to make shells or shell parts by the statement that they are not equipped to do the work. It is time something was done to stir these chaps up,’ he concluded.”¹

¹ “Says Manufacturers Are Slackers”

Hamilton Herald     June 28, 1915