Chapter M: Thompson (8)

He was earnest and determined at the foundation of the Society, and
anxious for its welfare during the whole course of our existence. We
shall best show our respect to his memory by doing what we can to
preserve and perfect the Institution.

The loss of Mr Patterson was followed by the election of Mr T. H. Cann to the office of treasurer, Mr Wilson being appointed corresponding secretary, and Mr Johnson financial secretary. We will close our reference to our friend by placing on record the estimate placed upon him by the Committee who knew him.

COMMITTEE NOTICE

(_Death of Mr W. H. Patterson_)

Gentlemen,--It is with very great regret that we announce to you the
death of Mr W. H. Patterson, which took place at 6-15 P.M. on July
16th. Our regrets on this occasion are not those of formality, but
are prompted by a recognition of his worth as an official of our
organisation and his character as a fellow-worker and a man. Never
yet had any organisation a more earnest officer, nor any body of men
a more willing colleague, nor any community a more upright, honest,
and straightforward man, than our friend who has been taken from us.
He has not lived the years allotted to man, but the best part, and by
far the largest part, of his life has been spent in the cause of his
fellows. He has gone to his rest at the age of forty-nine years.
Twenty-eight of these have been spent in active, diligent
service--and useful service. He was one of the band of men who
twenty-seven years ago, in the face of difficulty, laid the
foundation of our organisation; and since that time he has been
watchful over its interests, consistent in his desire to benefit the
members, and unwearied and uncomplaining in his endeavours to
strengthen the structure he helped to rear. It was not his privilege
"to die in harness," as we are confident it would have been his
pleasure; but those of us who had the opportunity of judging know how
anxious he was, so long as he could get about, to do and advise
whenever he could. The name of W. H. Patterson is wove into the web
of our Institution, and his life will be a blessing after he has gone
from our midst. The good that he has done will live after him. Happy
shall we be if the same be said of us when Death gathers us in.

_July 17th, 1896._

1897

Miners' Federation--Washington Strike

The year 1897 was memorable for two things: the refusal of the Miners' Federation to accept Durham as a member unless the county would agree to support a legislative Eight Hours' Bill, and the conflict between the Executive Committee and Washington Lodge, which settled the question once for all whether money could be paid if a colliery were stopped illegally, even if the Council decided to pay. These we will take in the order stated. Towards the end of 1896 it was decided to join the Miners' Federation. The information was sent to Mr Ashton, the secretary of the Federation, and the application was accepted. Then arose the question as to the meaning of Object 5:

"To seek and obtain an eight hours' day from bank to bank in all
mines for all persons working underground."

In order that the intention might be made clear the Executive passed the following resolution:--

That Mr Ashton be written to, asking whether Object 5 in the Miners'
Federation Rules means that the eight hours have to be obtained by
State interference alone, or by organised efforts, and whether the
districts have any option or choice in the matter.

Mr Ashton replied that Object 5 was to be brought about by organised effort or legislation, or both. As far as the district having option or choice was concerned all members were expected to be loyal to the Federation, to be guided by the rules, and assist in carrying out the resolutions passed at the conferences of the Federation. That was interpreted to mean that if Durham became a member, as all the other districts were voting for legislative action, it would be virtually bound to join in the demand for eight hours by State, and the Executive placed the question on the programme for the Council held on February 6th in the following form:--

That the county having decided to join the Miners' Federation, and we
having been informed that we must agree to support a legislative
eight hours as a condition of membership, and as we remember that the
county has decided, by ballot in 1892 and by resolution in 1895, not
to support such a measure, we cannot agree to accept that condition
until the county alter the previous resolution on the question,
either by Council, motion, or ballot.

Will delegates come prepared to say what shall be done in this
matter?

(1) Shall we rescind the previous resolutions?

(2) Shall we support an Eight Hours' Bill?

(3) Shall a ballot be taken on the subject?

The Council passed a general resolution:

"We adhere to the resolutions now standing in the Association's
minute-books--viz. that we do not go in for the parliamentary eight
hours' day, and that there be no ballot taken on the question."

That decision was sent to Mr Ashton on February 10th, the following being the letter:--

At our Council meeting held on February 6th our members decided to
abide by their previous resolution to oppose any State interference
with the hours of labour. I am instructed by our Committee to inform
you of this decision and to ask you to let us know whether under
these conditions your Executive Committee accept us as members of the
Miners' Federation of Great Britain. On the presumption that you will
accept us as members on those conditions, I enclose you a cheque on
the National Provincial Bank, value £59 (fifty-nine pounds), being
our entrance fee at one pound per thousand members.--I am yours,

JOHN WILSON.

The receipt for the entrance fee not being sent the Executive Committee wrote again on February 18th:

If you do not send the receipt the inference on all sides must be
that you do not accept us on the conditions stated (our opposition to
State interference with hours). If you do send a receipt, then we
shall conclude that you do accept us on the conditions, and there
will be no need to repeal the resolution of exclusion of 1893.

Two days after that was sent Mr Ashton sent a receipt, and said:

I have no desire to delay the matter of your district becoming
connected with the Federation. I enclose receipt for the entrance
fee.

As this was written two days after the Committee placed the alternative before the Federation it was assumed that Durham was not to be bound to the legal eight hours. This impression was communicated to Mr Ashton on February 25th, and on the 27th the Committee was surprised to be told:

"In reply to your letter of yesterday, Durham has been accepted into
the Federation as all other districts have been. Whatever resolutions
you may pass on general questions in your Council or Committee
meetings you must be governed by majorities at the Federation."

Then there arose a dispute about some contributions which were sent to Mr Ashton. The amount was £245, 16s. 8d. The dispute was as to the period which was covered by the payment. On June 30th, in a letter dealing with the disputed point, Mr Ashton said:

I think you will agree with me that the difference on the hours
question is so great that until Durham can agree to withdraw their
opposition to the Miners' Eight Hours' Bill, it is most unwise to
keep their connection with the Federation.

And on July 10th the cheque for the £245, 16s. 8d. was returned to Durham, and the separation mentioned above was effected by the return of the contributions.

The Executive Committee then summarised the situation as follows:--

We decided to join the Federation. We then found that we had
resolutions standing against the eight hours. By our own decision of
February 6th we resolved to abide by those previous resolutions. We
then informed Mr Ashton, as secretary of the Federation, that we had
so resolved, and enclosed the cheque for our entrance fee, with the
understanding that if the receipt were sent we were accepted on those
conditions. Our Council again on May 29th reaffirmed our opposition
to the eight hours, and we wrote to Mr Ashton and sent our quarter's
contributions, and said we were desirous of remaining members on wage
questions. We were then asked to say whether we could pledge the
county to come out on strike, which we could not do. The conclusion
of the whole matter then is, because we could not give a pledge to
come out on strike on every occasion when so ordered, and because we
were resolved to oppose the eight hours by State interference, our
contributions are returned, and we are told by actions--which speak
louder than words--that we are not to be members. We are not to be
allowed to judge of our own circumstances and peculiarities, but must
submit the most important part of the conditions of our labour to
those whose conditions are widely different from ours, and who,
knowing nothing of our circumstances, would force us to be guided by
the changes they require in the hours of labour.

THE WASHINGTON STRIKE

It will be observed that there has been no mention of local strikes except there be some peculiarity related to them. There is such in connection with this strike. It was of great importance to the Association and the maintenance of the rules. There had been numbers of illegal stoppages, and although the leaders and members at the lodges affected knew they were breaking the rule, yet they persisted, and were enabled to carry a vote in Council that they should be paid from the General Fund. It was felt that once and for all the question should be decided, and it should be shown that where the constitution of the Association was violated the violation should entail forfeiture of benefit, or else of what use was it to have rules or Committee of Management? To go on in such a loose manner was to make the rules a byword and a mockery. It was time they should have the seal of reality, and be placed on a sure foundation, so that order should be maintained, or at least those who with open eye did wrong should know that their action would not receive condonement, and they be paid the benefit of the Association, as if they had obeyed its provisions.

That was the question to be decided. Should the rule be the guide, and the Executive Committee have the management, or should lodges be allowed to stop their colliery in opposition to the constitution, and suffer none of the consequences? The Washington case afforded the opportunity for the settlement, and that is the reason why it is made part of this history. The dispute arose about the application of an agreement made by themselves. The nature of the agreement is of no import now. The action of the lodge and its relation to the rule is what we have to consider. The manager put one interpretation on the agreement, the workmen another, and they were the signatories. Numbers of agreements had been disputed prior to that, and had been brought before Joint Committee or some other properly arranged tribunal, and managed by the agents, or Executive, in accordance with rule. Washington, however, set rule aside, disregarded the Committee, and stopped the pit on the 10th of August. On the 11th the corresponding secretary met their deputation in Newcastle, and told them they were acting illegally, and that they could not be paid from the funds. The deputation, however, were confident the Council would grant them strike pay, although they admitted they were breaking the rule. Other means were adopted to induce them to resume work. The lodge appealed to the Council for a grant; it was not put on the programme. The trustees objected to the treasurer paying the money. They had taken the opinion of Mr Atherley Jones previously. The question submitted to the Counsel was: "Supposing a lodge came out on strike in violation of the rule, without first having obtained the permission of the Committee or Council, would the fact that the Council, after the men came out on strike, approved of their action alter the position or liability of the trustees?"

The opinion was as follows:--

MR JONES' OPINION

_August 30th, 1897._

With regard to the question raised, whether, under the circumstances
described, the trustees have power to allow payments to be made to
the men on strike who have violated Rule 50, I am of opinion that
they have no such powers, and any payment so made would appear to be
a direct breach of trust. Nor do I think the position or liability of
the trustees would in any way be altered by the subsequent vote of
the Council approving such payments. The wording of Rule 51 is quite
clear:--

"Any lodge ceasing work" "under the circumstances which have
happened" "shall forfeit all claims on this Association"; and even
though the whole Association were to vote in favour of strike pay
being granted, I cannot see how the effect of that rule could be
removed.

Standing upon that advice, the trustees refused to allow the money to be paid. The lodge requested the Executive to call a special Council to consider whether a grant should be given them. The request was refused, because, as the rules had been violated and the trustees had decided that no money should be paid, it was no use calling the Council, seeing, if the vote were given to pay, the decision could not be carried out. However, the question was brought forward at the conclusion of a Council, and the delegates decided to pay a grant equal to strike allowance, but the trustees refused to allow the money to be drawn from the bank.

The Executive then placed the position before the members. They said the giving of a grant was but a form of evading the provisions of the constitution. The decision of the Council placed the treasurer in a dilemma: either he had to refuse to pay, or face a prosecution in court for paying money contrary to rule. The Committee had, therefore, either to leave the treasurer to his own devices, or call the trustees together, and place the whole question before them. The meeting was held in the office of Dr R. S. Watson, who was one of the trustees. They decided to take the case to the Court of Chancery, and to inform the Washington Lodge of their intention, and give them the opportunity of being parties to the case. Mr Isaacs (the Association lawyer) was instructed to write the lodge, which he did. He said he was instructed to inquire whether they wished "to be a party to the proceedings, and if so, to kindly supply me with the name and address of any one of your members whom you may appoint to represent the lodge."

After some negotiations, and with the view to make the matter mutual, the Executive agreed to bear the cost of the trial for both sides. The hearing did not take place until the 8th of February 1900, but in order that we may keep it in close connection it will be well to consider it here. It was heard in the Chancery Court, before Justice Cozens Hardy. The Association was represented by Mr I. Isaacs, its legal adviser, and the lodge by Mr C. W. Newlands of South Shields. There were able barristers on both sides. The judge decided:

If these men came within Section 22 it must be because these
particular men must be considered deserving, and also within the
objects of the Association. He thought unless there was something to
strike them out the argument on their behalf was well founded. The
real question was whether, although the language of Rule 3 defining
the objects of the Association included them, they had not by 51 been
removed. He thought that was the case. He did not think he could
limit the effect of that rule so as to make it mean that they should
forfeit only the absolute right to have 10s. per week under Rule 52,
which it was admitted they had lost. He thought the exclusion applied
not merely to claims as of right, but to all protection from the
Association, and they could not be deemed legally or properly objects
of the benefits of the Association.

So far as the Executive and trustees were concerned that trial and decision were satisfactory, but the lodge said they wanted it taken to the Court of Appeal. So far as bearing the cost of the trial was concerned the pledge had been carried out, and the Committee were surprised when it was suggested to carry the case to a higher court. However, as they were desirous to have the case properly decided, and that there should be no room for doubt (the welfare of the Association being their great consideration), they agreed, and guaranteed the payment of the entire costs. The appeal was heard on November 11th and 12th, the Judges being Rigby, Romer, and Vaughan Williams.

A strong effort was made to reverse the decision. All the skill,
plausibility, and sophistry of very able lawyers were used. The rules
were purposely disparaged and travestied, in order that a prejudice
might be created against them, but the judges unanimously agreed with
the finding of the Court of Chancery.

This is a bare record of facts of a dispute and trial which was fraught with importance to the Association. It generated a great deal of bitterness. The leaders could have had no personal ends to serve. Their aim will be truly set forth by a quotation from the _Monthly Circular_ for November 1900.

MONTHLY CIRCULAR, 1900

(_The Lessons of the Trial_)

The trial is over, and, so far as any personal feelings are concerned, the sooner it is forgotten the better it will be for our Association. To guard and strengthen that should be our first thought and care. But while it will be beneficial for us to forget any attribution of ill motives, and evil speaking or ruffled feelings consequential thereto, we shall be wise men if we gather up the lessons which come to us. This battle has been fought for one purpose only, and that is to support the authority of the rules. To that end, and that alone, have our efforts been devoted. The great question at this moment is:

Whether it is better to have a set of rules which requires that the
Committee of picked men (responsible year by year to the will of the
members) should have a knowledge of, and be called in to assist in,
the settlement of disputes before a large colliery is stopped, and a
serious expenditure thrown upon the Association; or whether a lodge
shall have a free hand to stop a colliery at will, and then run a
chance of creating a favourable feeling, and receiving large sums
from the funds, when, if the Committee had been consulted, the matter
might have been settled; or if not, a strike entered upon legally.

Another lesson is that, having received the sanction of the courts to our rules, and having lifted them out of the uncertainty by which they were surrounded, we shall do well to keep them in the certainty in which they have been placed. It is very clear that an attempt will be made to alter the rules which guide this matter. If so, a lax (and ruinous) state of things will be introduced. For the last two or three years the same attempts have been made, and again this year resolutions with the same object are sent in. The rules which place the affairs of the Association in the hands of the Committee (before a stoppage) have to be erased or mutilated, and rendered useless. Surely it is better, and more conducive to the welfare of the Society, to have our affairs placed on business lines, than to have a code of rules which will admit of loose procedure, and spending illegally large sums of money, which will be wanted whenever the depression of trade sets in.

My advice to you is to consider carefully every amendment which may come before you. Trades organisations will prosper most when they are founded upon, and guided by, business principles.

1898

The Wages Question--The Compensation Act

The uncertainty which the Federation Board had pointed out as the inevitable result of the abolition of the Conciliation Board soon made itself manifest. There were continual demands being made upon the Federation Board to seek advances, but they felt how difficult it was to get reliable data upon which to found a claim. On March 22nd they gave the county an account of an interview they had with the employers on the 12th of that month. The suggestion as to the claim for an advance being made was not supported by any data, and when they met, the employers pointed out that the indications were in the direction of depression more than the expansion of trade, and therefore the Wage Committee could not recommend to the owners to concede an advance. That refusal the Board advised the workmen to accept until there was some better trade prospects.

"Like prudent men, and, acting upon the lines you would have us
proceed upon, we are convinced it will be more hurtful than useful to
initiate or press a demand for an advance unless the state of the
markets warrant such a course."

Another meeting on the wages question was held on May 25th. A strike took place in South Wales in the beginning of April, the effect of which was felt in an increased demand for the class of coal produced in this district. Their supply being cut off consumers turned to other sources, and as a consequence there was a natural feeling of unrest in Durham among the workmen. They had the impression that the whole of the produce of the county would be affected by the demand, and therefore the increase in price would be an all-round one. The Federation Board met that "false impression which we fear rests in the minds of many of our members" in a statement they sent out on the 26th of May. They pointed out two very important considerations, which the generality of members would lose sight of. There was a large amount of coal sold under contract, which would not be affected by the temporarily increased price, even if all the output of Durham had been steam coal, but it must be remembered that only nine per cent. was of that class. They then gave a calculation to show how a rise on a small percentage would affect the whole. The steam coal being the only part feeling the increase, and that class forming only nine per cent. of the total, what would be its universal effect?

"Without contending for the accuracy of the quantities let us give a
calculation which may suggest a key to the position. Of the nine per
cent. of steam coal let us suppose two-thirds of it was sold under
contract at a normal market price. We should then have only three per
cent. of the entire output getting a higher price. Let us further
suppose that this three per cent. secured an advance in the abnormal
state of the market of 6s. per ton during the strike; we should only
have realised a general increase equal to, say, 2.16d. per ton over
the whole of the coals produced."

Considering, then, the purely temporary nature of the rise in price the Board agreed to accept an advance of five per cent.--two and a half on basis rates under the usual conditions, and, with the view of meeting the exceptional circumstances, a temporary advance of two and a half for six pays. The advances were to date back for a fortnight in each case, the understanding being that if the prices fell at the end of the six pays the temporary two and a half would be discontinued. On July 22nd the Board met the employers, when the temporary advance was continued for other six pays. A subsequent meeting was held on October 29th. The employers offered to increase the temporary advance of two and a half to five for a further period of six pays. The Board was willing to take the five per cent. if it were considered a permanent advance. The settlement agreed to was an advance of two and a half, and a continuance of the temporary advance of two and a half for six pays more.

THE COMPENSATION ACT

During the Parliamentary session of 1897 the first Compensation Act was passed. The date of commencement was fixed for the 1st of July 1898. While the Act was under discussion the representative of the Durham Miners in Parliament urged strongly that, not only should facilities be given for the formation of Committees, but means should be adopted to induce employers and employed to take steps in that direction as a means of avoiding the friction and litigation which the new law involved. The idea of a Compensation Committee was from the very commencement very favourably received by the members of the Association, and the employers were as desirous on their part to join in the endeavour. There was a natural desire on the part of the Permanent Fund officials to formulate a scheme to strengthen their fund. It was found that the attempt between the Trade Unions of Northumberland, the Federation Board, and the Permanent Relief Fund to arrange a Scheme was a failure. A number of meetings of Joint Committees and Sub-Committees, representative of the various Associations, and between those Sub-Committees and the Employers, were held. The failure arose from the character of the proposition--that there should be an Insurance Fund, which would take over all the liabilities of the owners, and insure all the workmen, which, said the employers, was the primary condition. The Miners' Executive in Durham could not accept such a scheme, and they turned to the formation of a Committee representative of their Association alone, and the owners. Negotiations went on with the owners, and finally the Executive Committee asked for full power on lines which they indicated. This the county agreed to give, and an agreement was come to in time for the commencement of the Act on July 1st. The system of class average obtaining in the county lent itself to the formation and working of such a Committee. This the men readily adopted, and it was another illustration of the hold mutuality and compromise had on the men of the county as a whole. Some men would have made above the average wage, and have worked more than the agreed number of days, and as a consequence their compensation would have been greater, but it would have entailed a large amount of labour if it had been on an individual basis. But by the Committee arrangement the system worked automatically. In the formation of the Compensation Committee Durham stood alone. There was nothing like it in any other district or trade, and its action was of the greatest benefit to employers and workmen alike.

1899

Election of Mr House--The Wages again--The second Conciliation
Board--The Aged Miners' Homes--Deputies' Basis Wage

For some time there had been a growing desire for a further subdivision of the labour in connection with the agency. It was thought that it might be useful if, instead of the Joint Committee business being in the corresponding secretary's department, an agent was appointed, who should have sole charge of that Committee. This rearrangement was hastened by the passing of the Compensation Act. The work thrown upon the organisation as a result of that measure was immense owing to the very great liability there is to accidents in the miners' occupation, and consequently the large number of delicate questions that were sure to arise in the application of a complex and complicated measure such as the new Act. The Executive Committee felt that it was imperative something should be done, and, acting on their suggestion, a new department was formed. Mr W. House was the gentleman selected to fill the new office. Mr House brought to the work a very essential qualification. His ability was unquestioned, but he was also experienced, having served on the Executive and Joint Committees for some years, and was thus thoroughly prepared for taking upon himself the duties of the new office.

THE WAGES AGAIN

In considering the wage negotiations for 1898 mention was made of a temporary advance of two and a half per cent., which was given for six pays, and then carried forward other two periods of the same duration, and extended into 1899. On the 14th of January the Federation Board met the owners, their errand being to get if possible the temporary advance (which would terminate on January 21st) incorporated into the ordinary percentage. That request the employers could not grant, as the ascertained price for October and November was less than for the three months previous.

"They are willing, however, to continue the temporary advance for a
further period of six pays, or as an alternative they suggest that
this meeting be adjourned until Saturday, the 28th inst., by which
time the selling price for the quarter ending 31st of December will
be ascertained."

The Federation Board chose the extension for a further six pays, as they believed it was the most beneficial course.

The next meeting was held on April 5th. Nothing was arranged, and there was an adjournment for three weeks. At that meeting the owners said there had been a declension in the prices. After a long discussion they offered an advance of three and three quarters, bringing the percentage above the standard up to twenty-six and a quarter; and, in consideration of special circumstances, to give a temporary advance for three months of one and a quarter, and they were prepared to date it back a fortnight. The arrangement was a very unique one, and, said the Federation Board in their explanation to the members, "it arises from the operation of the two and a half temporary advance, and the fact that the adjourned meeting was not held until after the dates fixed for its termination."

THE SECOND CONCILIATION BOARD

The delay and uncertainty, both as to time for making application for, and the data upon which to found, the claim, turned the minds of the members to a renewal of the Conciliation Board, or some similar system by which wages could be regulated more smoothly and expeditiously than the policy they were pursuing. On the programme for the Council held on May 27th there appeared a resolution from Marley Hill:

"We move that the county be balloted for and against forming a
Conciliation Board."

The Executive Committee in their note on that resolution strongly recommended its adoption. It was highly desirable that the feeling of the county should be ascertained. They said:

We have previously expressed the opinion that the steadier we can
make our trade, and the more certainty we can infuse into our
industrial relationship with our employers, the better it will be for
the workmen; and there is nothing more calculated to foster this
desirable condition than the principle of conciliation. It was a
mistake when we terminated the previous Board, and this has been
revealed more fully in our negotiations with the owners in a rising
market. We feel sure we would have done better, and it would have
saved a great deal of friction, if we had had the Board. There are
other questions of great importance besides the wage question which a
Conciliation Board could deal with. We therefore advise that you
carry this resolution.

Acting on that advice the Council adopted the ballot, and by a majority of 580 in a total vote of 39,713 the Board was re-established. The Bishop (Westcott), who had been anxiously watching the course of events, came forward to offer his congratulations and assistance if required. No time was lost. The four sections were called together, and they recommended that the old rules should be adopted, and that a circular be sent out urging the acceptance of the same as the constitution of the new Board. The objects may be inserted here.

"By conciliatory means to prevent disputes and to put an end to any
that may arise, and with this view to consider and decide upon _all
claims_ that either party may, from time to time, make for a change
in county wages or county practices, _and upon any other questions_
not falling within the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee that it
may be agreed between the parties to refer to the Board."

The following was the voting on the adoption of the old rules:--

For the old Rules Against Majority
Miners 258 125 133
Enginemen 125 -- 125
Cokemen 52 3 49
Mechanics 75 -- 75

At the earliest moment after the result of the vote was known a meeting was arranged with the employers. At that meeting the employers wanted to alter the rules in one or two particulars, but the Federation Board informed them that their powers only extended to the adoption of the old rules, and if any alterations were made they would have to be referred to the members for sanction.

"It was agreed that the employers should take the statement to a full
meeting of their members, and if they persisted in desiring
amendments a further meeting should be held, but if not, then the two
secretaries should get the rules signed by the Owners' Committee and
the Federation Board."

The latter alternative was adopted. The old rules were signed as suggested. The first meeting of the Board was held on November 4th. The officers elected were Sir David Dale, Chairman; W. H. Lambton, Vice-Chairman; R. Guthrie and J. Wilson, Secretaries of their respective Associations; and Lord Davey, Umpire. It was further resolved:

"That with pays commencing 6th and 13th of November 1899, wages
should be advanced by 3¾ per cent., making the wages of
underground men, mechanics, enginemen, cokemen, and banksmen to be
33¾ per cent. above the basis of 1879, other classes of surface
labour 30¾ per cent. above the basis."

THE AGED MINERS' HOMES

In October 1899 was initiated a movement of which Durham may justly claim to be the pioneers--viz. the provision (as far as it can possibly be done) of free houses and coal for the aged mine workers. For a few years the subject had been assuming shape. Vague in its inception, by the perseverance of the originators it was inaugurated in this year. The first to make mention of such a movement was Mr J. Hopper, who subsequently became Secretary and Clerk of the Works. To him was soon joined Mr H. Wallace, land steward to Earl Ravensworth; and then other three: the Rev. Canon Moore Ede, J. Johnson, and J. Wilson. Their first step was to secure a large hall and two acres of ground near Boldon which could be made into tenements. The building was the property of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, but was rented at an easy rent. That was taken over by the Boldon workmen for their own old men. Then the Committee turned to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners again. Without entering into all the stages of the negotiations, the final result was the renting of nine acres of land in three plots situated in three different parts of the county. Just at this juncture there was an opportunity to purchase the colliery village known as Haswell Moor, consisting of 112 houses, to each of which was attached a garden. The whole of it was freehold. This fortunate bargain gave inspiration to the Committee, as it was very cheap, and an impetus to the effort, as it formed a very nice colony of old people, the cost per house being about £25.

The scheme rested on a voluntary basis. The Committee in initiating the movement resolved to keep it clear of all compulsion. Their proposition was 1s. per member from all in the Miners' Association per year, which would give £3000. The lodges responded very readily to the appeal, and were soon joined by the other three sections of the Federation Board and the deputies. In addition, the outside public sent large and generous help. One very striking letter was received, enclosing a cheque for £25, which we will record.

"Mrs Graham and I are very pleased to find that you are making such
good progress with this most useful and laudable scheme. We are quite
sure that the old folks would be more at _home_ and more comfortable
in cottages such as they have been used to all their lives instead of
being placed in specially built almshouses or hospitals.

"We would like to feel that we have made one old couple happy by
paying the cost of one of the Haswell Moor cottages, as intended to
be made fit for habitation, and therefore propose to subscribe £25."

That encouraging letter and generous gift were from Coroner Graham of Findon Hill, near Durham, and was soon followed by other expressions of sympathy and substantial help. Bishop Westcott rendered great assistance, and opened his castle at Auckland for one of the sectional meetings the Committee called as a means of bringing the question before the lodges. His lordship allowed the use of his splendid drawing-room, and presided over the meeting, and on every hand the workmen were praised for their grand work. The best commendation, however, was the comfort of the old people, and when the opening day came there could not have been found prouder men anywhere than the Committee of Management.

The opening of the first batch of houses took place at Haswell Moor in October. The ceremony was performed by Mr J. Wilson, the chairman of the General Committee, and the inaugural address was delivered by the Bishop. A quotation from the _Monthly Circular_ giving an account of the proceedings will be fitting here.

It was a great occasion, and the address was worthy of it. There was
a very large company in the tent to listen to the eloquent remarks,
but there was a larger outside who were excluded from the privilege.
To the men of mature years there was the rejoicing coming from the
past, and an exhortation to act in unity, and not to be simply
receivers, but givers of strength to the common cause. They were not
alone, not isolated separate units, but members of the great body;
strong with the strength of all, and glad with the service which they
could render to their fellows. A man who received all and gave
nothing was like the Dead Sea. However rich the floods might be that
flowed into it, it retained no life-giving, no glad force--all was
lost. In addition, there was the urging to avoid despair and have
hope. Nothing could be more fatal than to declare that, because we
were not moving with greater rapidity, the goal was unattainable. "Do
not listen to such a vision of despair, cherish the full vigour of
hope."

Let me finish with the words to the young men. I wish all could have
heard the words of wisdom as they fell from the lips of our respected
and honoured Bishop. As they could not, let me quote them, "they had
received a splendid inheritance, splendid with noble achievements and
noble traditions, and they--as men who had mastered themselves and
realised their obligations--would use it well, guard it well, and
hand it down to those who came after, enriched by the fulfilment of
hopes cherished long ago, and illuminated by the brightness of hopes
which those who came after them would perhaps be allowed to fulfil."

On that day, by the inauguration, the Durham miners took a long step in the path of benevolence, and raised themselves to a proud and prominent position amongst true reformers. It was a grand illustration of the truth that they who most practise self-help are best able and most eager to help others. A working man's income limits the possibility of giving large sums; but the many small rills make the large river. There is large philanthropy in a small gift. The volume and value of it lies in the spirit and intent which prompts it; and the ultimate success of a movement like the Aged Miners' Homes Scheme lies in the willingness of the thousands of workmen in and about the mines to assist. Based on that, the county can be studded with homes where the aged and worn-out miner and his partner can find home comfort and warmth when the sun of their life is nearing the setting and the shadows of life's evening are gathering thick around them. No young man can measure the full meaning of such provision, but all can feel the rich mental luxury which will assuredly result from taking part in the providing.

DEPUTIES' WAGES

We will close this year by a reference to a settlement made during it. This was in respect to the fixing of a basis wage for deputies. Prior to the agreement there had been a fixed wage, which was altered by adding a penny or twopence, or more, to it, or reducing in that way if the wages were decreased. It was a very unsatisfactory mode of procedure, and always involved a meeting between the Owners' and the Deputies' Association after the Federation Board had dealt with the wages. For some time there had been a strong desire on the part of the deputies who were in the Miners' Association to have their wages regulated by a percentage, the same as the other classes of workmen. In July the following agreement was signed:--

It is hereby agreed that with pays commencing 24th and 31st of July
1899 the basis wage of deputies shall be fixed at 4s. 8½d. (four
shillings and eightpence halfpenny) per shift for back-bye shifts,
and that these basis rates shall be subject to the same percentage,
advances, and reductions as may be from time to time arranged with
regard to the wages of the miners.

1900

Death of Mr Forman--Election of Mr Galbraith--Agreements made during
the Year

On the 2nd of September death made another inroad upon the original leaders of the organisation by carrying off the president, Mr J. Forman. For over twenty-seven years he had been in that position, and from first to last he carried out the obligations of the office in a manner equalled by few and excelled by none. He was fitted at all points for being president of an organisation of workers such as the Durham miners. The best estimate of his character will be found in quotations from the _Monthly Circular_ and the Executive Committee's Minute.

DEATH OF OUR RESPECTED PRESIDENT

I am sorry to say Death has made one of its most serious inroads into
our ranks, and taken from us one of the most prominent figures in our
Association. Our much respected and gentlemanly President is no more,
and his services, over more than the average length of a generation,
are ended. We long for the sound of a voice that is for ever still,
and the touch of a hand that had a friendly grasp. For nearly thirty
years the name of Forman has been a household word amongst the
miners of Durham. He was not ambitious of "spreading a sounding name
abroad," but he had a deep desire to do his duty to his own people.
His was a quiet nature; but among men, as in nature, the quiet forces
are the most productive of good. In the movements that make for
progress in men, as in our physical surroundings, the clamour of
violent action and noise are not the most useful. In the history of
our Association, from its very commencement, our departed friend has
been one of the binding and consolidating influences. Wise in
counsel, when a spirit of rashness and impatience seized some of us,
he has many a time helped to steady the mind and temper, and tone the
action. Prolific in suggestion he has oft pointed a way out of
difficulty in the time of stress and strain; in fact, he was well and
amply equipped and qualified for the important position he filled
amongst us. He took upon himself the office when times were vastly
different from what they are now; when capital and labour were in
this county like two opposing forces, separated by a spirit of doubt
and animosity; and he has done much to establish a better feeling
between employers and employed. He knew by experience the position of
inferiority and harsh conditions in which our lot was cast before the
foundations of the Society were laid. He has assisted and rejoiced
over every step towards equality and relationship, and he was very
anxious lest anything should be done to mar our usefulness.

Mr Forman was more than an agent, he was a friend and an example. A
man may be appointed to a position and do his work in a mechanical
and perfunctory manner, like a hireling waiting for the shadow of the
day, but that is not sufficient, and it did not satisfy him whose
loss we mourn. He was an example in conduct and in mental
cultivation worthy of imitation by all our young men. He looked upon
the workmen as something more than machines, and he was desirous that
they should pay more attention to the improvement of their minds, and
the formation of thrifty and studious habits. In that he was no
theorist, for he was a man of very extensive reading, especially upon
scientific subjects, and, as a consequence, he was able to approach
and deal with our questions in a most intelligent manner.

He has gone, but his work is with us. It is our heritage, not merely
for enjoyment, but for employment. We can best show our respect for
his memory by our acceptance and proper use of that legacy. These men
whose lives like his stretch back into the dark days are decreasing
in number year by year. Let us do nothing to damage the Institution
they helped to establish and consolidate, and let our effort be to
strive for the goal they sought to attain.

DEATH OF MR JOHN FORMAN

(_Executive Committee's Notice_)

_September, 1900._

Our regrets on this occasion are not those of formality, but are
prompted by a recognition of his worth as an official of our
organisation and his character as a fellow-worker and a man. Never
yet had any organisation a more earnest officer, any body of men a
more willing colleague, nor any community a more upright, honest, and
straightforward man than our friend who has been taken from us. He
was privileged to live to the ripe old age of 77 years, and for more
than a quarter of a century has devoted the whole of his time and the
best of his energies to the upbuilding and consolidation of our
Society, and the betterment of the working classes generally. We
shall miss his genial presence and guiding counsel from all our
business meetings. He was on all occasions a reliable guide and
counsellor in our deliberations on complicated questions, and in the
general matters pertaining to the work of the Association in the
midst of dark times and difficult circumstances. We feel that by his
death we have not only lost an able and efficient President and
colleague, but the workers in and about the mines in Durham have been
deprived of a friend whose lifelong services have been devoted to the
bettering of their conditions as wage earners.

And further, we would tender to the family our sympathy in the great
bereavement which has fallen upon them, and the hope that they may be
strengthened by the assurance that, although dead, he still lives in
the grateful remembrance of the people amongst whom he lived, and for
whom he laboured.

The vacancy caused by his death was filled by Mr House being transferred from the Joint Committee agency to the presidency, and the election of Mr S. Galbraith as his successor in the Joint Committee. In the election the county chose a well-tried and very trustworthy man. He had been checkweighman at the Browney Colliery for twenty-one and a half years. Those workmen placed absolute reliance in him, and without reserve allowed him to manage the affairs of the lodge. The condition of the colliery, the peace and harmony which obtained, and the fact that only one deputation visited them to make inquiry into a grievance during the whole time he was there, are clear proof that he had great care for the interests of the men, and that they were well repaid for their confidence in him. His tactful management of the local business specially fitted him for the wider sphere of labour. The members reasoned safely when they concluded that he who had been faithful in the local would be faithful in the general. Those who knew Mr Galbraith were in perfect agreement as to the opinion formed by the men who had been in such long and profitable business contact with him.

AGREEMENTS

Screenmen--Labourers--Datal Wage--Hewers' Datal--Houses and House Rent--Boys' Advance

The first of these was the raising of the basis wage of the screenmen and labourers. That wage was fixed by an arbitration at 2s. 7½d., but was never quite accepted by the county. Negotiations had been proceeding, and on 31st March 1900 it was agreed "that the basis wage of _bona fide_ screenmen and labourers on and about the pit-heap and on the colliery branches should be 2s. 10d. per day." This was a clear advance of 2½d. per day, and meant nearly a day's wage increase in the fortnight.

The second was in reference to the hewers' datal wage. There was no settled or uniform principle of payment for the back-bye work. On August 16th it was arranged that:

"When coal hewers are taken from hewing to do other work for a shift
or shifts (or portions of a shift), during which they would otherwise
have been employed at coal hewing, they shall, for not exceeding
three consecutive shifts employed at such other work, be paid the
hewers' county average wage."

The third settlement was the "Houses and House Rent." This had been on hand for six or seven years. It was placed on the agenda of the Conciliation Board in 1895. After that Board terminated the question lapsed, but was brought forward by the owners at the Board meeting on May 1st, 1900. It was at first part of a general application, but shortly before the meeting the mechanics introduced a house question, and therefore the request of the owners was made to apply solely to miners. The subject was adjourned to give the employers a chance to rearrange their claim.

Before the meeting held on August 3rd the Owners' and Miners' Committee held two meetings, and an agreement had been come to, subject to the approval of the miners' lodges. The Conciliation Board was informed of this; further, that a return was being taken, and that the agreement was being strongly recommended. It was adjourned on the understanding that the owners could put it on the next agenda, if not settled in the meantime, and could then ask the Board or umpire to decide. The request of the owners was as follows:--

That the general question of the supply of houses and coals be
considered by the Board of Conciliation with a view to the points of
difference between the Owners' and Miners' Associations being decided
by the Board.

The return mentioned above resulted in a refusal of the agreement, although large material changes had been made in it to the advantage of the workmen. The return was most unsatisfactory, as fifty-two collieries, representing 112 votes, did not vote. The Executive Committee decided to call a special Council, and informed their members of the position. The subject was sure to be settled at the next Conciliation Board meeting.

"We have pointed out to you on one or two occasions that if it is not
settled by us it will come before the next Conciliation Board, who
will be asked by the owners to deal with it or refer it to the
umpire."

The special Council was held, and a discussion took place on the agreement, but no vote was taken. In due course the subject came before the Board. It was felt that the refusal was caused by the exclusion of the shifters and wastemen. The owners were willing to include these, and the Board agreed to the list of classes and conditions contained in the agreement of November 1900.