Chapter M: Thompson (9)

The agreement settled a long-standing dispute, and established for twelve classes the right to a free house, or rent if houses were not found. In respect to the other classes not specifically named in the list, their right would rest on the custom of the colliery obtaining on the 1st of June 1900. Under the circumstances the agreement was the best that could be got, and was a very long way ahead of the uncertain condition of things which existed prior to its signing. There was this to be considered: if the Board had not settled it then the umpire would have been called in, and there was no assurance that he would have gone so far. With respect to the rent, which was dependent upon the custom of the colliery, the right of the classes named to a rent (if not the amount) was guaranteed. Before the arrangement was made, if there were not sufficient houses, the men belonging to the colliery had to prove, at Joint Committee, it was the custom to pay rent at that colliery. If they failed to establish the custom, then they were non-suited, and without rent. That which was indefinite and uncertain was lifted out of the region of contention once and for all, and that in itself was no small advantage. In judging of the merits of the "Houses and House Rent Agreement" it must be remembered that the Executive Committee and Federation Board had to contend against time and precedent. These were no mean forces. Practices which in some cases had existed for thirty years were difficult to alter by the party seeking the alteration. If the effort had been made twenty-five years before it would have been comparatively easy: "Customs would have admitted of easy proof, and the data would have been new and readily substantiated." Keeping those things in remembrance, the conclusion will be that the agreement was a good one.

On the 29th of December other two small agreements were signed. One of them had reference to boys whose wages were below 1s. and those having a basis wage of 1s. and 5d. or less. The former were raised to 1s., and the latter had to have 1d. increase. The other change was in relation to smart money for beat hands. It was agreed that, as the Compensation Act did not cover that injury, the smart money should be continued where it had been the custom to pay it before the Act was passed.

1901

The Coal Tax--The Death of Bishop Westcott--The Appointment of an
Accountant

In the spring of the year the whole of the mining industry was startled by a proposal made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to place an export duty of 1s. per ton upon all exported coal. It was done to enable him to meet the heavy expenditure which had been thrown upon the nation by the Boer War. The entire cost was over £250,000,000. The year or two previous the coal trade had been prosperous. The profits of the employers and the wages of the miners loomed up very large, and he being in a desperate position (having a deficit of £50,000,000 to meet) thought it safe to make an attack on the trade. His proposition was a very disastrous one. The arguments advanced in support were uneconomic and fallacious, but were forced upon the House of Commons by the sheer weight and force of a great and obedient majority--a majority whose party loyalty covered a large number of political sins.

His main arguments (upon which the changes were rung) were as follows:--Coals were a great national asset, and the exportation should be checked, and even if exported under the 1s. tax the foreigners would pay it. To say the least, the former of these arguments was too narrow to be considered at all seriously, because if the necessities of the nation demanded a preservation of our coal supply, then it could only be done by a total prohibition of the export. Further, it lost sight of the large mining population, the amount of capital sunk in the mines, the ships and sailors employed in the carrying of coal, and the interchange of trade, which would be interfered with if the policy were effected. The argument as to the foreigners paying the 1s. was fallacious and selfish; fallacious because it assumed the foreign consumer would not seek the cheapest market, which would be opened out to him by the development of the Continental coal fields; and selfish because, if correct, it was an endeavour to throw upon him a part of the cost of a mad and wasteful war, when he took no part in the initiation of it.

His proposal was met by fierce opposition in all the mining districts, both exporting and non-exporting, but in none more than in Durham. Employer and employed united in opposing it. To such an extent was this joint action carried that the pits were all laid idle for the purpose of affording the workmen an opportunity to hold mass meetings. In a circular issued on April 22nd the Executive Committee informed the lodges that they intended to hold seven simultaneous meetings, and to join the Northumberland miners on the Town Moor, Newcastle. In the circular they said:

The occasion is important. Time is short. The question is urgent. A
more injurious tax was never proposed. If carried, it will cripple
our trade, but more especially that of Northumberland and South
Wales. Our export trade is not so large as theirs, but we are so
closely bound together that we are sure to suffer with them. Let our
protest be as large and emphatic as the tax will be injurious, and
then the pressure of public opinion will compel a withdrawal of the
Chancellor's proposal.

In connection with the national protest large conferences were held. The first of these took place on April 25th and 26th, at which a deputation was appointed to meet the Chancellor on the 29th; but he held out no hope. The conference was resumed on the 30th, and on May 1st. There was a very strong feeling in favour of stopping all the mines in the country, and a resolution in that direction was adopted. The main obstacle to an immediate stoppage was the fact that certain districts had not considered it, and the conference was adjourned for a week to give them time to call Council meetings and consult their members. The adjourned meeting took place on May 7th, but it was found that there was a more peaceful spirit abroad. Durham was in favour of the stoppage, and the delegates, acting on instruction from the Council, voted for that course of action. The conference was against it. An arrangement was come to in view of any district being asked to submit to a reduction in consequence of the coal tax. If that occurred, then "another conference should be called to consider and determine whether the whole of the mines of the country should be laid idle until such intimated reduction is withdrawn."

So far as any stoppage of work was concerned, the agitation was at an end, but the protest did not cease with it, for year after year it was brought forward, and at all the galas it was made part of the resolutions. Deputations met the Chancellor, and in Parliament the spokesmen of the miners brought forward the question on every opportunity. At the very outset they compelled him to exempt all coals sold for 6s. per ton and under. And (to anticipate a little) one of the first effects of the return of the Liberal party in 1906 was the removal of the tax, to take effect on the 1st of November that year.

THE DEATH OF THE BISHOP OF DURHAM

The history would be incomplete if we did not make a reference to the death of Bishop Westcott. He was known amongst us as "The Pitmen's Bishop," and well he deserved the designation, for from the time of his coming to the county he sought on all occasions to make himself acquainted with our conditions, and was ever ready to assist in the work of amelioration. In every effort in that direction he was ready to counsel. He was one of England's greatest scholars, but his learning did not blunt his sympathies nor check his desires to help the people in their struggles. He was highly religious, but it was not the religion of the visionary. It found expression in actions. He proved his faith by his works, and demonstrated it by that higher and truer exponent of a man's creed, his active participation in every movement which tended to purify the conditions of our working and home life.

His death was a unique circumstance. At the gala held on July 20th he delivered a masterly address in the cathedral. His closing words were prophetic. He informed the large gathering, mainly miners, that it would be the last time he would address them. Whether this was the presentiment of the coming of the last messenger or not we cannot tell, but it is certain that the kindly heart and eloquent tongue were both stilled by death, and the miners were in sorrow longing for the sound of a voice that was gone, within a short week after he had thrilled the hearts of his hearers, and a great sorrow fell upon the county without regard to class, creed, or social status.

The following resolution passed by the Executive Committee will show the appreciation of his worth expressed by them in the name of the miners:--

That we, the Executive Committee of the Durham Miners' Association,
in the name of our members, express our universal sorrow at the death
of our respected Bishop and friend, the late Bishop Westcott. We
recognise that we have lost a sympathiser, counsellor, and helper in
all our efforts for better conditions both in our home surroundings
and our working life. From the first day of his residence amongst us
we felt that it was his desire to be the Bishop of the diocese in the
truest and best sense of the term; and as the years have passed that
feeling has been strengthened by the words of kindly counsel he has
given us and by his generous and helpful actions. While, therefore,
we share in the loss that has fallen upon the whole community we join
in the expression of regret and sorrow which will be felt in every
portion of the sphere in which he moved, and we tender our sympathy
to the relations of the truly great and kindly Christian, who has
been taken from a life in which he lived usefully and well to a
reward which awaits all who try to correct the wrongs and brighten
the darkness of this life.

APPOINTMENT OF THE ACCOUNTANT

Under the sliding scale there were joint ascertainments of prices by each side having a firm of accountants, who agreed to the average realised selling price of coals. When the scales terminated the services of the accountants on the miners' side were dispensed with, and the selling price was gathered by the Federation Board visiting various depôts, the ports whence coal was exported, and the coal exchange in London. Now it was obvious that such a system was at its best very uncertain, and while the data gathered might be asserted it never could be put forward as accurate. Without the accountants, the mode adopted was necessary, but it was difficult, expensive, and unreliable. The Federation Board, upon whom the burden of seeking the prices fell, was never satisfied, and in the end the members came round to that way of thinking. On the Miners' Council programme for September 28th the following resolution appeared:--

Accountant be engaged for the purpose of ascertaining the price of
coal, the mode of procedure to be arranged by the Executive
Committee.

The resolution was carried, and was sent to the Federation, and by them placed before the other sections, and finally adopted. At the Board meeting held on November 28th it was decided "that Mr E. Sparks be appointed as the accountant for the Board in the ascertainment of coal prices on the terms which obtained under the sliding scale, and that he be asked to meet the Board at the next meeting."

Between the loose system which obtained prior to his appointment and that which resulted from it there was a very great contrast. Without the definite figures he was able to supply the workmen were always in an atmosphere of uncertainty on two points--first, the time when to apply for an advance; and second, as to the amount to ask for. Further, whatever demand the owners might make it was a matter of guesswork as to the accuracy of the change in the markets. With the quarterly ascertainment the state of the trade was given to the very smallest decimal, it gave reliability as to data, and guaranteed the stability of trade and the regularity of work, which is a great consideration to the workmen.

1902-1903

Hours of Datal Boys and Firemen--Bank Holiday--Mr Patterson's
Statue--Ballot on Eight Hours--Coal Drawing after Loose--Agreement of
15th August--Surface Firemen's Wages

On Monday, the 27th of January, the Executive Committee met the Employers' Committee on six requests. Three of them were the hours of timber leaders and others, putters at datal work, and the hours of firemen at the week-ends. Those three were settled by the allowing agreement:--

It is hereby agreed between the Durham Coal Owners' Association and
the Durham Miners' Association as follows:--

_Putters at Datal Work._--That the hours of putters when sent to
datal work shall be those applicable to the particular class of work
which they are required to perform.

_Firemen's Week-end Shifts._--That the hours of firemen employed at
boilers attached to stationary colliery engines which work
continuously between 6 A.M. on Saturday and 6 A.M. on Monday shall
be eight per shift between these hours.

_Timber and Water Leaders._--That the hours of the following classes
of boys shall be in future eight per day--namely, timber leaders,
stone putters and water leaders, and those boys who for a full
shifter's shift may be working with shifters whose hours are eight.
Those whose hours are reduced to suffer a proportionate reduction of
wage.

This agreement to take effect with pays commencing the 3rd and 10th
February 1902.

For the Durham Coal Owners' Association,

REGINALD GUTHRIE,
_Secretary_.

For the Durham Miners' Association,
JOHN WILSON.

The result of the settlement so far as it affects the young men will be seen by the following table, and it must be remembered that the total number of days reduced was for any one day, and not for a fortnight:--

Timber leaders 80
Water leaders 234
Stone putters 76
Number of putters at datal work on any given day 220
Other boys so engaged 220
----
Total days reduced 830

These figures were taken from the Associated Collieries. There were a number of others, which would increase the total somewhat. It will be observed that the hours shortened did not in any way affect the coal-drawing time, and were indications of the willingness to meet the shortening of the hours if it were expedient to do so. It was in complete harmony with the general policy of the Association--self-effort even if the end were a little longer in being reached, and negotiation in preference to an appeal to the legislature. Further, the settlement proved that the inexpediency and difficulty of applying the eight hours a day was the only obstacle in the way of the Durham men, and not their unwillingness to shorten the working time, as was alleged by many outside the county.

THE BANK HOLIDAY

For some years there had been complaints from the employers in reference to the pits being laid idle on Bank Holidays, without any arrangement being made for the same. The logic of their position was incontrovertible. They stated it in the following manner:--

As Associations we have had business relations for over thirty years.
We have in that time made many agreements, and have arranged
tribunals for every class of difference, and yet you, one of the
Associations, have deliberately set all that machinery to a side,
have ruthlessly broken all precedents and procedure, and have for
some years laid the pits idle, without even consulting the owners'
side.

They then brought the subject before the Conciliation Board in August 1902, but while they were wishful to call in the umpire they agreed to defer it for three months. Their request was in the following form:--

The owners complain of the action of the workmen in laying collieries
idle on August and December Bank Holidays, and ask that the
Conciliation Board take this matter into consideration with a view of
requiring the workmen to continue previously existing county
arrangements until such are altered, either through negotiations
between the Owners' and Workmen's Associations or by the Conciliation
Board.

After being discussed it was decided that:

The claim of the owners, that this Board shall restrain the growing
practice of laying pits idle on the August and December Bank
Holidays, is to be considered and dealt with at the November meeting
of the Board.

At that meeting the question was again brought forward; but it was thought desirable that the miners and the employers should have a chance of settling without a reference to the umpire, and for that purpose another adjournment took place, it being understood that if no arrangement were come to the reference should be made as soon as possible. The umpire was not called in until the 8th of July 1903. The hearing of the case took place in London in the Westminster Palace Hotel. On the 13th Lord Davey gave his award: "On the question referred to me at the meeting on July 8th I award that the workmen be allowed the August Bank Holiday, but go to work on the day after Christmas Day."

MR PATTERSON'S STATUE

The statue was unveiled on Saturday, 31st of January 1903, at two P.M. The ceremony consisted of a formal unveiling in front of the Hall, and a meeting in the Council Chamber immediately after. The Executive Committee, in a short circular sent out to inform the members of the event, said:

It will not be necessary to urge upon you to send a deputation to
represent you, and thus show respect to a man who did as much as he
could to establish our Association and to promote its usefulness.
Don't let this be a mere ceremonial function, but let us show by our
presence as much as by the statue we are placing in front of the Hall
how we appreciate the labours of men like our departed friend.

There was a great response to the circular, and both the unveiling and the meeting inside were well attended. The ceremony was performed by the corresponding secretary (J. Wilson), who gave the address. The proceedings were presided over by Mr W. House, the president of the Association, and a number of speeches were delivered by representative men, and many who had been with him during the greater part of his life, and throughout the highest testimony was given to the good qualities and disinterestedness of Mr Patterson.

His would be a narrow mind who could say anything else. If true virtue consists of desire to do good, and he is only great who loves his fellow-men, then Patterson was truly great. And that was the standard by which the county judged him, and on that he carried their appreciation. It will be fitting to quote in connection with the unveiling a portion of the _Monthly Circular_ written by one who had lived and worked with Mr Patterson and knew him.

But the most cheering part of the unveiling to me does not lie in the
appreciation as expressed by the marble, but in the numbers who
attended the ceremony and the feeling manifested during the whole of
it. If it showed our respect for a colleague and friend, it reflected
honour upon us because there was nothing of the cold and formal about
it. The gathering was truly representative, and from first to last
friendship was in the air and in every heart. There were very few
lodges (if any) that were not represented, and in addition there were
gentlemen who, although outside our ranks as Trades Unionists, came
uninvited to pay a last tribute to a man who in life they had known
and learned to respect, and warm were their words in reference to
him.

THE EIGHT HOURS--SECOND BALLOT

This question assumed a new and more prominent shape at the annual Council meeting in 1903. It was decided "to seek for a living wage for all workers in and about the mines and for no man or lad to be more than eight hours from bank to bank in one day." It will be observed that the county had to seek, but it did not define by what means the object had to be sought. The Executive was in a strait between the legal eight hours and negotiation with the employers. They therefore resolved to take the opinion of the county by submitting the question to the ballot. On June 25th they issued the voting papers, accompanied by the following circular:--

Gentlemen,--It will be observed that the word "seek" is the word we
invariably use when we send cases before the owners for negotiation.
It would have been competent for the Executive Committee to have
interpreted the new object in that light, and have looked upon it as
being a point to aim at, rather than take it as absolute, and
especially when you remember that, recognising the evils of a sudden
introduction of a shortening of the hours from ten to eight hours, we
have always been against the State regulation of hours, and by ballot
before we have so decided. The Committee, however, think it will be
best to submit the question to you to say whether we are to proceed
by negotiation, or by an appeal to the State, and for that purpose
the ballot papers have been drawn up, so that we may have a plain
issue upon the two methods. There can be no mistake.

There are three things I would like to mention. First, let every full
member (and no other) vote, as it affects all, and will affect all;
second, I ask the lodge officials to let the ballot be such in nature
more than name. Let it be as secret as possible; and third, let me
urge upon you not to be led away by sentiment, but consider the
effect it may have upon the position of every man, lest we may make
things worse than they are. It will be too late to regret after. We
had better weigh well the result before the step is taken.

J. WILSON.

_June 25th, 1903._

The result of the ballot was as follows:--for Trades Union effort, 30,841; for State interference, 12,899; majority, 17,942.

There were 161 lodges voted. Some lodges refused to vote, expressing their opposition to any change in the hours, but some refused without assigning any reason. The vote, however, was very decisive, and reaffirmed the opposition to legal enactment in respect to the eight hours.

COAL-DRAWING AGREEMENT

The question of drawing coals after loose had been for some time in dispute between the two Associations. A number of meetings were held. In the discussion the employers claimed the right to draw coals, if it suited their convenience, at any time. This could not be granted. Then they asked for an arrangement which would allow them to draw coals if it were the custom prior to 1890, and in case of a break up to draw coals to make up the loss. If this were granted they would concede four of the requests the workmen were making. The Executive Committee was not willing to retrospect so far as 1890, but was willing to date back to 1900, and to allow the employers the opportunity for proper preparation for the pit starting the day after an accident, if it were long. This concession formed the basis of settlement, and the following agreement was made:--

It is this day agreed between the Durham Coal Owners' and the Durham
Miners' Association as follows:--

1. That at all collieries where at the end of December 1900 it was
customary for coals to be drawn at other times than the ordinary
coal-drawing hours, such customs shall continue to the same extent.

2. That at all collieries the owners shall have the right of drawing
after the 10 or 20 hours' coal drawing time, as the case may be, such
of the coals standing in the shaft sidings as owing to accident it
may be necessary to send to bank for any of the following
purposes:--

(_a_) To enable stones to be drawn;

(_b_) To enable pit timber or other material to
be got down and clear of the shaft sidings.

3. That at all collieries, in case of an accident or breakdown which
is not remedied one hour before loose, such coals shall be drawn as
may be necessary to prepare the pit for working the next shift, such
preparations to mean drawing such a quantity of coal as will enable
one empty set (or 45 tubs where endless rope haulage is employed) to
be taken to each landing affected by the accident.

For the Durham Coal Owners' Association,
REGINALD GUTHRIE.

For the Durham Miners' Association,
JOHN WILSON.
JOHN JOHNSON.

Three of the concessions on the part of the employers are contained in the following agreement:--

It is hereby agreed between the Durham Coal Owners' Association and
the Durham Miners' Association as follows:--

_Hand Putters' Basis Wage._--That the basis wage for hand putters
when employed on datal work shall be 3s. 4d. per day.

_Stone Putters' Short Shifts._--That stone putters when working with
stonemen and shifters shall be allowed the same short shifts as those
granted to the men with whom they are working.

_Boys' Minimum Wage._--That the minimum basis wage of boys employed
at bank shall be one shilling per day.

For the Durham Coal Owners' Association,
REGINALD GUTHRIE.

For the Durham Miners' Association,
JOHN WILSON.

BROKEN PRICE

There was a fourth question which was not put in the agreement because it was so complicated--viz. the fixing of a relative price between the whole and broken prices. The custom at some collieries had been to fix a whole and broken price for the seam, the definite figure being named of, say, 2d. per ton difference. In every case where a future broken started it was at the original price, no matter how much the whole prices might have increased. The effect was that there were men who might be working at 2s. or 2s. 6d. per ton on the Saturday, and through the area of goaf being taken out they would have a reduction of in some cases 1s. and 1s. 4d. per ton on Monday. It was always difficult to get a rectification at Joint Committee, and it was thought best to arrange a uniform or relative price between the whole and broken prices, so that, no matter how the prices in the former might alter, the relative difference would never vary. The arrangement removed a very great anomaly and grievance, it being left to the Joint Committee to decide.

SURFACE FIREMEN'S WAGES

This was a settlement made by the Conciliation Board. Some years prior, by an arbitration, it was decided "that the standard or basis average wage of firemen at bank working twelve hours per day is 3s. 3d. per day of twelve hours." The operation of that award was that before a man could claim the 3s. 3d. he must be working the full twelve hours per day; if not, the employer could claim a proportionate reduction. The arrangement made on November 6th, 1903, reduced the time to eleven hours for the 3s. 3d., those above that time receiving an advance of 3d. per day. By a return taken at the time the number of men and hours at the Associated Collieries was found to be as follows:--

12 hours per shift 506 men
11½ " " " 1 man
11 " " " 37 men
10½ " " " 78 "
10 " " " 38 "
8 " " " 3 "
---
563

Average hours per shift, 11.63; and the result, therefore, was an all-round increase of 3d. per day.

1904

Labour Representation--Mr Johnson and Gateshead--Suspension of Joint
Committee--Conciliation Board--The Fillers' Agreement

It will be necessary to retrace our steps a year or two to keep this question in consecutive order. The action taken in 1885 has been set forth, with the result thereof. The matter rested with one representative until the Council meeting held on June 7th, 1902, when the Executive Committee placed on the programme the following resolution:--

The time is now opportune for considering the question of increased
Labour representation in Parliament for the county of Durham.

On the Council programme for September 12th, 1902, the Committee placed another resolution:

With a view of giving effect to Council resolution, with regard to
further Labour representation, we ask that the whole matter be
relegated to the sections comprising the Federation Board.

On November 1st that resolution came before the Federation Board, when it was resolved as follows:--

That we express our belief that the time has fully arrived when we
ought to have increased Labour representation in Parliament, and that
the other three sections be requested to consult their members on the
subject, and as soon as they intimate their decision to the secretary
a meeting of the Board be called.

The course of action indicated in that resolution was followed. The idea was accepted nearly universally. The Federation Board, therefore, resolved to place the matter before the four Committees on January 31st in the Miners' Hall, Durham. It was decided to call a special delegate meeting, to be held in the Town Hall, Durham, the following programme to be submitted:--

(1) Shall there be an increase in the number of Labour
representatives in the county?

(2) If so, how many more shall be chosen?

(3) Who shall they be?

(4) That the selections of divisions be left to the four Committees.

(5) Ways and means.

The united Committees advised that there should be an increase of two. This was not done because they believed it to be a mathematically fair proportion of the county, but because it was best to move safely. They left the choice of candidates to the Council, but suggested that the selection of divisions should be remitted to them (the four Committees), and that as regards the ways and means the same system as obtained in the case of Mr Wilson should apply to those chosen.

Having regard to our space we need not enlarge upon the various steps in the procedure. It will be sufficient to say that the Council accepted the advice, leaving the carrying out of the details to the four Committees. The candidates selected were Mr J. Johnson and Mr J. W. Taylor. Shortly after the selection was made, and while the Committees were trying to arrange for the division, a communication was received from the South-East Durham Liberal Association asking that Mr J. Johnson should be sent there as a candidate. In the end the request was acceded to, but before much was done beyond the acceptance Sir W. Allan, M.P. for Gateshead, died suddenly, and within a day or two the Liberal Association made overtures, and invited Mr Johnson. A meeting was called, and in response he was transferred to Gateshead.

It would not serve any good purpose nor assist our history if notice were made of some objections and some objectors. It will be sufficient if we record that he was returned on January 20th, 1904, by a majority of 1205, and we make mention of two matters--first, a resolution of the Federation Board:

That we, the Federation Board, representing the whole of the workers
in and about the mines in Durham, desire to tender our thanks to the
electors of Gateshead for the splendid majority with which they have
returned Mr Johnson as Member of Parliament for their borough, and
all who worked to secure his return.

Second, a portion of the _Monthly Circular_ for January:

There are many matters worthy of notice this month, but the one
nearest your hearts and mine is _our_ success at Gateshead. Mr
Johnson is the M.P. for that borough, but the victory is _ours_. I
have no envy for the state of mind of any man or men who can find
room for carping or faddism in connection with the election. We are
the last people among whom such should be found. The invitation to
contest the seat was spontaneous. The workers were numerous,
energetic, and of all classes, and the rejoicing when the result was
known was of the most enthusiastic nature. It was encouraging to
receive from a number of our lodges good wishes during the contest,
and their congratulations since the victory was secured.

SUSPENSION OF JOINT COMMITTEE

Through a dispute which arose over a decision given by the chairman of Joint Committee the meetings were entirely suspended, the employers alleging that the decision was against the rules of the Joint Committee. This objection was not taken until after the decision was given. The Federation Board, as the authority dealing with the Joint Committee, considered the question, and decided:

That in the opinion of this Board the protest entered by the owners'
side of the Joint Committee on January 15th, 1904, is entirely in
opposition to the tenth rule of the Joint Committee constitution, and
that whatever stoppage there may be in the proceedings of that Board
the blame rests only with them. And further, we protest against the
refusal of the owners to meet the other sections of the Board, as in
our opinion it is in violation of all past procedure, and cannot
conduce to the harmonious relation between the Employers' and
Workmen's Associations; and we hope that, whether the difference
between the miners and employers be settled or not, no objection will
be raised to the business of the other sections being proceeded with.

In the opinion of the Federation Board there was something lying behind the objection to the decision. "If," said they, "that was the sole cause for the suspension, why not go on with the other sections?" They felt (rightly or wrongly) that the main objection was against the chairman. It was time for the appointment or reappointment of the chairman, and by the refusal of the owners to reappoint Judge O'Connor the Board was strengthened in their opinion that it was the man--more than the single decision--the objection was taken to. The secretary received a letter from Mr Guthrie asking the Board to meet for the purpose of appointing a chairman, and he was instructed to say they were ready to meet at any time convenient to the owners. That reply was repeated again on April 6th. The business was suspended from January 15th until July 4th, when it was resumed, the chairman being appointed _pro tem_. until the appointment of Colonel Blake, who occupied the position for the first time on October 31st.

CONCILIATION BOARD

A mention of this is made here because of a unique circumstance which arose at the August meeting of the Board. The ascertainment showed a fall in price sufficient to warrant a reduction of one and a quarter per cent. The Federation Board objected to it. Then the employers asked for the umpire to be called in, and requested it should be done as speedily as possible. There was a difficulty in the way. Mr Wilson was arranging to go to America, and had paid an instalment of his passage money. Either he must forfeit the money he had paid or the meeting must be delayed. In their circular for November the Federation Board placed the following statement of the case:--

Neither of these alternatives was acceptable, and in order to meet
the situation the following resolution was submitted by the owners
and accepted by us:--

In order to meet the convenience of Mr
Wilson it is agreed that consideration of the
claim for a reduction of wages be postponed
until the meeting of the Board in November,
when Lord Davey shall be invited to attend
and, failing agreement, to decide on the claim
after consideration of the information which
may then be put before him as to the state of
trade, a preliminary meeting of the Board to
be held on October 29th, in order if possible
to effect a settlement without the intervention
of the umpire.

In harmony with that resolution we met on the 29th of October. There
were two courses open to us, as you will see: either we must consider
the circumstances warranted the reduction asked for, or on the 5th of
November--which is the date of the ordinary quarterly meeting--meet
the umpire. One thing more let us point out: on the 24th of October
we received the accountants' ascertainment for the quarter ending
September, which showed a further fall in the realised selling price
of coal. You will easily perceive the force of the situation which he
had to meet. Let us enumerate the circumstances. In August the
employers claimed a reduction on the result of the ascertainment then
obtained. Although they were (as they said) convinced of the validity
of their claim, we have kept the higher wage for three months, and
you will know how much that means to us as a county, with our large
wage fund and the thousands of men and boys employed. Furthermore,
there had been another fall in price. If we had gone to the umpire
these facts faced us. These facts were fully considered, and the
probabilities of the case carefully investigated, and we were
convinced that the course most conducive to the best interest of
those we represent was the acceptance of the one and a quarter per
cent. reduction, and we are as fully convinced that the action will
carry your general approval.

As is seen by the circular, a settlement was made without the umpire.
Lord Davey was informed, and replied as follows:--

86 Brook Street, W.,
_October 30, 1904._

Dear Sirs,--I deplore the existence of the circumstances which have
admittedly rendered some reduction of wages necessary. But I
congratulate both parties on having been able to settle the question
themselves by amicable discussion without the intervention of a third
party. Nothing affords me greater pleasure than to hear that they
have done so. I say this not from any desire to spare myself any
trouble in your service, but because it is the best earnest for
future harmony and co-operation in which the joint claims both of
capital and of labour will be recognised.--I am, dear sirs, yours
very faithfully,

DAVEY.

The Joint Secretaries,
Durham Board of Conciliation.

THE FILLERS' AGREEMENT

With this notice we will conclude our history. For some time there had been a gradual introduction of "Mechanical Coal Cutters," and it was necessary that an arrangement should be made for a new class of workmen known as "Fillers," whose work consisted solely of filling the coals after they had been got down. One main feature had obtained from the commencement in the policy of the Association--viz. the permission to the employers to work the mines as they thought proper (consistent with the safety of the workmen), providing the workmen were paid a recognised wage; and second, no objection was ever raised to the introduction of new machinery, if regard were had to safety and wage. When these machines were brought in their utility was recognised. It was seen they were to ease the heaviest portion of the hewers' work, and the attention was turned to the two considerations named. After many meetings and much negotiation the following agreement was made:--

Agreement made this day, 26th day of November 1904, between the
Durham Coal Owners' and Durham Miners' Association:--

1. That the standard basis piece rate of wages for "Fillers" who
follow mechanical coal cutters shall be four shillings and sixpence
per shift, and that the length of shift shall be eight hours from
bank to bank, except on Saturdays, when it shall be less in
proportion to the reduced coal-drawing hours on that day at the
respective collieries.

2. That the above standard piece rate shall be the basis for Joint
Committee purposes, or for the purpose of any adjustment of "filling"
prices, either as to advance, reduction, or revision thereof as the
case may be, provided that each one and a quarter per cent. advance
or reduction in the county percentage shall be held for Joint
Committee purposes to vary the wages of "Fillers" by three farthings
per shift.

3. That the duties of "Fillers" shall be held to embrace, according
to the requirements of the management of the particular colliery
concerned, breaking up, casting, and filling (into such receptacle as
may be provided by the said management) coal kirved by mechanical
coal cutters; the squaring of the coal face so as to leave it
straight and perpendicular; the picking out and casting back under an
agreed "laid-out" penalty of all material which the hewers are
expected to pick out at the respective collieries; timbering in the
absence of the deputy and according to the special and timbering
rules; preparing the face and leaving it clean and free for the
subsequent operations of the coal cutter.

4. That the "Fillers" shall be included among the classes of men
entitled to free houses or the customary allowance for house rent
under the conditions of the Conciliation Board resolution of
November 5th, 1900, regarding "Houses and House Rent."

For the Durham Coal Owners' Association,
REGINALD GUTHRIE.

For the Durham Miners' Association,
JOHN WILSON.

The noticeable features in the agreement are--first, the wages, which are 4d. per day (as a basis wage) higher than those of the coal getter, the hours being eight from bank to bank; second, the percentage is regulated as it is for the hewers, five per cent. in price meaning 3d. per day in wages; third, the duties they are called upon to perform are plainly set forth; and fourth, they are entitled to free houses or the customary allowance for rent as the other acknowledged classes.

* * * * *

_P.S._--Inadvertently the death of Mr Meynell, chairman of the Joint Committee, and the appointment of Judge O'Connor to that office has been omitted and this _P.S._ supplies the omission. The last meeting at which Mr Meynell presided was held on December 14th, 1900. The first under the presidency of Mr O'Connor was on April 9th, 1901; the chair in the _interim_ being filled _pro tem_.

AFTER WORDS

The Lawyers--The Changes

We leave the history of the organisation for the time being, but before closing the volume, it would leave a vacuum if there were not some mention (even if it were little) of the legal advisers who have been connected with the Association, and have helped it in the questions of law which from time to time are inevitable in such a large organisation. The first regular lawyer was Mr "Harry" Marshall, the leading solicitor in the city of Durham. He was well on in life when the Association was founded, but he was retained until the time of his death. His offices were in the Market Place, Durham. He was followed by Mr H. Forrest, who was heir to the business and offices of Mr Marshall, and by a natural sequence the legal matters of the organisation fell into his practice; but they did not remain there long. Gradually Mr I. Isaacs of Sunderland was called in, until finally he was appointed officially to the position. In Mr Isaacs the Association had a very skilful and painstaking adviser, and a gentleman who stood well with the magistrates in every district in the county. He died a young man, but he had attained to a position which was one of the envied positions by the whole of the legal gentlemen in the county. He was made clerk to the Castle Eden magistrates, but, unfortunately, died shortly after; in fact, before he had rightly taken over his duties. He was a man of the highest type, a Jew by religion, upright in all his dealings. The standard he lived up to was high enough for all to aim at.

To keep the succession complete we may insert here a notice of his successor, Mr H. F. Heath. He was in Mr Isaacs' office until a very short time prior to the decease of the latter, and from the time of his appointment has proved himself a reliable guide. His advice is given for the good of the Association, and not on the low ground of personal profit. He is as skilful in the stating of a case, or detecting the weak places in the position of his opponents, as he is versed in law. Having to deal with mining matters he has made himself thoroughly acquainted with the technicalities of the mine, and is most desirous for the success of the business which is placed in his hands. No member of the Durham Miners' Association has more regard to its welfare and prosperity than has the miners' solicitor and advocate.

CHANGES

Within the period of our associated life there have been many changes, a few of which we may with profit enumerate. The "Yearly Bond" has been dealt with as one of the first actions of the Associations. It was considered a species of slavery, and a remnant of the old feudal times when men were part of the estate. We need not dwell further upon it nor its abolition.

The change in the "First Caller" is no mean one, apart from its implied shortening of the hours. It uniformed the time for men commencing work in the foreshift, and it gave them two or three hours more time to rest when it was most natural and most needed. The writer of this (as all men who were hewers at that time would go) went to work, if in the whole, at one in the morning. The "caller" made his rounds then, but there were many men who never waited until he came. They were at the pit and down before the time. At some collieries the back shift men went in at six or six-thirty A.M. If they were out until the latter time they were the last to go in. It was not considered necessary to suspend the coal-drawing to send them down. The man and his picks were put into an empty tub, and went down against the full tubs coming up. The engineman was told there was a "man on," and the only difference in the running was the easing up a little at the bottom. When the back shift hewer got to the face he had the company of his marrow for some two or three hours. In 1872 the calling time was changed, and the loosing in the face established.

Take the position of checkweighmen. Prior to the commencement of the Union (and at the time) the workmen's choice of their weighman was merely nominal. They selected, but the selection was subject to the approval of the employer or manager, and he was at all times liable to receive his notice, not from the men for whom he worked, but from the manager--and it could be given for anything which did not harmonise with the will of the manager. A breach of the law was not considered except it was colliery-made law.

It will be obvious that his freedom of action (so far as the advocacy of the rights of workmen was concerned) would be very much restricted. In the generality of cases the policy was to "lie low." In this there has been a great and useful change. Now the checkweighman is employed by the workmen, and can only be removed by them, except he violates the conditions of the Mines' Regulation Act; and now he is (with rare exceptions) the mouthpiece of the men when meeting the manager, the leader in public movements, and the most prominent in matters relating to the Association.

No less important is the facility for meeting the employers, and the spirit of equality which obtains. What a contrast between 1869 and 1904! Then it was truly a meeting of the superior with his inferiors, and as a natural consequence there was an absence of free discussion, which is so essential to the proper settlement of the questions arising between employers and workmen. Happily, that feeling has died out. There is less of the dictator and dictated to, and more of the meeting of equals. Then it was thought to employ men was to confer a favour upon them, and that consequently they were to consider themselves under patronage, and be satisfied with the treatment meted out to the patronised. Now it is realised that if the employers employ a man's labour the workmen employ their capital, that reciprocity and mutuality form the platform upon which the two sides can meet, and that free, unrestrained, courteous expression is not merely the right, but the safest and most beneficial course.

There has not only been an economic benefit accruing to both sides alike, as a result of this equality, but there has been a mental stimulus given to the workmen. It is true that, concurrently with the life of the Association, the schoolmaster has been more abroad amongst the people. The boys commence work later in life, and with a larger mental capital, and that as a consequence there is more ability at command for the use of workmen, but it is a safe assertion that the fact of the organisation operating in our midst has been no mean factor in stimulating the use of the learning so acquired. The young men think it no small attainment to take part in the various offices which are held out to them in the Union, and they know as well that they must be prepared to fill those offices in an intelligent manner. It would be a difficult, but yet a most interesting, calculation if it could be shown how many men have been incited to mental activity in the manner indicated. From the very inception the Association has demonstrated that the industrial relations in this county were passing out of the region of brute force into that of reason, and the play of mind against mind, and that the body of working men who desire to hold their own, and progress, must do so by the mental force they could command. The greater that force the safer the position, and the more assured the amelioration of their conditions. By that will they conquer. The contrast between the number of able men now and in 1869 is encouraging. It gives the young assurance, and rejoices the heart of the aged, who in their youth saw this day as in a vision, but desired it.

A natural corollary from the equality in meeting and the mental impetus is the amended mode of settling disputes and conducting our negotiations. We have come from a chronic state of open and avowed antagonism to (if not complete conciliation) at least a great approach to it. The history in describing the various stages in our path, will prove that the old era of contention was wearying and wasteful, as it was sure to be when the two parties considered themselves as two armies, and their strength of numbers and increase in capital were for purposes of crushing the other side. These ideas, like that of national superiority and large armaments, were hard to destroy on either side. Their presence made the attempts at compromise more difficult, and often helped those who were wishful to retrograde. They brought about the abolition of the sliding scales and the first Conciliation Board. It may be at some future stage they will effect the same with the second. This will not be, if the past teaches any lessons and the workmen of Durham recognise the tendency of the times. That is towards conciliation, and no step should be taken except to perfect it. If wisdom rules, that backward action will be avoided as a great danger.

A very pleasing change is the greater care for life manifest during the last thirty-six years. The county has had its share of explosions in the period indicated. The following table will give us a view as to the extent of the life-saving in the mines of the nation. The table deals with three decades, and 1905 singly, and gives the deaths per year, the numbers of persons employed, with the number of tons, the average of each ten years being taken.

Ten Years Deaths per Number of Number of
ending Year Persons Employed Tons

1882 1129 558,816 152,221,629
1892 1032 614,200 182,646,507
1902 1015 666,060 215,790,835
1905 1159 887,524 249,782,594

The table is very cheering. The full value of it will be realised if we take the decade ending 1882 and compare it with 1905. There we have thirty more deaths, but we have 300,000 more people employed, and an increase of over 97,000,000 tons in output. The proportionate reduction in the saving of life is great.