Mexborough and Swinton Times, December 12, 1902
The Denaby and Cadeby Strike.
Conference of Masters and Men At Sheffield.
Settlement Still To Be Arrived At.
Miners Families Feel The “Pinch Of Poverty.”
In our last issue we stated that the struggle had reached an acute crisis, and that we sincerely hoped the Conference fixed for Friday afternoon, in Sheffield, when Mr. Chambers met the representatives of the men, would result in an amicable and conciliatory settlement; and the fact that the families of the men were fast becoming keen sufferers strongly emphasised the need of a speedy end to what has been a prolonged and stern combat between masters and men. The hope we then expressed, publicly echoing public feeling on the matter, was, unfortunately, not realised, but although the officials on both sides have been extremely reticent on the matter, we anticipate much good from the meeting to be held to day, for it is stated that
Another Meeting Will Be Held
at the same place this week-end, probably to-day (Friday) in the afternoon. At the conference held at the Royal Victoria Hotel, Sheffield, last Friday, Mr. Chambers represented the company, and the men were represented by Mr. E. Cowey (President of the Yorkshire Miners Association), Mr. J. Wadsworth (Vice-president), Mr. W.Parrott (Agent), and the following delegates, elected at last week’s mass meeting of the miners: Denaby Branch: Messrs. F. Croft, J. Nolan, J. Smith, and J. Barnes. Cadeby Branch: Messrs. G. H. Hirst, P. and H. Humphreys, and A. Dickinson.
Previous to the conference, the representatives of the men held a preliminary meeting of but a quarter of an hour’s duration, at the conclusion of which they were joined by Mr. Chambers, representing the company, and a meeting full of importance, and on the result of which the mental and bodily comfort of hundreds were concerned, was proceeded with. The conference lasted about two hours, and on its conclusion representatives of the Press endeavoured to ascertain the result, and were quickly informed that
No Agreement Had Been Arrived At.
Concerning the actual details of the meeting, which transpired from official sources, it may be stated that a long discussion took place on points at which the sides are at variance, and that matters connected with the price list were considered, the upshot being that Mr. Chambers promised to report to his directors. As we stated last week, intense anxiety was felt as to the outcome of the meeting, and a wave of disappointment passed over the affected districts when the result became known.
The Startling Interim Injunction.
Last week, it will be remembered, hardly had the men dispersed from a mass miners meeting before an official from Barnsley brought the dread tidings that an injunction had been moved, restraining the Yorkshire Miners Association from distributing further payments from its funds to the Denaby and Cadeby members, and this “bombshell” caused the deepest consternation in the camp of the strikers, who never once gave a passing thought to the possibility of such a disaster befalling them. Then it was that they realised – the women especially – the terrible power of the opposition, and at the time it seemed as if “Nipsey” money (voluntary subscriptions and contributions raised by levies from other collieries), which amounted to 2/- per man and 1/- per lad, would be all the financial help forthcoming to meet the many calls and demands of the following week. Happily, however,
The Strike Pay Was Again Granted,
and, for the time, the intense gravity of the situation was somewhat relieved. The story of the concession may be briefly detailed, as follows: The day after the interim injunctions was granted, Mr. Loehnis (instructed by Messrs. Raley and Son, Barnsley, for the Miners Association) attended before the judge, the plaintiff (William Henry Howden) being represented by Mr. Montagu Lush, K.C., and Mr. H. W. W. Wilberforce (instructed by Mr. Arthur Neal). The plaintiff, through his counsel, consented to the strike pay being distributed that day, on the ground that a meeting between Mr. W. H. Chambers and the men was being held in Sheffield, and also on the ground that to stop the pay at such short notice might cause great hardships on the women and children affected by the strike. Mr. Justice Phillimore, before whom the matter came, in the absence of Mr. Justice Darling, consented to this course. Naturally, when the men were acquainted with the fact that strike pay would be distributed, after all, immediate and pressing home claims were more easily met, but through it all there was an unwelcome, but deep rooted, feeling that they were helped on sufferance, and the more serious thinking men felt the bitter conviction that they held the weaker “hand”. So far the history of the struggle has demonstrated that
The Masters Have Held the Trump Cards,
and first the successful claim for damages against miners leaving the company’s employment without proper notice, and secondly the threatened eviction orders. The injunction to stop strike pay has also proved a powerful and far reaching element in the “deal”. And in looking backward the unprejudiced mind is inclined to think that the masters have not unduly forced their “hands,” for the outcome of each move has been curiously alike – as if a hidden purpose behind was guiding and directing affairs. In the first place we find that after damages against the men had been successfully claimed, the company, unlike Shylock, have not been unnecessarily severe in claiming their “pound of flesh,” the same attitude being maintained in regard to the eviction orders application. Looking at the situation from a purely business point of view, no landlord can be blamed for turning non-paying tenants out of his houses, but the circumstances connected with the Denaby and Cadeby dispute are such that public sentiment would certainly not approve of such a step being taken, although there is no doubt, providing a much-prayed-for settlement is not brought about,
The New Year Will Witness Evictions,
which, to the victims, will be of a heartrending nature; and in each instance the company have seemed rather more inclined to show their power than to mercilessly enforce it. That, however, deals with the past, and the eventualities of the future may be far more serious should the conflict be continued. A determined stand has been made by both sides, and the fact that this is the 24th week of the strike is in itself eloquent testimony as to the difficulties to be bridged over, and we shudder to think what will happen if a speedy agreement is not arrived at. Just fancy for a moment the outcome of such a lengthy period of contest. For nearly half a year strong, able-bodied men, numbering thousands, have led a life of idleness and inactivity, standing out for what they deem their just rights. But while just rights are waiting to be righted
Cruel Wrongs Are Rapidly Swelling,
and instead of a peaceful, hard-working, and happy industrial community at Denaby there exists a trouble-ladened people, determined in their fight against the masters, but fearful of what an hour may bring forth, and forced to exercise outward patience and calmness, whilst the inner hearts are burning and raging for the strike to conclude. For 24 weeks (over 160 days) has the struggle lasted, and we can well understand the anxious mothers, with large families and small resources crying, as day succeeds day, week succeeds weak: “How long, O Lord, how long.” Denaby has been spoken of as the picture of misery by some of our contemporaries, but whilst it is hardly as bad as it is painted, there can be no doubt that it has undergone a great change during the last six months. The little knots of serious-faced men, standing at the corners, and the lack of life and vitality about the place, show all too plainly the seriousness of the struggle, but it is within the homes where
The True Reflection Of The Strike Is Found.
And these homes, already under the shadow of sorrow, may shortly have to be broken up, if, as is all too probable, the application for evictions is proceeded with at Doncaster to-morrow (Saturday). Work is preferable to worry under almost any conditions, and what the strike has cost and lost in both respects will, perhaps, never be known, for the seeds of worry sometimes bear fruit long after the cause has been removed. In actual coin of the realm the
Men Have Lost £150,000
in working wages since the commencement of the strike, and to enable them to fight, the Yorkshire Miners Association have contributed “ammunition” to the tune of £20,000, which disparity must needs bring about a sad condition of things although the strike pay has been somewhat augmented by voluntary subscriptions. Then to the season being winter The pinch of poverty will be the more severely felt and all right thinking people view with horror the bitter prospects that must surely follow if this strike is still to be continued. Although the meeting on Friday last Did not furnish the desired consummation there is yet hope that the conciliatory attitude we urged last week will at the meeting between Masters and men be shown in even more marked degree For there can be little doubt but what the majority of the men are eager to return to work although they are loyally standing together until their leaders who by the way are being very severely criticised make the terms they are prepared to accept. There must be no unreasonable stubbornness both sides must be prepared to have confidence in the other and if the happy ever after end is desired
The Spirit Of “Give And Take” Must Predominate
much more largely than in the past. We contend that it is of vital importance that this thing should be immediately settled, for the situation has developed in a fashion contrary not only to industrial interests, but to the health and happiness of the affected community. If for no other reason, for the children’s sake,
Bring The Struggle To A Close,
rather than submit them to hardships likely to do their young constitutions serious and permanent injury. The effect of the strike on trade has been considerable, and the official return relating to the coal trade of the South Yorkshire collieries and Hull, issued on Saturday, shows a somewhat serious falling off. The fact that the Denaby and Cadeby collieries have been set down almost half the year has thrown the traffic into other channels. Last month these two pits only contributed 3,256 tons against 59,976 tons In November, 1901, whilst during the year the firm has only sent 269,088 tons, against 465,664 tonnes last year. This, of course, speaks volumes, but it is only one effect of the strike, for, as before stated, the full loss will never be known. Naturally, with the men’s financial position seriously belittled, several have been unable to keep up their subscriptions to the friendly and sick and burial societies, and have fallen out of membership. Whilst the general trade of the district has felt the disastrous effects considerably, a Saturday night now, in some instances, being but a shadow of the old times. Local affairs are at a standstill, places of amusement are suffering, and in many ways the circulation of money has been missed. Pending the outcome of the adjourned conference at Sheffield, it has been decided to hold
No Miners Mass Meeting
this week, a wise decision, as with both masters and men showing an inclination to try and come to terms, it leaves no possibility of public utterances widening the breach, and again breaking off negotiations. Not only the unemployed miners and their families, but those who have sought work elsewhere, would be glad of a settlement, and when once “peace” is happily proclaimed, no doubt nearly all of the old hands will be found readily following their old occupations in their old pits once again. Honest toil and activity is infinitely preferable to the depressing inaction of the last six months, and the fact that
The Distress Is Daily Growing,
and that some of the women and children have even suffered the indignities of begging, makes it not merely desirable, but absolutely necessary that the far-too-long deferred arrangement should be arrived at.
Opinions Are Divided
as to the result of the adjourned conference, but there can be no division on the paramount importance of a settlement. Mr. Chambers, it is stated has communicated with other directors as to the points at issue, and we trust that both he and the men will “strain every nerve” to meet each other. A prolongation of the struggle would spell further and untold disasters, the regrettable course of events having already left its mark on the district. One pleasing note to be struck in this unfortunate affair is that of public assistance, and local men of authority and position, outside the mining sphere altogether, are striving to stem the flood of further distress by appealing to the public for
Monetary Aid for These Victims of Circumstance.
On Monday night, at the Mexboro’ Primitive Methodist Chapel, the Rev. J. Wilson made a special appeal on behalf of the unfortunate children implicated, and expressed the sincere hope that the “good news” might soon circulate that work has to be resumed. And these are sentiments repeatedly expressed by our public men and practically demonstrated by monetary contributions by the public at large. We have no desire to analyse the technical points of the case, the question which at this time – mid-winter – occupies our minds the most Is the immediate stoppage of a conflict, already responsible for much trial and suffering. We can imagine how the hopes and fears in the hearts of the afflicted ones make up for the most part the sum of their present existence, and if the conditions are not speedily altered then whatever is gained by “sticking out” will never compensate for the expenditure of comfort, health and happiness during
A Terrible Time of Trial.
As was announced at the miner’s last mass meeting, some neighbouring colliers had decided to double their contributions of assistance to their struggle-tossed comrades, and as a result, on Saturday, Manvers Main contributed £66, and Hemsworth £30 to the fund. Here we find a pleasing fulfilment of the Divine command “Help one another,” but if the question is not soon settled and the owners press to the fullest extent their powerful weapon of eviction, the situation will be such that voluntary subscriptions can do no more than mitigate the sufferings of a homeless people, although under such circumstances financial aid will be more valuable than ever. In any event
They Will Not Be Left Unaided,
and the latest call for assistance comes in the form of the following appeal, signed by J. Baker, Secretary Manvers Main No. 2 Branch: – “I have been requested by several branches to call a conference of two or three representatives, along with a checkweighman, to attend a conference, which will be held in the Arcade Hall, Barnsley, on Saturday, December 13th, 1902, at 6 o’clock, to take into consideration the question of helping the men now on strike or lock-out in the county, especially at Denaby and Cadeby.”