South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 05 September 1942

Wath Main Canteen Opened

A group outside the canteen before the opening ceremony, including Mr. T. Shaw (the opener), in the centre, with Mr. J. A. Hall (wearing light suit) on his right) and Mr. M. C. Martyn on his left.

The gravity of the coal output position was stressed by Mr. J. A. Hall President of the Yorkshire Mineworkers Association, in a stirring and outspoken address at the opening of a pithead canteen at Wath Main Colliery on Saturday, when Mr. M. C. Martyn, the Genera. Manager, who presided, welcomed 139 of the Colliery’s pensioners who enjoyed a free meal, the first to be served in the canteen.

Mr. Martyn said he thought it appropriate that these old servants of the industry should share in the ceremony.

The canteen was opened by Mr. T. Shaw, Chairman of the Board of Directors Others present included Mr. T. C. Nicholson. Mr. P. Shaw (directors). Mrs. Martyn, Mr. A. Fairhurst (managers and Mrs. Fairhurst. Mr . and Mrs. W. P. Turner, Mr. W. A. Bates (District Organiser, WeUare Commission) and Mrs Bates, Mrs. J. A. Hall Mr. C A Broadhead (architect). Mr. H. G Moseley (Divisional Architect. Welfare Commission), Mr and Mrs. Johnson Acaterers), Mr. G. H Smickersgill (builder) and Mrs. Smickersgill, Mr. G B. Hollings (Surveyor. Wath Main Colliery). Mr. E. A. Walton. Mr. J Kelly and Mr. J. A. Braithwaite (president and secretary respectively, Wath Main Y M.A branch).

Mr. Martyn said “When It was suggested that we should open this canteen I thought it would be fitting that the first people to have a meal should be the old age pensioners, and when I suggested it to the Canteen Committee they readily fell in with the idea. I am glad to see them and the men and Board of Directors are delighted to see them.

It is nearly 20 years since we had an opening of this kind. That was the opening of the pithead baths. We erected the baths under great opposition. Both ourselves and the men’s representatives. met opposition from all sides, but we were determined to have these baths, not only for the comfort of the men, but for their women folk. In fact, since hen they have been extended to nearly double their original size. I hope the baths will be an inspiration and example to the men to see that the canteen is occupied to the full.

 Tribute to Committee.

“I would like to pay a tribute to the members of the Canteen Committee. Mr. A. Fairhurst (chairman). Mr. Walton (secretary), Mr. A. Dorlin. Mr. W. Clegg (Colliery Company). Mr. J. Kelly. Mr. J. A. Braithwaite, Mr. W. Rawlinson, Mr. H. Walker, Mr. H Higgins and also Mr Hollings, who is our ‘evergreen’ when any building is in progress and is always on the job. But for his energy and skill this canteen would not have been open for another month. I thank Mr. Smickersgill the builder, who has given his help and work under difficulties to get material. I welcome Mr. Bates here to-day. He has assisted considerably I also welcome Mr Johnson, the caterer, who has got his staff together very rapidly and got things going much quicker than we expected. I’m glad to see Mr. Hall. I will now ask Mr. Shaw to open the canteen. Mr. Shaw has been connected with Wath Main all his life and has been on the Board of Directors for nearly years, which is very nearly a record.”

Always to the Fore.

Mr. Shaw said in the earlier part of his time with the Company he did not think any of them thought they would see the time when the miner would be able to get a hot meal and bath when he had completed his shift and before he left the pit yard. Wath Main Colliery had always been to the fore where the welfare and safety of its workpeople were concerned.

Wath Main was among the first collieries to have pithead baths, and it had not been behind in the canteen project. They had had a canteen to the pit yard now for nearly 12 months. It had been successful well patronised, and had been very helpful. The Board felt it would be still more helpful if hot meals could be provided. The matter was taken up with the Welfare Commission and the building was the result of representations made to them. The building had been erected and equipped by the Commission, and the site found by the Colliery Company. The building had cost £5,000, and equipment approximately £1,500 more, and there was seating accommodation for 240 people. “I think the building and equipment are a good sound job.” Mr. Shaw went on.” and a credit to the builder and the committee responsible for making the arrangements. The equipment is particularly good. I think all the appliances are up-to-date, and there is even a machine for washing the crockery. The committee have also made arrangements with a firm of caterers, whom they felt sure would give very good service and provide sound food at reasonable prices. The Colliery Company have decided to give every man a free meal and give the canteen a good send off by letting them see what kind of fare is provided.

There is one thing which we must not lose sight of. Many of you will have heard the broadcast recently by Sir Frederick Sykes, Chairman of the Canteen Commission, who said the Commission was pushing on with the building of these canteens, with the object of increasing the output of coal. We had that object in view when we opened the canteen in the pit yard 12 months ago, and we are disappointed with the result. The output has diminished, and we must hope for better things, and that the object of the Welfare Commission in providing this canteen is fully realised. I hope the men will take full advantage of, and derive great pleasure from it, and that Wath Main may its full share in providing the coal the country needs so badly.”

Mr Halls Speech Followed