Chapter M: Thompson (1)

T. RAMSEY.
G. JACKSON.
J. FORMAN.

(Front Row).--W. ASKEW.

W. CRAWFORD.
(_President and Secretary._)

J. HANDY.
T. MITCHESON.

The First Deputation from the Durham Miners' Association to the Coal Trade Office, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, February 17, 1872]

There were about a score of representatives of the employers present during the meeting, while ten delegates, representing 20,000 workmen, took part in the conference on the latter's behalf.

Mr Hugh Taylor occupied the chair, and the delegates were introduced by Mr Crawford. The first question for discussion by the conference was then brought forward--viz. the yearly bindings.

At the outset the employers intimated that they were perfectly willing to abolish the bond, and establish in its place either monthly or fortnightly agreements, giving preference to the former. The workmen's delegates at once intimated their readiness to abolish the yearly bond, and thanked the masters most kindly for the manner in which they had met them on that question. The men proposed in the place of the yearly bond to establish a fortnightly agreement, and it was ultimately decided to discuss the terms of the agreement at a second meeting to be held shortly.

The next matter was the question of the hours of boy labour, but after a short conversation it was also agreed to allow this question to stand over until the second meeting. The next question was with reference to an advance of wages. On this point the owners admitted that the men ought to share the present prosperous condition of the trade, the only difference of opinion that arose being what that share ought to be. The employers were of opinion that they and the men ought to meet as two associations--the combined masters on the one side and the combined workmen on the other--and discuss the question as to what would be fair to both parties. It was suggested at the same time that any advance asked or conceded should be based on prices in force at bound and unbound collieries of the county of Durham in April 1871. On the part of the employers it was pointed out that a great many collieries had at the present time presented petitions for an advance of wages, and in some cases they had intimated their decision of laying the pits idle in case their demands were not conceded, and it was now suggested that the delegates from the workmen present should do their utmost to get the petitions placed in abeyance until the next conference was held. This was readily agreed to, and the meeting then terminated.

It is satisfactory to note that during the continuance of the conference a most pleasant and amicable feeling prevailed on both sides.

The Association being formed and officered preparation was made for the removal of grievances. The first to which attention was turned was the abolition of the "Yearly Bond." For a long time there had been a protest against the system of partial slavery implied in a contract covering a year. The system was as follows:--On a Saturday near the 20th of March the whole of the workmen were called to the colliery office, and there the manager would read over (nearly always in tones inaudible to all except those who were close to him) the conditions of labour for the next twelve months. There was usually a balancing of the prices. As an inducement to the men there was, say, a sovereign given to the first man bound, ten shillings to the second, five shillings to the third, and then two shillings and sixpence to every man after. The crush to secure the first place was generally so great that the manager was fortunate if he were not carried off his feet. As a preparation for this rush certain men would be bribed to incite, and thus induce men to act in an unthinking manner.

This bare outline will suffice to show the evil of the "Bond," and that it was a wise step on the part of the newly-formed organisation to attempt to substitute a shorter term of contract. The first meeting for that purpose between the employers and workmen was held on February 17th, 1872. As this was the first united meeting in a series which has been for the benefit of all concerned it will be interesting to place on record the letter from the employers inviting the representatives of the Miners' Association to meet them. Of course, the employers were made aware of the desire amongst the people for this and other reforms, and that knowledge induced them to arrange matters amicably if possible. Another thing was in favour of the workmen: not only was their Union gathering strength, but the state of trade was in their favour. One result of the war between France and Prussia was to increase the demand for British coal, the result being a coal famine and excessive prices. The old pit heaps even were sent away, and a common saying at the time was: "Anything black was sold for coal." A conflict, therefore, would have been a dangerous and destructive thing.

(_First General Advance_)

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF COLLIERY OWNERS AND MINERS' AGENTS IN NEWCASTLE

(_Durham Chronicle Account_)

Agreeably to an arrangement made at the conference between the
colliery owners and the miners' delegates held on the 17th inst. an
adjourned meeting between the two bodies took place on Saturday at
the Wood Memorial Hall, Newcastle. There was a large attendance of
the masters, Mr Hugh Taylor, Chipchase, being in the chair. Mr W.
Crawford, President of the Durham Miners' Mutual Confident
Association, acted as principal spokesman for the miners' delegates,
who were eight in number.

It will be remembered that at the last meeting the masters agreed to
the abolition of the yearly bond, and the first question, therefore,
taken into consideration at the present conference, was the nature of
the future agreement between the masters and the men. On the one
hand, the employers suggested monthly notices on both sides; but the
men on the other hand were unanimous in the request for a fortnightly
notice, with the option of either giving or receiving the same on any
day except Sunday. After some discussion, the masters acceded to the
wishes of the men on this point. The next question taken into
consideration was the advance in pay demanded by the men.

A proposition for an increase of 35 per cent. on all prices paid in
April last was submitted by the delegates, who, in answer to
questions by the owners, admitted that the advance requested appeared
to be a large one, but they urged that it was made in consequence of
the low rate of remuneration received by the miners of the county at
the time referred to.

To this advance the owners objected on the ground that it was
excessive.

They also urged that for several years past coal had been low in the
market, and the working of pits had been unremunerative, and
submitted that it was unfair on the part of the workmen, when a
slightly better price had been obtained, to make an exorbitant
demand. They also pointed out that the advance asked for was greatly
in excess of that obtained by the miners in other parts of the
country. To this argument the delegates replied that they were of
opinion that the advance asked for was not greater than the excessive
profits of the masters would allow to pay; in fact they only wanted a
reasonable ratio of the profits made by their labour, and they were
also of opinion that the 35 per cent. advance would not place the
miners of the county of Durham on an equality with the workmen of
other counties. After some further discussion, the delegates
intimated that they would be satisfied, if the owners did not feel
disposed to give the increase asked for, with the average score price
paid in Northumberland and South Yorkshire. They were willing, if the
masters would divide the two last mentioned counties into four
quarters each, and would select, according to arrangement, two
collieries from each of the eight quarters, to accept the averages of
the prices paid at the sixteen collieries as the standard scale in
the county of Durham. The owners, after hearing this proposition,
asked the deputation if the average would be accepted by the men at
those collieries in the county who were at present working for only 5
per cent. less than the proposed standard. The delegates replied that
every such colliery would accept the average if the masters would
give it to the men of those collieries who were at present working
for 50 per cent. less than the average named.

After some further discussion the delegates retired. On being called
back into the room they were informed by the chairman that the owners
did not think it was desirable to go to either Northumberland or
South Yorkshire for an average, as they were of opinion that they
were quite competent to manage their own affairs; and that they had
agreed, in a spirit of conciliation, to offer an advance of 20 per
cent. on all prices over and above all consideration money paid on
April last.

The deputation stated that they had no authority to accept the offer
of the owners, but they would in due course communicate it to the
general body of the men. The conference shortly afterwards broke up.

The day fixed for a meeting on this question was the 2nd of March. In the meantime a special Council meeting was held in the Town Hall, Durham, Mr W. Crawford, as President, occupying the chair. There were present 160 delegates, and the members represented were about 20,000. The business was the discussion of the matters to come before the employers and the appointment of a deputation to attend the meeting.

The adjourned conference was held on Thursday, March 21st, and for the purpose of giving a proper knowledge I herewith record the press report from _The Durham Chronicle_.

CONFERENCE BETWEEN DURHAM COAL OWNERS AND WORKMEN

Another conference between the Durham coal owners and a deputation of
the workmen of the county took place on Thursday sennight in the Wood
Memorial Hall, Newcastle. The chair was occupied by Mr J. B. Simpson,
Low Hedgefield, and there was a good attendance of the
representatives of the owners, the deputation being, as at previous
meetings, headed by Mr W. Crawford. Before proceeding to the disposal
of the questions for which the conference had been convened, it was
intimated to the deputation that Haswell Colliery was idle. It was
explained that the workmen at that colliery had received an advance
of 6d. per score on last April's prices in November last, and they
now wanted an advance of 20 per cent. on that concession. A telegram
was also produced which intimated that a strike on the same ground
had occurred that morning at Castle Eden Colliery. The course adopted
by these two collieries was utterly opposed to the arrangement which
had been made between the two Associations of employers and workmen
at their conference, and the representatives of the former body
intimated that if such constant violations of the arrangements
arrived at at these interviews were to continue, it would be better
to break off all negotiations at once, and each side follow its own
policy. The members of the deputation expressed their utter surprise
and utter ignorance of the events that had occurred at the collieries
named, the first intimation of which they had received was at that
meeting, and they desired to be allowed a private consultation before
they proceeded further. After a short consultation in private, the
deputation drew up the following telegram, the substance of which
they communicated to the employers:--

We regret to hear that Haswell and Castle
Eden Collieries are idle.

You must know that you are wrong, and we
strongly advise you to commence work to-morrow,
otherwise steps will be taken to repudiate
such reprehensible conduct, and if
necessary the strongest action will be taken in
the matter.

This was deemed satisfactory, and the conference then proceeded to
the business which had drawn them together--viz. the remuneration of
the offhanded men and boys. The employers stated that they had agreed
to give all offhanded men and boys who work underground 20 per cent.
advance on last April's prices, the same as they had conceded to the
hewers. To the men who work above ground--viz. to the cinder drawers,
joiners, blacksmiths, firemen, screenmen, and banksmen, and all other
men and boys, with the exception of the enginemen and a few rare
cases of cinder drawers--they offered an advance of 12½ per cent.
on last April's prices.

The deputation, while expressing their perfect satisfaction with the
underground men and boys' advance, suggested the propriety of the
same advance being extended to all those men, as enumerated, who work
above bank. On the part of the employers, however, it was stated that
the reason only 12½ per cent. was offered to the above-bank men
was that a reduction of 8 per cent. in their working hours had been
conceded; and further that their work was not of so risky and
dangerous a nature as that of the underground men, and also that
there was always a superabundance of men willing to work on the
screens, and to do other work above bank. After a conversation, the
terms offered by the employers for both descriptions of men were
accepted.

The report of the interview was given to a delegate meeting, Mr Crawford again presiding. The number of delegates was very large. The points under discussion were the two offers contained in the report above. It was agreed that the offer of the owners should be accepted, with the understanding that it come into operation at once.

This was the whole of the important business discussed.

It will serve no useful purpose to deal with every local strike, they are incidental to the main course. Mention will only be made when any incident cognate to the general purpose be connected with them. With that idea in view I refer to the strike at Seaham. This strike commenced on Monday, 17th May. The main causes of the stoppage were the length of the hours of the hewers and the time when the shifts should be worked. The hours of the putters had been reduced from twelve to ten, the pit at the time being a single or day shift. With the reduction of the hours the employers wanted to arrange for two shifts of putters and three shifts of hewers. Against this the workmen not only protested, but stopped work without notice. Two things are noticeable, and of interest to us. We have the first breach of discipline, and the first instance of censure of the general officials, because, in accordance with the obligations of their office, they enforced the rules of the Association, and candidly and clearly told the men their opinion.

The cause of complaint with reference to Mr Crawford and the officials of the Union, was a telegram sent to the lodge, which, with slight verbal variation, has formed the model of all sent since under the same circumstances. It read as follows:--"Do go to work. You must know you are wrong. You will get no support. Liable to punishment. Do return." For sending that message Mr Crawford was subject to some very scurrilous remarks at the meetings which were held in connection with the strike. These remarks called forth a public reply. In the press of that day is found a letter which contains an unflinching and manly statement of the facts of the case: the cause of the strike, the illegal position of the men, and an extenuation of the action of himself and his colleagues. I quote the concluding words. After pointing out how expeditious the agents had been in their attendance to the matter in dispute, how they (the men) were striking against their own agreement, how he had been vilified, and how his views were still unchanged, he wrote:

The report of yesterday's proceedings at Seaham Colliery has not
changed my views on this matter. I repeat it, the men are in the
wrong, and even liable to punishment. A miner characterised the
telegram as an insult to the men at that colliery. Of this I have not
the slightest doubt. I have recently been accused of both insults and
incivility; and why? Because, as in the case of Seaham, my opinion
has been asked, or advice sought, and where such opinion or advice
has been adverse to their own preconceived ideas of right or wrong,
and they have been told so decisively but courteously, then I became
uncivil! These are the men who can prate about liberty of speech and
freedom of action, and yet, because they are supposed to subscribe
their mite towards a person's maintenance,--every penny of which is
doubly worked for,--would only allow his tongue to utter words in
accordance with their own crude and contracted views, even though
such words were a mere utterance of the most glaring untruths, and a
flagrant violation of all the rules now in operation as between
masters and servants in their respective relations to each other. I
willingly admit that these are but a small minority among the 30,000
members now composing our Association. From the men I have received
the utmost consideration, demonstrating by their conduct, that they
will give to those whom they employ that treatment which they would
like to receive from those by whom they themselves are employed. I
commenced my present agency amongst the miners of Durham on May 16th,
1870. From then, till now, I have done my utmost to protect and
further their interests in a fair and equitable manner. Where I have
deemed the doings of owners or agents to be wrong, I have not been
slow to condemn them, and what I have done will do again; and where I
have found the workmen to be wrong, I have pursued the same course,
unhesitatingly making known my views without the slightest
hesitation. If any man or number of men are mean and cowardly enough
to think that I shall sit and become a mere machine of repetition, I
beg to clearly intimate that they are sadly mistaken. I shall retain
my individuality intact, holding myself free to unreservedly express
my opinion of all matters which in any way may effect the welfare of
our Association, being always willing to retrace my steps, if shown
wherein I am wrong; but holding on, amid the folly of fools and the
abuse of knaves, if convinced that I am right. And in conclusion,
allow me to say that, if such doings are not in keeping with those
of the men, the sooner I am replaced the better.

A Council meeting was held on the 25th of May in the Town Hall, Durham. The only thing of note was a proposition for the establishment of an institution for the benefit of old men. Nothing definite was done in the matter. After discussing it the Council decided to refer the matter to the Executive Committee, with instructions to draw up a plan or plans to be submitted to the county for acceptance or rejection. In this we have the germ which eventually developed, through the Permanent Relief Fund, into the Superannuation Fund, which has been such a blessing to hundreds of aged miners in the northern counties.

On Saturday, June 1st, an important conference was held between the coal owners and a deputation of representatives of the Association. The deputation consisted of J. Forman (President), W. Crawford (Secretary), W. H. Patterson (Agent), N. Wilkinson (Treasurer), T. Mitcheson, Coundon, M. Thompson, Murton, G. Jackson, and H. Davison, Thornley. The first question was the dispute at Seaham and the night shift in general. There was a long discussion, and eventually the employers promised not to commence any more night-shift pits unless it were a case of absolute necessity. The conference next turned its attention to the first rank for pony putters. The proposal of the men was that the distance should be 100 yards. It will be as well to say here that afterwards the distance was fixed at that number of yards.

The next subject was as to how many tubs should constitute a score. There was no uniformity in the county. Although twenty of anything is generally reckoned a score, yet at some collieries it was as high as twenty-five. The object was to reduce it to twenty, and the deputation was willing to rearrange the prices wherever the number was reduced. The owners thought it unwise to alter the arrangements, and suggested an adjournment, which was agreed to.

The last question was the arrangement of a uniform time for the foreshift men to go down. The custom varied; at some places it was as early as one or two in the morning. The hour named by the representatives of the workmen was from four o'clock. The employers had no very strong objection, except that of interfering with other classes of labour--such as cokemen, waiters-on, and others who would have to commence later, and therefore be later at work. The deputation replied by instancing the Peases firm, where the system had been introduced and was working satisfactorily. The employers asked for time to consult the trade, and promised to inform the coal trade how emphatic the workmen were in their desire for the change.

THE FIRST GALA ON THE RACE-COURSE, DURHAM

Beyond this gala, which may be truly classed as the first, there will not be any need to mention the yearly gatherings in this history. Its importance compels notice. Important it was, for two reasons--first, its place in the series; and second, because of the public feeling, and in many quarters fear, which was felt as to the consequence of bringing such a large number of the miners and massing them in the city. As showing the state of feeling I will insert a portion of an article which appeared in _The Durham Chronicle_ for Friday, June 14th, 1872.

The coming demonstration has occasioned not a few timid residents
much uneasiness during the past few days, on account, as they
imagine, of the extreme likelihood of the affair resulting in a scene
of riot and disorder, and two or three nervous females in business in
the town have so far given way to their fears that they have actually
consulted their friends as to the propriety of closing their shops in
order to protect their persons and property from "those horrid
pitmen!" Even the borough magistrates, too, seem to have had an idea
that the dog-fighting and pitch-and-toss portion of the mining
community was going to be introduced into the city by the approaching
gathering, for they declined when first requested to grant the usual
licences to the proprietors of the refreshment booths. A full meeting
of the borough magistrates was, however, subsequently held, and the
Bench after hearing a statement from Mr Crawford, the principal agent
of the Durham Miners' Association, relative to the object of the
miners in assembling together agreed to issue the required
certificates. For our own part, we have not the slightest doubt of
the proceedings being characterised by anything but the best of
feeling and order on the part of the men taking part in the
demonstration, which we are sure is intended to partake more of the
character of a monster "outing" of a class of men whose only desire
is to discuss amongst themselves the best means of improving, in a
rational and legal manner, their condition, rather than an assemblage
of either political or social conspirators and agitators. Almost the
worst contingency, however, has been anticipated, as there will be a
force of 40 policemen on the ground, the expense of the attendance of
20 of whom will be borne by the Miners' Association, whilst the
remuneration of the remaining 20 will be defrayed from the funds of
the borough watch rate.

In addition to this, many tradesmen barricaded their shop windows, and an urgent request was made to the Mayor to have soldiers in readiness. Mr J. Fowler stood in defence. His reply was characteristic, but correct: "I know the pitmen better than you, and there is no fear." He was borne out by the proceedings, which were in the highest degree satisfactory. The first part of the procession came in at 7.30 A.M., and from first to last the most complete good order obtained. There were in all 180 collieries present--the membership of the Association being 32,000. The speakers were A. M'Donald, then President of the National Association of Miners; W. Brown, Stafford; and T. Burt, Northumberland. The local speakers were W. Crawford, W. H. Patterson, H. Davison (Thornley), N. Wilkinson, T. Mitcheson, G. ("General") Jackson, T. Ramsey, and W. Askew. The following resolutions were submitted:--

1. The change which during the past twelve months has taken place in
the position of the Durham Miners' Association, both numerically and
financially, ought to be encouraging to all who take an interest in
its welfare. During that period differences, as in other places,
have arisen; but, so far, they have been managed without a single pit
having been stopped, or the loss of any work whatever. This is a
condition of things which, taken all together, ought to give the
utmost satisfaction to all parties concerned.

2. This meeting begs to utter its indignant protest against the
action of the Select Committee in the way they have amended the
Payment of Wages Bill. It at the same time most earnestly calls upon
Government to restore it to its original form by amendment whilst it
is under the consideration of the committee of the whole House. It
further begs to state that no measure will be satisfactory to the
miners of the county of Durham that does not contain payment of wages
weekly without any reduction whatever.

3. That this meeting also has learnt with surprise that it has been
stated that the miners of Durham do not want weekly payment of their
wages, and that they are not aggrieved with the present reduction.
They beg to give the statement, by whomsoever made, an unqualified
denial.

4. This meeting likewise looks upon the Criminal Law Amendment Act of
1871 as an insult to the working classes of this country. It at the
same time pledges itself to every legal means to have the law
repealed or so modified as that all classes in the country will be
alike in the eye of the law.

5. That this meeting regards arbitration as a logical way of settling
those differences which in trade necessarily arise between employers
and employed. Arbitration recognises the right of both parties to put
forth views, and leads to examination or investigation, which tends
to avoid strikes and lockouts, with all their commercial ruin and
social misery. It has now for a short time been in operation amongst
the miners of Durham, and we are able to speak to beneficial
results; and we most heartily wish to have a continuance and
extension of the principle.

6. That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be sent to the Prime
Minister and Home Secretary.

With this all too brief reference we must leave this, our first race-course gathering. If anyone be desirous of reading a very full description of the collieries attending, with their numbers on the books, the banners with their inscriptions and designs, and the speeches, let him refer to _The Durham Chronicle_ for June 21st of that year. Suffice it here to say that the day was all that could be desired. The old city was enlivened and its trade enhanced. The great crowd came and went in good order. The fears of the fearful were shown to be groundless, and the good behaviour initiated that day, amid the firing of the cannons in Wharton Park, has never varied up to the last of this series of gatherings. The cannons were fired at the expense of T. Ramsey.

THE SECOND ADVANCE IN WAGES

On Friday, the 12th of July 1872, a meeting took place between the employers' and workmen's representatives. The meeting was arranged in response to a request for an advance of fifteen per cent. on the rate of wages. Mr H. Taylor occupied the chair. The deputation was headed by Mr W. Crawford. At the outset of the meeting the owners complained that the men were neglecting work to a very great extent, causing a diminution in the output of not less than twenty per cent. as compared with the previous twelve months. Statistics showed that the average working time of the hewers was not more than eight days per fortnight. That entailed heavy loss on the owners, and while such neglect of work continued they could not grant the advance asked for, and they suggested the propriety of having a clause inserted in all agreements, that the men should be compelled to work at least thirty-five hours per week before claiming the highest price paid at the colliery. That meant the system of bonus money paid at many collieries, and the deputation emphatically refused it, and said they were not asking because of the state of trade only, but because of the very low condition of their wages which had obtained in Durham for so long, and which they hoped to raise, even if trade became depressed. The deputation was asked to retire, and on their return were handed the following resolution:--

The Association [Owners'] has decided to give 10 per cent. advance to
all underground workmen, including banking-out men; but excepting
pony putters, who are to be dealt with after the putting question has
been settled in Northumberland; and 7½ per cent. to the whole of
the above-ground labour; enginemen, both above and below ground, to
be excepted. This advance to be on present prices, and to date from
the pay commencing nearest the first day of August.

This offer was brought before a special Council meeting held on Saturday, the 13th, Mr John Forman presiding. The report of the meeting with the employers was given by Mr Crawford, who went very fully into the reasons why the advance of fifteen per cent. was claimed. The Council adopted the following series of resolutions:--

1. That in the opinion of this meeting we are more than justified in
asking the 15 per cent. on present prices, which is being sought by
our Association. There never was a time when the price of coals
approximated to what they are at the present time, and in justice we
believe that we ought to fully share in that increase and increasing
prosperity. On the 8th day of the present month the following are
quotations from the London Coal Market:--Kelloe, 26s. 3d.; South
Hetton and Lambton, 27s.; and Hetton, 27s. 6d.

Having seen coals sold in the same market for as little as 13s. per
ton, or more than cent. per cent. less than now, we certainly
conclude that we are more than justified in seeking 6d. or even 1s.
out of 14s. or 15s. This being so, we abide by the 15 per cent. now
being asked for all classes of workmen, above and below ground.

2. That the owners be requested to meet our deputation on Friday next
for the purpose of reconsidering the 15 per cent. advance, or if
possible on a more early day.

3. That this meeting deplores the oft-repeated statement of coal
owners and others relative to the amount of work at present lost by
the miners in the county of Durham. We cannot with our present
knowledge admit the accuracy of these statements, but believe, on the
contrary, that such statements are very greatly overdrawn, and thus
an entire false impression is being conveyed to the public mind, and
a positive injury done to a large body of men. We have again and
again declared that in our opinion men ought to attend their work as
regularly as possible, believing that to do so is for the benefit of
themselves as well as the employers, and we again urge our members to
be as regular as possible in their attendance at work, so as alike to
benefit themselves and deprive all parties from so maligning them.

The adjourned meeting with the owners took place on Friday, July 19th, when Mr H. Taylor again occupied the chair. The owners repeated their complaint about the loss of work, and asked whether the deputation were willing to give any guarantee that the men would in future work more regularly. They could not give such a guarantee, but said their Council meeting had agreed to recommend the men to work as regularly as possible. With this assurance the owners then handed the following resolution to the deputation:--

We have decided to give 15 per cent. advance to all underground
workmen--including banking-out men--except pony putters (who are to
be dealt with after the putting question has been settled in
Northumberland), and 10 per cent. to the whole of the above-ground
workmen, enginemen (both above and below) excepted. This advance to
be on present prices, and to date from pays commencing nearest to
Monday the 22nd and Monday the 29th of July.

The deputation were not satisfied with the reservation as to the putters, and after some further discussion it was agreed to make the advance applicable to them as to the other underground workmen.

FORMATION OF JOINT COMMITTEE

It will be interesting to give this important step in detail. It was first mentioned in connection with certain meetings which were held mainly on the wages question or the abolition of the yearly bond. While discussing these matters Mr Crawford, on behalf of the deputation, mentioned the advisability of forming a committee of six on either side to consider local disputes and changes in wages. The first formal action taken by the employers was on July 12th, 1872, when the following resolution was adopted at their meeting:--

JOINT COMMITTEE.--Mr Crawford was also informed that on the motion of
Mr Lindsay Wood, seconded by Mr Hunter, a Committee consisting of the
following gentlemen:--Hugh Taylor, W. Stobart, W. Hunter, C. Berkley,
R. F. Matthews and Lindsay Wood had been appointed to meet a
Committee from the Miners' Union, to draw up rules for guiding the
Association in receiving demands from the workmen.

It was arranged with Mr Crawford, that the Committee from the Miners'
Union should meet the above-formed Committee at 10.30 on Friday, the
19th inst.

The suggested meeting was held on 19th July, when the following recommendation was agreed to:--

JOINT COMMITTEE.--It was agreed to recommend--That six members of
each Association should meet every fortnight and discuss all demands
except cases of consideration in temporary bad places, the
consideration to be given in such places to be settled from fortnight
to fortnight by the agents of the collieries affected. All demands to
come through Mr Crawford, who is to give the agents of the colliery
and the Secretary of this Association, at least three clear days'
notice of the nature of the demands that it is intended to prefer at
the next meeting.

As a result of this recommendation a meeting was held on the 2nd of August, and the first code of rules was arranged. The names of the parties at the meeting are in the following list:--

_Owners_

Hugh Taylor.
W. Stobart.
Lindsay Wood.
John Taylor.
J. B. Simpson.
C. Berkley.
P. Cooper.
W. Hunter.
R. F. Matthews.
T. T. Smith.

_Workmen_

W. Crawford.
W. H. Patterson.
N. Wilkinson.
J. Jackson.
J. Forman.
T. Mitcheson.

R. B. Sanderson occupied the chair. The following rules were agreed to:--

The object of the Committee shall be to arbitrate, appoint
arbitrators, or otherwise settle all questions (except such as may be
termed county questions or questions affecting the general trade)
relating to matters of wages, practices or working, or any other
subject which may arise from time to time at any particular colliery,
and which shall be referred to the consideration of the Committee by
the parties concerned. The Committee shall have full power to settle
all disputes, and their decision shall be final and binding upon all
parties in such manner as the Committee may direct.

The Committee shall consist of six representatives chosen by the
Miners' Union and six representatives chosen by the Coal Owners'
Association.

At meetings of this Committee it shall be deemed that there shall be
no quorum unless at least three members of each Association be
present.

Each meeting shall nominate its own chairman, who shall have no
casting vote. In case of equality of votes upon any question, it
shall be referred to two arbitrators, one to be chosen by the members
of each Association present at the meeting. These arbitrators to
appoint an umpire in the usual way.

Each party to pay its own expenses. The expenses of the umpire to be
borne equally by the two Associations.

Should any alteration of or addition to these rules be desired,
notice of such change shall be given at the meeting previous to its
discussion.

If any member of the Committee is directly interested in any question
under discussion, he shall abstain from voting, and a member of the
opposite party shall also abstain from voting.

When any subject is to be considered by the Committee, the Secretary
of the Association by whom it is brought forward shall give notice
thereof to the Secretary of the other Association, at least three
clear days before the meeting at which it is to be considered.

The Committee to meet every alternate Friday at half-past eleven
o'clock.

The first meeting of Joint Committee was held on 16th August. The members were:

_Owners_

R. B. Sanderson, Chairman.
C. Berkley.
J. B. Simpson.
J. Taylor.
P. Cooper.
R. F. Matthews.

_Workmen_

W. Crawford.
W. H. Patterson.
J. Forman.
N. Wilkinson.
J. Jackson.
T. Mitcheson.

There were in all six cases, which, with their decisions, are as follows:--

_August 16th, 1872._

MURTON (_Stonemen_).--Demand for an advance of from 6d. to 8d. per
day. To stand over for a fortnight to ascertain the average wages of
the district.

OAKENSHAW.--Demand for 1s. per score on the broken and a sliding
scale similar to that in the whole. The 1s. per score in the broken
was granted to date from (uncertain?).

The sliding scale was waived by Mr Crawford and his Committee.

SEAHAM.--Mr Matthews' report objected to,--referred, together with a
question of removing bottom coal (Mr T. Taylor was chosen arbitrator
by the Association); any concessions made by the arbitrators to date
from Monday the 19th August.

ETHERLEY.--Complaint that the banksmen and others have not received
the different advances granted by the Association. Mr Lishman was
desired to carry out the resolutions of the Association in their
entirety.

SOUTH DERWENT.--Complaint that the deputies have not got the 20 per
cent. advance. Mr Dickenson, having stated the circumstances of the
case and the wages paid, the complaint was withdrawn; it being
considered that the deputies are fully in the receipt of the advances
decided upon.

WARDLEY.--Longwall skirting.--This turned upon the question as to
whether it was intended by the arbitrators to include skirting in
their award of the 25th March 1872, but it was decided that it was
not so included, and that 8d. per yard extra should be given for
skirting.

SHIFTERS' WAGES.--Demand withdrawn.

RAMBLE.--To be considered at the next meeting.

It was agreed that full particulars of subjects to be discussed
before the meeting should be given at least three clear days before
the meeting.

THE MINES REGULATION ACT

In the session of 1871 a Mines Bill was under discussion, but was not carried through its various stages. It was again introduced in the session of 1872, and for a long time its fate was uncertain. Men from all the districts were up lobbying on behalf of the Bill. Mr Crawford was sent from Durham. A Council meeting was held on Saturday, 27th July. While the meeting was in progress a telegram was received from Mr Crawford as follows:--

Crawford, London, to Mr John Forman, Town Hall, Durham.--Many hours
in the Lords last night. Happily disappointed. Bill passed
satisfactory. Weighing clause safe. Boys ten hours from bank to bank.

A vote of thanks was carried to Mr Crawford, the Government, and to the Home Secretary for the able manner in which he had conducted the Bill through Parliament.

CLAIM FOR ADVANCE OF FIFTEEN PER CENT.

At the ordinary Council meeting held on Saturday, 7th September, the number of members reported was 35,000. Mr Crawford gave the result of a conference which had taken place with the coal owners with respect to another advance of fifteen per cent. Nothing definite had been done, as the employers were indisposed to comply with the request, and it was adjourned for a fortnight. That meeting was held on Friday, September 27th, in Newcastle. The deputation was informed that the subject had been fully considered. Coals were falling in price, the demand was declining, and the commercial prospects were assuming a more unfavourable aspect, and therefore they could not give any further advance in wages. The meeting terminated, but the deputation expressed their dissatisfaction with the result, and they were supported in their objection by a Council which was held on Saturday, September 28th, and they were instructed to again meet the employers.

1873

The Mines Act--The third Advance--Death of "Tommy" Ramsey--The
drawing Hours--The second Gala--Advance in Wages

On January 1st the new Mines Act came into force. It is no part of this history to enter into all the changes made by the new measure, but there are three portions of it which deserve a brief notice--these are the weighing of minerals, the position of the checkweighman, and the hours of the boys.

The weighing of minerals clause was to provide against the "Rocking" customs such as had obtained at the Brancepeth Collieries, and which had caused the "Rocking" strike. The new Act set forth that:

Where the amount of wages paid to any of the persons employed in a
mine to which this Act applies depends on the amount of mineral
gotten by them, such persons shall, after the first day of August
one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, unless the mine is
exempted by a Secretary of State, be paid according to the weight of
the mineral gotten by them, and such mineral shall be truly weighed
accordingly.

The clause further provided for deductions and for exemptions by the Secretary of State from the weighing clause if it were proved that the exigencies of the mine warranted it. In a note to this section Mr Maskell W. Peace, Solicitor to the Mining Association of Great Britain, warned the employers that: "This is an entirely new enactment. Care must be taken to provide the necessary machines for carrying out the provisions by the 1st of August 1872."

The portion of the Act relating to the appointment of the checkweighman was a great advance in the direction of freedom of choice. Prior to this the choice of the workmen was confined to those employed on the colliery subject to the confirmation of the manager, and the man chosen was as liable to be discharged as any other of the workmen for any reason. The new Act provided that one of the workmen could be chosen either from the mine or under the firm. He need not be sanctioned by the manager, and could only be removed "on the ground that such checkweigher has impeded or interfered with the working of the mine, or interfered with the weighing or has otherwise misconducted himself." The last provision gave rise to some very glaring removals for acts done away from the mine. These anomalies were corrected by the Act of 1887.

THE HOURS OF BOYS

There were two provisions in the new Act relating to the hours of boys. One was for those between the ages of ten and twelve, and they were for the purpose of employment in thin seams; their time was to be for only "six hours in any one day." The other provision (which still exists) was for boys between twelve and sixteen years. The weekly hours were fixed at fifty-four. This latter provision was the cause of some confusion, seeing the hours of drawing coal were twelve, and the difficulty was to bring these boys away without interfering with that.

A very important Council was held in the Town Hall, Durham. There were two questions before the meeting--first, the demand for fifteen per cent. advance; and second, the working hours under the new Mines Regulation Act. As stated in the review of the previous year, meetings had been held on the advance in September, but the employers would not give way, and asked us to wait. In consequence there was a very strong feeling in the county which found expression at the Council. There was some complaint that the Executive Committee had not been so energetic in the matter as they ought to have been. Mr Crawford defended the Committee. An attempt was made to increase the amount claimed to thirty-five per cent., but in the end the original request was confirmed. The question of the number of hours the pits should draw coal was next considered. The employers were asking for eleven hours, but this was felt to be difficult because of the Act in its application to the boys under sixteen. There was a desire on the part of many delegates that the coal drawing should be limited to ten. During the discussion Mr Crawford said:

No more important question could occupy their attention than that
before the meeting. Not even the question of an advance exceeded it
in importance, because whether or not that was given a great deal
depended on how they settled the question of the hours. He might hold
views very different to what were entertained by many in that room,
but he was bound to state them. The question had occupied his
attention, and he was of the opinion that the owners would be unable
to keep the men fully employed for eleven hours. They had, however,
requested to be allowed to work those hours, and they had a perfect
right to do so if they could employ the men. At the same time, he did
not believe they could keep the men employed during the last hour
after the lads had gone to bank.

Eventually it was resolved that the employers should have the unreserved right to draw coal eleven hours per day, providing they did not violate the Mines Act relative to the boys under sixteen, nor keep the men in the pit the last hour doing nothing.

The meeting with the employers on the advance was held on February 8th, Mr Hugh Taylor presiding. In a very long statement he reviewed the state of the coal trade. He reminded the deputation that, although there had been delay, there had not been any breach of faith. He brought before them the question of short time, which was an evil not only to those engaged in the coal trade, but to the country at large. He urged again the request of the employers that there should be an agreement binding men to work so many hours at the coal face. The Mines Act had been passed. It did not satisfy anyone. All they asked was that the men should do their duty. In the face of these difficulties, but in the hope that the men would help them, they had decided on an all-round advance of fifteen per cent.

There were some of the lodges who refused to carry out the eleven hours' arrangement, and with a view to induce them to do so the following circular was issued:--

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE DURHAM MINERS' ASSOCIATION

Fellow-workmen,--In the inauguration of any new system, difficulties
always occur; whether these difficulties are easily overcome, or
otherwise, will much depend on the manner and extent to which men, or
classes, are affected thereby. As a matter of consequence, we have
found these difficulties amongst ourselves in putting into operation
the new "Mines Regulation Bill."

These have arisen from various causes.

We have, first, a very erroneous impression gone forth, to the
effect, that after the commencement of the new Mines Bill, on the
first day of the present year, no pit, or no person in a pit, must
work more than 10 hours per day, or 54 hours in any one week. In the
Minutes of Committee Meeting, held on the 4th inst., we clearly and
distinctly stated that this view was a wrong one. We again beg to
emphatically state that the law, in this particular, affects only
boys under 16 years of age, and that so far as regards all parties
above this age, matters remain identically as they have been. It
would appear, however, that in the face of this intimation, some
collieries of men are still insisting on the general adoption of the
10 hours per day, and 54 hours per week. In addition to this, we have
existing at many collieries, both where men work two and three shifts
per day, difficulties as to what the working hours ought to be.

Under these circumstances, the owners asked your deputation to meet
them last week, for the purpose of discussing, and if possible
arranging, some understood mode of action. This meeting took place,
at Newcastle, on Friday last.

The first question asked was, what objection we had to owners working
their pits 11 hours per day, and 11 or 12 days per fortnight as
usual, so long as they did not violate the Act of Parliament relative
to boys under 16 years of age? After talking over the matter for a
long time, we retired, and in consulting among ourselves, failed to
see any reason why pits should not draw coals 11 hours per day as
heretofore they had done. We returned and told them that we could see
nothing to prevent them from working the pits 11 hours per day, if
they thought desirable to do so, and they could find men or boys to
bring the coals to bank; but that, in trying to carry this into
effect, they must not keep men laying at their work for the last hour
doing absolutely nothing, as, if such cases did occur, they would
most certainly be complained of, and a remedy sought by an appeal to
the Joint Committee, in which case they would be exposed to the
entire county throughout.

Respecting boys being brought into the pit an hour or two after work
commences, or sent home an hour or two before the pit is done at
night, we cannot see that any difficulties should exist. The question
was asked, should a boy be sent home for the first 5 days, having
worked less by far than the allotted 10 hours' per day, and such boy
should purposely remain at home on the Saturday, would such boy claim
his 5 days' pay, remembering that for 5 days he had worked short time
for the very purpose of going to work on the Saturday? To this the
owners demurred, when we suggested the desirability of seeing boys,
or their parents, and making with them necessary arrangements.

We may be told that the boys are sent home to suit the owner's
convenience, but we must not forget, for whatever purpose sent home,
that while they worked short time they were paid full hours, and we
certainly cannot see the wisdom of preventing boys from receiving 6
days' pay for working 54 hours, when, but a short time ago, they
worked 66 hours for the same money.

The employers, by Act of Parliament, are compelled to reduce the
working hours of boys under 16 years of age, but we cannot expect
them to reduce the hours of all datal men, if work can be found for
them for the ordinary time. We must not lose sight of one very
important fact, viz., that a reduction of working hours to those who
are paid a datal wage means an advance of price, a reduction of
hours, from 11 to 10 per day, is equal to 9 per cent., which
practically means 9 per cent. advance, seeing that the productive
powers are lessened by so much. In this manner it must be seen too,
that no boy under 16 years of age is allowed to be in the pit more
than 10 hours in any one single day, or 54 hours in any one week. If
this is strictly seen to, a great work has been accomplished, and
don't let us spoil that which is really good by trying to accomplish
too much.