Midland & Northern Coal & Iron Trades Gazette – Wednesday 17 August 1881

Meeting of Miners

On Monday evening a meeting of miners from Denaby Main, Manvers Main, Wath Main, and Thrybergh Hall Collieries, was held in the Market-place, Swinton—the first of a series which are to be held in the district—the object being to induce the colliers to become more united.

Mr. Benjamin Worsley presided, and amongst those present were Mr. Chappell and Mr. Joseph Arch, of Leamington.

The following resolutions were adopted:—

“That the establishment of a strong union amongst working classes is the only means by which their true and lasting interests can be enforced and maintained.”

“That these interests can only be promoted by a most careful policy, which shall avoid unequal and untimely contests with the owners, and such policy is best shaped by a carefully-selected executive representing the various districts in connection with the association and having the full confidence of the members.”

“That this meeting of the miners of South Yorkshire most strongly urges upon their fellow workmen that the first and permanent duty of every miner, both to himself and family as well as to his fellows, is to join the association, and by every peaceable means in his power to induce those with whom he is employed to join also.”