Chapter M: Thompson (3)

On the 25th of September 1875 the Committee submitted a balance sheet for the year ending 30th June. The auditors were Benson, Eland & Co. They informed the members that after depreciation as per rule the net loss up to date was £10,863, 15s. 8d. The Committee in presenting the balance sheet said it had arisen from circumstances over which they had no control. The output of the colliery had never reached to their anticipations. The cost of production, and the unsatisfactory state in which the Society found the colliery, had occasioned the loss. The vendor had not truthfully represented the output. They had filed a Bill in Chancery against him for the recision of the contract and the return of the purchase money. The loss to Durham was £15,500.

On 6th November the ex-Committee was called upon to face the fourth reduction. They received a letter on that date from the employers conveying to them a demand for twenty per cent. reduction from all underground earnings, including banksmen, and twelve and a half per cent. off all above-ground labour, to take effect from the 27th. The Committee replied protesting against the imperative way in which the demand was made, and resolved to ask the county whether a deputation should attend Newcastle to hear the reasons assigned for the reduction. The county agreed to send a deputation and offer open arbitration, the deputation being the Joint Committee, and that a Council meeting be held on the 27th to hear the report. The Committee met the owners on Monday, the 22nd, and the offer of open arbitration was accepted, the Court to consist of four arbitrators and an umpire.

1876

Death of Burdon Sanderson--Appointment of Mr Meynell--The third
Arbitration--The General Treasurer and Executive--The new
Hall--Deputies' Association

JOINT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

In January 1876 the Joint Committee chairman, Mr R. B. Sanderson, was in a serious railway collision on the Great Northern Railway at Abbots Ripton. He was not killed outright, but was so seriously injured that he died shortly afterwards. He was the first chairman, and sat all through the meetings up to his death. The Joint Committee at their meeting on January 28th passed a resolution paying high respect to his character and to his ability and impartiality in his decisions. From that time until 11th September the chairman was selected from the meeting _pro tem_. On that date Mr Meynell was appointed, and from that time until his death in 1900 he occupied that position to his credit and with fairness to everyone concerned. It would be incorrect to say that no fault was ever found with him; but it is well known that at his death all who had been at the Joint Committee regretted it, and he has been sorely missed, because he had years of experience--experience which is worth a great deal in that position.

The proceedings in the arbitration did not proceed further in 1875, but rested over until January 1876. The arbitrators were the same as in the previous case, and the umpire chosen by them was C. H. Hopwood, M.P. The advocates for the owners were Mr H. T. Morton, Mr Lindsay Wood, and Mr T. Wood Bunning, the Secretary of the Owners' Association, and for the workmen Mr J. Forman and Mr W. H. Patterson. The names of the Committee who assisted were:

N. Wilkinson.
J. Holliday.
M. Thompson.
W. Prentice.
G. Parker.
J. Cummings.
C. Kidd.
C. Cooper.
J. Crowther.
F. Smith.
G. Jackson.
J. Day.
G. Newton.

The first meeting was held on Tuesday, 18th January 1876, in the Queen's Head Hotel, Newcastle. There were two days' sittings. At the close of the sittings in Newcastle the arbitrators and umpire held a meeting in London on 16th February, when the umpire gave his award that there should be a reduction of seven per cent. underground and four per cent. on the surface.

Out of this case and the meeting in London there arose a serious disturbance. The treasurer (Mr Wilkinson) refused to pay the Committee for going to London. He alleged that they went without authority. They went on the vote of seven out of seventeen members of the Committee, the rest being either absent or lying neutral. Their going, he said, was a waste of public money. He finally showed there had been an extravagant expenditure and charges for unnecessary meetings. Along with his explanation he sent out a detailed statement in which it is shown that for one fortnight they had received sums varying from £7, 1s. 9d. to £11, 15s. 7d., or an average of £8, 14s. 11d. per man. For another fortnight the average worked out at £12, 12s. each. To this the Committee made a long reply, but all unavailing, for at the Council meeting held on March 4th, 1876, the following resolution was carried:--

"That the members of Executive Committee who went to London be
expelled, and that they have no payment for going."

By another resolution the number of the Committee was reduced to nine.

The result was to leave only three Committee men to transact the business until a new Committee was elected. A word of explanation may be necessary. At the election of Committee in December 1875 three new men were elected. These were C. Simpson, W. Gordon, and J. Wilson. As the arbitration was proceeding when the election of 1875 took place the Executive Committee asked the members whether they should be allowed to continue in office until it was finished. This was granted, and as a consequence the newly elected members did not take their places until the decision was given. The Durham Miners' Triumvirate ruled until May 4th, when the full Committee was elected.

As a further result of the dispute between the treasurer and Committee certain rules were suggested by the Executive Committee and approved by Council on 29th April.

(1) That in future there be no night sittings of the Committee.

(2) For a long time, a custom has existed of the Committee, asking
questions on their reassembling after dinner hours. These questions
were put on paper during the forenoon and handed in to be read after
dinner. It will be seen, that this practice can be abused, and made
to lengthen out Committee meetings to any extent. That this practice
be entirely abolished unless it be a mere asking a question from the
Secretary. The question and answer to be printed on the Minutes; but
no discussion whatever to be held on the matter.

(3) That the General Secretary alone have the power both to call and
disperse Committee meetings.

(4) That the Committee have no power to either shorten their hours or
alter modes of payment.

In a letter bearing date May 19th the employers made another demand for a considerable reduction of wages both above and below ground, and fixing Saturday, the 27th, as the date for a meeting upon the matter. On that date nothing definite was done, and an adjournment took place until 13th June. A special Council was called for June 17th, when lodges were asked to instruct their representatives what should be done in the matter. In the meantime the Committee issued a circular, giving an account of the meeting with the employers, and informing the members that the owners' demand was for fifteen per cent. off underground labour and ten per cent. off surface labour, or they were willing to refer the whole question to arbitration in order to avoid a stoppage of work. They (the Committee) then urged the acceptance of arbitration at once. To refuse it would be to run counter to the efforts of working men in the past who "had fought some of their most severe struggles in trying to enforce arbitration as a means of settling their trade disputes." Many hundreds of thousands of pounds had to be spent before the employers would even recognise the right of the workmen to the merest inquiry in advances or reductions of wages. The employers claimed the right to be the sole judges in matters of that kind.

"When the employers arrogated to themselves the right to judge both
for them and us, we were not slow in applying the words tyranny,
despotism, and even villainy to their actions. Don't let us then be
guilty of an imprudence, both by a repudiation of our own principles
and going into a battle when everything is against us."

The Committee supported that bold and candid statement by drawing attention to the success which had attended the arbitration in the past. "If ever a body of men ought to be satisfied with a means of adjusting differences we ought with arbitration. It has in every instance so far immensely reduced the application of the owners. There is no other means by which we could have fared better. On every occasion the owners complained about the insufficient amount awarded them." The alternative to arbitration was a strike. That course would be madness. There was a complete stagnation in trade, nowhere more felt than in Durham. Pits were working half time, and there were hundreds of men who could not find an hour's work. To strike would be to jeopardise "an organisation which in the very short space of time has done more for its members than any other trades' organisation that ever existed." They urged other reasons in as forcible a manner, and concluded by saying, if arbitration were refused and a struggle entered upon, there could be but one end, "that of utter and terrible defeat for the miners of this county."

Towards the end of May preparations were being made for opening the new Hall, and a return was taken as to the mode of procedure. The place of meetings had been on a movable plan. At first the Committee meetings were held in 58 North Road, Durham. Then both Councils and Committees were held in the Market Hall. As the organisation increased the Councils alternated between the Shakespeare Hall and the Town Hall, and the Committees in the Western Hotel, Western Hill, Durham. The opening of the Hall took place on Saturday, June 3rd, the occasion being the consideration of a ten per cent. reduction at a special Council meeting. The cost of the buildings was £6000, and the architect, Mr T. Oliver, Newcastle--the council-room fifty-two feet by thirty-four; the tower thirty feet above the body of the Hall. The clock cost £130. The arrangements as to the lighting of the clock are: the city authorities pay for the gas, while the miners keep the clock in repair. For some time the City Council refused to bear the charge for lighting, and at first only agreed for six months as a trial.

There was no opening ceremony beyond a few words from the president, Mr Forman. The delegates took their places as per number of seat. Mr Forman then said he was glad to welcome them to their new Hall.

"The noble building had been built with the money of the working
miners of the county of Durham. It was a great example of their
forethought, their economy, industry, enterprise and unity, and he
hoped that it would be one more link that would bind them together in
the cause of mutual help and mutual endeavour, and be another great
supporting prop to the noble edifice they had reared in their
Association. He was sorry that the first business at the opening was
to be the unpleasant one of discussing a ten per cent. reduction."

The first Council meeting was held in the new Hall on 17th June, and the first resolution was "that we refuse to send the reduction question to arbitration." The spirit of war was in the air, at least among the men who attended the lodge meeting to consider the subject at first. During the next week, however, a ballot of the members was taken, the result of which was declared at a special Council meeting--the voting being for arbitration, 20,190; against, 16,435; majority for, 3,755. There were resolutions passed to remit the question to open arbitration: That the Committee get up the case, but "if any person has to accompany the arbitrators out of the county, only the two men who conduct the case do so." At the same meeting Mr N. Thompson and T. Mitcheson (two of the London Committee) were removed from the trusteeship, and their places filled by John Wilson, Wheatley Hill, and W. Gordon, Ravensworth.

The arbitration commenced on 29th August in the Queen's Head Hotel, Newcastle, the umpire being G. J. Shaw-Lefevre, M.P. The arbitrators for the employers were Mr W. Armstrong and H. T. Morton, Mr L. Jones and Mr W. Crawford acting again for the workmen. The advocates on the owners' side were Mr Lindsay Wood and Mr J. B. Simpson and Mr T. W. Bunning; for the workmen were Mr J. Forman and Mr N. Wilkinson. There were two sittings. There is no need to review the arguments or facts in these cases, as that would extend our work too much, but there is one interesting point advanced by the employers in their rejoinder to the workmen's case. It refers to the cost of production at that time over 1871. The increase was thirty-seven or thirty-five per cent. higher than 1871--the items being, wages 14.68 per cent., and the effect of the Mines Bill 22.67 per cent. Assuming that the cost arising from the operation of the mines was divided between employers and workmen--eleven per cent. to each--there was still 26.35 per cent. to the disadvantage of the employer. On the credit side coal was only 5½ or 8.8 per cent. higher than in 1871, and therefore their conclusion was that the claim for fifteen and ten per cent. reduction was amply justified. At the conclusion of the two days' sitting it was agreed that the arbitrators should meet on the 16th of September, and if they failed to agree the umpire would decide. That meeting took place, and the umpire was asked to decide, which he did on September 25th, and awarded a reduction of six per cent. in the wages underground and four per cent. in the wages paid to surface men.

No sooner was the arbitration finished than the Association found itself face to face with a difficulty of a different but yet perplexing nature. The employers conceived the idea of separating the deputies from the miners. Their reasons for taking this step are stated in a subsequent letter. The mode of procedure they adopted was to exempt the deputies from the six per cent. reduction, providing a majority of the deputies on any colliery would leave the Miners' Association. The employers said their action was in response to a request by some of the deputies. The action drew from the Executive Committee a strong remonstrance. They pleaded with the deputies and protested against the action of the owners. The circular they issued was a lengthy one. Our object will be served if we quote a few portions. Addressing the deputies, they said:

"It appears in response to some application made by some of you the
Owners' Committee have agreed that where a majority of deputies on
any colliery are not members of ours, they will recommend that such
deputies be freed from the recent reduction. Call this offer by what
name you will it is neither more nor less than a special kind of
bribery held out to you and we regret to hear, that some of you have
been imprudent enough to accept it. Why make this difference between
those who belong and those who do not belong to our Association? It
is not because they respect the one party more than the other, or
that the party who have left us are any better workmen or in any way
more useful to the owners than those deputies who still belong to our
Association. The most unknown amongst you as to your past history, or
the most casual observer of present doings, ought to know that the
motive which has induced the Owners' Committee to make this offer is
not respect for you as a class, is not because they think your
responsibilities are increased more than heretofore, neither is it
because they think you underpaid, but it is because they want to
induce you to sever your connection with an Association which has
hitherto been able to gain many advantages for members and for none
more than for your class. They offer you an inch now in order that
they may take from you a foot hereafter. Most of you can remember the
time (only five years ago) when your wages varied from 3s. 4d. to 3s.
8d. per day of eight hours' working, while with the recent reduction
of six per cent. your wages are now 4s. 8d. for 7½ hours' working,
or an advance in time and money of 39.58 per cent."

The circular then draws attention to a portion of a letter from the deputies who had left the miners to those of another colliery, and to the resolution of the Owners' Association. The portion of the deputies' letter said:

"If any member of our [the Deputies'] Association leaves and starts
to hew, and has to go back to the Hewers' Association, the two
pounds' entrance fee will be paid out of the Deputies' Association."

The resolution of the Owners read:

That this Association thinks that deputies, like overmen, should be
the agents of the masters, and that under these circumstances it is
imperative that they should not be restricted by any Trades Union
resolutions.

In relation to these the Committee point out that they (the deputies) could not honestly be members even of the Deputies' Association, for by the stipulation of the employers they were not to be restricted by any Trade Union regulations. "It will thus be seen that if you do this, you sell your birthright, your independence, your manhood, your all, not even for a necessitous 'mess of pottage' but for an insignificant present advantage, in order that you may bring upon yourselves a future permanent and great evil."

Some of the deputies were desirous of serving two masters: they wanted to remain in the Miners' and at the same time enter the Deputies' Association for the sake of the six per cent. At the Council held on Saturday, 30th September, a resolution was carried declaring "that the Deputies be not allowed to remain in our Association and also become members of what is called the Deputies' Association." At the same time a sharp correspondence took place between the Owners' Association and the Miners', in which Mr Bunning sent a letter, bearing date 3rd November, which contained a protest and an extenuation.

_November 3rd, 1876._

RESOLUTION OF COAL OWNERS

The members of this Association regret that the Representatives of
the Miners' Association after five years' amicable correspondence,
should have thought it necessary to communicate to them so
uncourteous and offensive a document as that bearing date 24th
October 1876, and relating to the resolution passed respecting the
deputies, on October 11th, 1876. And, as this resolution was arrived
at after mature deliberation, and from the conviction that both the
safety of the mine, and discipline of the pits, are seriously
endangered, by having the deputies subject to the restrictions
imposed by the Miners' Union, no good can possibly arise from any
discussion of the subject at a meeting of the two Associations.

The reply sent by the Executive repudiated all intention to be uncourteous or offensive in language, but at the same time they repeated the charge of bribery, for, said they, "viewed from the most favourable standpoint, your action in the matter can only be characterised as that of holding out a manifestly unfair inducement to the deputies." They asked what the employers would have thought, if, having the power, the Miners' Association had held out inducements to charge men? They reminded the owners that they asked for a reduction off all wages, and the award of six per cent. applied to all underground labour. Considering these facts they could not but look upon the action as a covert attack on the Association.

The Executive acting on instruction from Council took a return, which resulted as follows:--

Total number of Deputies--2557.
Total number in our Association--936.
Total number in Deputies' Association--1621.
Total number paid old wage--1449.
Total number paid reduced wage--1044.

1877

Deputies--Sliding Scale--Relief Fund--Emigration

The dispute about the deputies opened the year. A very lengthy correspondence took place on the subject between the Employers' and Miners' Associations. On January 23rd the whole of it was sent to the lodges. They were informed that the Committee had done all they could to avert a conflict on the question. In keeping with a resolution of Council, the owners had been offered arbitration, which they had refused. The resolution referred to contained the alternative of giving the whole of the notices providing arbitration was refused. Now, to carry out the instructions contained in that resolution the Committee forwarded the ballot tickets for the purpose of taking the vote in accordance with the rule. They concluded by saying: "Whatever the result may be arising out of this case the entire onus of blame must rest with the owners themselves." A resolution was placed on the programme for Council on February 3rd by the ex-Committee asking "that the deputies who are still with us be paid the 6 per cent. out of the General Fund of the Association," but it lost. In addition, the subject was laid before the Central Board of the Miners' National Union. They expressed regret and surprise at the action of the employers in paying one portion of the deputies more than the others, and were of the opinion "that there can only be one object in view in this policy, the disruption of the Miners' Union. The Board earnestly appeal to the mine owners to withdraw from the position they have taken up. Should they fail to do this the Board will feel called upon to ask the members of the National Union to yield all the support to the Durham Miners' Association they can under the circumstances." Nothing further was done in the matter during 1877 except an occasional Council resolution. We shall, however, meet the same question in a few years.

THE FIRST SLIDING SCALE

Early in the year the Association was entering seriously into a new phase of our industrial relation with the employers and taking another step in the path of amicability by the arrangement of the sliding scale. For some time there had been an inclination in that direction. By the Minutes of the Executive Committee members were informed that negotiations were proceeding with a view to establishing a scale, and at the Council meeting held on December 9th, 1876, the following resolution was on the programme:--"Seeing that coals are up, we ask for 25 per cent. advance." The decision was that the question rest over until the sliding scale question is settled.

On February 16th a letter was received from the employers containing the following resolution:--

"This Association having anxiously considered the further serious
depression in the Durham coal trade and the necessity for
endeavouring to avert in some prompt and thorough manner the complete
collapse which has set in to the ruin of many owners, and the casting
adrift of large bodies of men, feels compelled to ask the Miners'
Association to concur in a further reduction in wages and
readjustment of hours."

The Executive Committee met the owners on Thursday, February 22nd, when they were informed that the depressed trade and lower prices demanded a reduction of ten per cent. from underground and six per cent. from the bank workmen, "coupled with an increase in the working hours which would, in a great measure, compensate the men for the reduction in their wages." The Committee could neither see the necessity for a reduction nor could they see the compensation in the lengthening of hours. They, however, arranged another meeting for Friday, 9th March, when they would further discuss the sliding scale, and, failing that, the reduction. In the statement explaining these proceedings the Committee placed before the members two scales--one proposed by them and the other by the owners. It will be interesting and instructive to give these scales.

_December 22nd, 1876._

SLIDING SCALE PROPOSED BY THE DURHAM COAL OWNERS

Price Wage
s. d. Per cent. s. d.
5 2 0 4 8.0
5 10 5 4 10.8
6 6 10 5 1.6
7 2 15 5 4.4
7 10 20 5 7.2
8 6 25 5 10.0
9 2 30 6 0.8
9 10 35 6 3.6
10 6 40 6 6.4
11 2 45 6 9.2
11 10 50 7 0.0
12 6 55 7 2.8
13 2 60 7 5.6

_January 2nd, 1877._

SLIDING SCALE AS PROPOSED BY THE DURHAM MINERS' ASSOCIATION

Price Wage
s. d. Per cent. s. d.
5 6 0 5 0
6 2 5 5 3
6 10 10 5 6
7 6 15 5 9
8 2 20 6 0
8 10 25 6 3
9 6 30 6 6
10 2 35 6 9
10 10 40 7 0
11 6 45 7 3
12 2 50 7 6
12 10 55 7 9
13 6 60 8 0

In the explanation sent out it was shown that each scale would carry a minimum wage. Theirs would be five shillings, while the employers' would be 4s. 8d. The wages in the scale were for coal hewers only. The reduction the employers were asking for would bring the wages down twopence per man below the lowest wages offered in the owners' scale. They asked the members to leave the question entirely in their hands, as in their opinion a better settlement would be got than by any other way. A special Council was called for the 8th of March, and two subjects were sent out for discussion--(1) Should a sliding scale be adopted; if so, under what condition? (2) Should the owners be offered arbitration? The result was that the arranging of the scale was placed in the hands of the Committee, and on 14th March the first sliding scale was signed for two years.

THE FIRST SCALE

The following scale shall regulate the wages of hewers and labour below ground:--

SCALE

Price
at and above but below Wage
5 4 7½ per cent. reduction
5 4 5 8 5 " "
5 8 6 4 Present Rate
6 4 7 0 5 per cent. advance
7 0 7 8 10 " "
7 8 8 4 15 " "
8 4 9 0 20 " "
9 0 9 8 25 " "
9 8 10 4 30 " "
10 4 11 0 35 " "
11 0 11 8 40 " "
11 8 12 4 45 " "
12 4 13 0 50 " "
13 0 13 8 55 " "
13 8 60 " "
And so on.

It will be observed that the grades were eightpence, and for that amount the change in wages was four per cent. Next, there was to be a minimum wage of 4s. 8½d. per day. This is worthy of special notice in the light of subsequent events, especially during the time the minimum existed, which was until 1879, and especially in view of the desire of many people to have a minimum established again. Another point was the amount of reduction, which would depend upon an ascertainment by accountants. Messrs Monkhouse, Goddard & Miller acted for the owners, and Messrs Benson, Eland & Co. for the workmen. The ascertainment was made known on the 31st of March, the average net price realised being certified at 5s. 3.97d. The Committee accompanied the ascertainment with a short circular, and informed the members "that a reduction of 7½ per cent. on underground men and boys and 'banksmen' wages and 6 per cent. on 'bankmen's' wages will take place on the pays commencing April 2nd and April 9th."

THE FIRST RELIEF FUND

As a consequence of the depressed state of trade very large numbers of men were thrown out of work, and the rules of the Association made no provision for them. Opinion had been ripening for some months, and the Committee realising that the time was opportune, and acting on a Council resolution, suggested the formation of a Relief Fund. In furtherance of the object they sent out the following:--

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELIEF FUND

Fellow Workmen,--At last Council meeting, you put into the hands of
the Committee, the work of suggesting some plan to relieve the
numbers of men now idle at various collieries in the county. After
mature consideration, they suggest the following as a means of
forming a Relief Fund:--

1. To take from the General Fund the sum of five thousand
pounds to form the nucleus of such Relief Fund.

2. That this Fund be afterwards kept up by the payment of a levy, or
extra contribution, of 2d. per member per fortnight.

These two are the basis of their suggestions, details can be
discussed and arranged afterwards. But to make these suggestions--and
especially the second one--a success, the Committee believe that the
county will require to have brought before them our exact position.
The best, if not the only, means of doing this is to hold a series of
public meetings at the various lodges and districts in the county,
grouping lodges together where such can be done. What they now ask
is, can they have your consent to assist the agents in attending such
a series of public meetings? It is the only means of rendering
successful the getting of necessary means and would not cost more
than an ordinary Council meeting.

In support of their proposals they adopted two modes of advocacy--first, to issue a circular, and second, to hold a series of meetings at all the lodges. This latter step they considered most essential, as they would thus be enabled to state the matter more clearly by speech and answer to the members. This view they placed before the lodges, and received sanction with very little objection; and, acting upon it, they arranged themselves into deputations of two each, and for about three weeks either addressed lodge meetings or groups of collieries where convenient, and as a consequence the Relief Fund was formed on the lines suggested. While it existed it proved itself a very useful institution for that period, which was the darkest through which the Association had to pass.

The amount paid, although small, was useful to the public as well as the members--to the latter by easing off the pinch of poverty, and to the former by the help to the rates, which would assuredly have been much more heavily weighted if the fund had not existed. It only existed a year, however, for the Committee placed a statement before the county on November 2nd which showed that, while there had only been £4144 contributed to the Relief Fund, the expenditure had been £9695, and that, adding the £5000 grant from the General Fund, the expenditure had exceeded by £551 the whole amount paid into it.

EMIGRATION AGENCY

During 1876 and up to July 1877 the agents had acted as emigration agents, and had been very useful in their advice to people who were inclined to emigrate by giving them advice upon points and matters of importance to them. All they did was done free of charge, and only with the view to help those who were members of the Association; but as in every movement there are men of the "viler sort," whose envy prompts them to attribute ill motives to those they envy, so in this case there were some who, instead of giving the agents credit for good motives, were not slow to charge them with selfishness and exploiting the volume of emigration for their own benefit. The agents bore this until the Council meeting held on July 21st, when Mr Crawford and his colleagues resolved to give it up. In doing so they gave their reasons in the following circular:--

EMIGRATION AGENCY

_To the Members._

Gentlemen,--As announced at Council Meeting on Saturday last, we
intend to give up the agency. It was taken with two objects--(1) To
have ourselves well posted up in emigration news, so that we might be
able to give the best advice possible; (2) to aid our members by
allowing them the commission money, which is a very important item
indeed. It was not taken with the view of making one penny of profit,
but solely to assist our members by advice and also an abatement of
their fares. But as some poltroon fellows, who are directly
interested in getting emigrants in order that they may get the
commission money, are causing some stir, and as, further, some of our
lodges are listening to their statements, we think it necessary to
give it up. You will be the only losers by it, but remember that it
is amongst our own members that the real grumblers are found.

1878

The Hours Arbitration--Position of the Association--Federation Board

The first item of interest in 1878 was initiated on 15th March by a letter received from the employers _re_ the lengthening of the coal-drawing hours. It was addressed to Mr Crawford as follows:--

Dear Sir,--I am desired to inform you that the present state of the
coal trade in Durham seems to render it imperative to extend the
hours of work and increase the facilities for drawing coal. And that
the members of this Association would be glad to discuss the matter
with you and your Committee with a view to arriving at some decision
on the subject.

Could you fix Thursday next, the 21st, at two o'clock to meet our
Committee here? An answer at your earliest convenience will oblige.

The Executive met the employers as requested, and found that the change was to increase from ten hours to eleven all the collieries working ten hours, that drawing time being the outcome of an arrangement. The owners were reminded that it was inconsistent with the sliding scale, and the demand should be withdrawn. They replied by quoting a portion of the scale: "Both parties shall remain at liberty to raise any question not inconsistent with the maintenance of the sliding scale." "Should any dispute arise as to the carrying out of these arrangements the question in dispute shall be submitted to the chairman of the Joint Committee, who, if he cannot act, shall appoint some other umpire to act in his place. The award in either case to be final." These were discussed at great length; finally three proposals suggested by the Executive Committee, subject to the approval of their members, were agreed to:

1st. Is it consistent with the sliding scale to even discuss a
lengthening of the hours?

2nd. If it is consistent with the sliding scale to discuss the
matter, is it necessary to lengthen such hours?

3rd. If the hours are lengthened, should there follow any increase in
wages, and if so, how much?

The Committee were not sure whether the full body of owners would agree to them, as those present at the meeting objected to No. 2 being a question of reference. They informed the lodges that Mr Meynell had fixed 9th April for the hearing of the case. They were convinced that the employers could make the demand under the arrangements, and therefore all that was necessary was to say how many persons should attend and who they should be. The question was eventually placed in the hands of the members of Joint Committee to make the best settlement they could. On 15th April Mr Meynell gave the following award:--

COAL DRAWING

(_Award_)

Whereas the Durham Coal Owners' Association, being of opinion, that
it is absolutely necessary that the working hours of all men and boys
above 16 years of age should be increased, if they thought fit to
place it before me, and to leave me to decide the question. And
whereas it was also agreed that the following questions should be
left to me for my decision:--

1st. Is it consistent with the sliding scale to discuss a lengthening
of the hours?

2nd. If it is consistent with the sliding scale to discuss the
matter, is it necessary to lengthen such hours?

3rd. If the hours are lengthened, should there follow any increase in
wages, and, if so, how much?

Now, having heard and carefully considered the arguments on each
side, I award, decide, and determine that it is not inconsistent with
the sliding scale to discuss the question of lengthening the working
hours; 2nd. that it is necessary to lengthen such hours; 3rd. that
there should be an increase in the wages where the hours are
lengthened.

I award and decide that the working hours of all men and boys above
16 years of age shall, or may be increased in accordance with my
award, that the minimum wage to be paid to the hewers shall be, when
the pit works 10½ hours, 4s. 10½d.; and when the pit works 11
hours, 5s. 0½d.; and that the wages of the datal men shall be
increased in strict arithmetical proportion to the wages they are
earning at the time of such increase in the hours. I determine that
the increased hours shall or may commence on and after the first pays
after the date of this my award.

As witness my hand, this 15th day of April 1878.

E. J. MEYNELL.

There immediately arose some dispute as to the application of the award, and he was called upon to define it, which he did in a decision given at Joint Committee on May 10th.

_May 10th, 1878._

"I further award and decide that where the working hours shall be
increased in accordance with my award, that the minimum wages to be
paid to the miners shall be where the pit works 10 hours and a half,
4s. 10½d. and where the pit works 11 hours, 5s. 0½d. is
intended to mean--that where the hewers are increased one quarter
hour per shift, the county average wage shall, in that case, be
considered as 4s. 10½d. instead of 4s. 8½d. as hithertofore;
and where their hours are increased half-an-hour per shift, the
county average wage shall be 5s. 0½d. instead of the present
average of 4s. 8½d.

It is also intended that the working hours of any or all classes of
workmen may be increased on the payment to them of proportionate
increased rates as set out in the award; and that the maximum working
hours for drawing coals be 11 hours per day in day-shift pits, and
double shifts proportionately."

The employers then asked that there should be an allowance for the time taken by boys under age descending and ascending. With the ten hours the boys under sixteen came out after coal drawing was done, but under the eleven hours some were taken in at six A.M. and "rode" at four P.M. Some were taken at seven A.M. and came out at five P.M., when the coal drawing finished. There was, therefore, a loss of time at either seven or at four, and this should be allowed for. The matter was arranged on the following principle:--Whatever time was taken either at seven to send the under-age boys down, or at four to bring them up, should be added to the eleven hours. If it took ten minutes, then the coal drawing would be from six A.M. to five-ten P.M., but in no case was the time allowed to be more than a quarter of an hour.

POSITION OF THE ASSOCIATION

As the year progressed the trade became more depressed. Pits were being laid in or batches of men were being discharged. The price of coals was rushing down; the ascertainment for the four months ending November showed the average was 4s. 7.65d. per ton, a reduction of 8.32d. per ton since the scale was established without any reduction in wages. The evil of this was seen in the numbers of men being discharged and in the sad falling away in the membership. The extent of this may be gathered by a reference to the Executive Committee Minutes for May 13th. Without mentioning names here, suffice it to say that at one large colliery a deputation was sent from the Executive with power to "appoint someone to act as checkweighman and secretary and to guarantee his wages for six months," and that if the men at that colliery wished "the President attend as either steward or treasurer." The state of the county was growing so desperate that the Committee issued two circulars, the object being to place it clearly before the members. In the first they dealt with the Relief Fund. They commenced by saying:

"We are passing through a crisis in the coal trade, and during its
continuance every step we take requires careful watching. We may even
find it necessary to retrace our steps, by undoing what we have
hithertofore done. We are well aware, that to many men this kind of
conduct seems to portray a want of stability and necessary
perseverance. Perseverance in a good and successful cause is highly
commendable, but to persevere in a course of conduct, where
perseverance means ultimate ruin is neither wise nor commendable. A
renowned writer has said that "while fools persevere in their ways,
wise men change their opinions and course of conduct." A body of men
who either cannot or will not adapt themselves to existing exigencies
must not expect success to attend their efforts."

Passing from these calm, wise words of warning they bring before the members the position of the Relief Fund. A year prior they (the Committee) had asked them to subscribe to assist those thrown out of employment by the bad condition of trade. To this there had been a response of twopence per fortnight. That had not been adequate to meet the demand, and the twopence had been increased to fivepence. Still the income did not keep pace with the outlay. For the six weeks previous there had been a loss of £2145. There was not only this monetary loss, but there was the more serious one, its effect on the membership.

Thousands of members are refusing to pay the fivepence per fortnight,
and great numbers of men have left the Association, so that we are
not only losing the fivepence but their ordinary labour
contributions. This being our position, we would strongly advise you
to at once abolish the payment of the Relief Fund levy.

While this was their opinion they would continue the benefits for three months. At the Council held on 15th June it was decided "that the benefits of the Relief Fund be continued for 12 weeks longer, but the contributions cease forthwith and the money required to meet the demands thereof be taken from the General Fund." This was done in order that the men in receipt of relief should not suddenly have their small resources cut off, but should have a little time to look round.

The second circular dealt with the General Fund in its relation to the demands upon it. As a preface to their suggested alteration they said:

The history of Trades Unions during the last 30 years would form a
very curious chapter in the annals of our country. The vicissitudes
which have happened to organised bodies of workmen have been
manifold, and varied; but the disastrous consequences which have so
often overtaken them have generally been the result of a want of
policy, prudence, and forethought, on the part of those who have
composed such Associations. It is just as much the study of those who
have the more direct management of Associations like ours to look
facts fully in the face before it is too late, as it is that of the
head of a household to weigh his position and measure his stores both
present and prospective, before he rushes into irretrievable ruin.
Believing this to be our duty we now place before you our position
both present and prospective.

They then point out that the expenditure was just double the income. During the previous nine months there had been £20,000 drawn from the deposit account. In the face of these facts there needed to be retrenchment. They then show that in 1869 the contribution was fixed at 6d. per fortnight, while the strike and breakage allowance was 10s. per week (and a colliery must be off two weeks before receiving anything), and the sacrificed allowance was 13s. per week, with 1s. per week for each child. These benefits continued until 1872, when work was plentiful and wages good. Then the strike and breakage allowance was raised to 15s. (and only to be off a week before being entitled), and the sacrificed allowance was made 20s., with 2s. 6d. for each child, per week. They therefore suggested a reversion to the original payment (except in the case of the week) and the reduction of the death legacy for children from £3 to £2, and they wound up by saying:

"It is not now a matter of choice, but one of positive compulsion. An
Association wanting money is like a ship wanting a rudder in a
boisterous sea. We would soon find ourselves driven on to the rocks
of discontent, disaffection, and disunion, and in all probability
shattered to pieces in the struggle. To pursue longer the course we
are now pursuing must shortly leave us in that pitiable and helpless
condition."

A special Council meeting was held on 11th October which gave sanction to the whole of the Committee's recommendation.

FORMATION OF THE FEDERATION BOARD

As soon as the other sections of labour had formed themselves into separate organisations in 1873-4, there sprang up a desire for a federation of forces, and from time to time there appeared resolutions on the Council programme all aiming at that end. In this year it took a more definite shape. On the Committee Minutes for January 28th there is a resolution as follows:--

That a deputation of three agents attend a meeting of cokemen,
mechanics and enginemen as to the amalgamation of all those
Associations.

In October a meeting was held at which a set of rules was drawn up and sent out to the county with an explanation. The members were informed that the suggestions were not unalterable, but in their crude form were submitted subject to their approval or amendment. And they were informed that:

"The Federation was formed to protect their joint interests. There
might have been divisions but these must be forgotten. The workmen
were unconnected, whilst acting against a thoroughly organised body
of owners. There had been no cohesion, nor the remotest
understanding, while at the same time they were dealing with the same
combined body of capitalists. It must be clear to everyone that while
in our present divided condition and negotiating with owners who act
as one body we must be placed at a very serious disadvantage."

The county approved of the idea, and on November 13th the rules were issued to the county. At the Annual Meeting held on 6th December the first members of the Board were elected. Their names were J. Forman, W. Crawford, W. H. Patterson, N. Wilkinson, J. Wilson, and W. Johnson. Slightly anticipating the events happening in 1879, and for the purpose of keeping ourselves in as close sequence as possible, it may be stated here that the first meeting of the Board was held on January 28th, 1879, when Mr Crawford was appointed secretary, and Mr J. Dover (mechanic) treasurer. With respect to the chairman, it was decided to appoint an independent one for six months. He should only have a casting vote, and be paid 21s. per day and expenses. At the meeting held on February 7th Mr John Coward of Durham was elected to that position, and occupied it for some months, and during the strike of 1879, assisted by his counsel. By being unaffected in wage by that stoppage he was able to bring a cool and dispassionate feeling to bear upon the questions in dispute. It is due to him to say he took no remuneration for his services.

1879

Demand for Reduction--Strike of 1879--Dual Arbitration--Renewal of
Sliding Scale

The Board was just formed when it was called upon to face one of the most serious crises in our history. At the Council meeting held on December 7th, 1878, it was decided that the average wages in the county should be taken, and that the formation of another scale should be remitted to the Committee, with power to renew it. The Committee were not satisfied with that indefinite resolution, and asked for more explicit instructions. There were certain alterations required, and therefore they asked for "full and uncontrolled power." They knew that in adopting that course they would risk a large amount of unpleasantness, but they were willing to risk it if they were assured of the confidence of the majority of the members. Further, they asked that the retiring members of the Committee should be allowed to remain in office until the scale was arranged and the crisis over. These requests as to power and suggestion as to the Committee were both accepted. The formation of the Federation Board, however, somewhat altered, and at first complicated, the situation, for the result was a complex and dual authority. The Board was not then, as now, the sole conductor of the wages disputes, but the various Committees acted collaterally, the Miners' Committee taking the leading part in the negotiations. The demands made by the employers were handed to the Miners' Committee on February 4th. The conditions were as under:

(1) That a reduction of 20 per cent. on present underground wages is
a condition precedent to the re-establishment of a sliding scale.

(2) That a reduction of 12½ per cent. should be made in surface
labour, but so that the wages of able-bodied men be not brought below
2s. 6d. per day.

(3) In the event of a scale being established, it shall have no limit
upward or downward, and shall be subject to termination on 12 months'
notice.

The Committee could not grant the request, but at once made an offer of seven and a half per cent., to take effect on Monday, the 10th, or they would submit the entire matter to arbitration. These offers were refused by the owners, and as a consequence the meeting was adjourned until the 20th. The Committee called a Council for the 15th of February. On the 7th the Federation Board met, and passed the following resolution:--

This Board feels that the position of the county in reference to
wages is anomalous. The owners having as a body demanded a reduction
of wages, and as such reduction includes all classes of labour in
connection with collieries, we recommend that each Association call a
Council meeting to discuss the advisability of adjusting a sliding
scale for the regulation of wages, consistent with all our interests.

That the Secretary write and ask that at the meeting on the 20th
inst. all the four Associations be represented.

The Miners' Council decided against the seven and a half per cent., but by the following resolution offered arbitration:--

"That having heard the report of the Committee on their interview
with the owners on the reduction now asked by the latter, this
meeting is of opinion that the best means of settling the difficulty
is, to refer it to open arbitration as heretofore."

The owners refused to meet the Federation Board as a whole, and as a consequence the Miners' Committee met them on the 20th, in keeping with the Board Minute, on February 18th. At that meeting the owners modified their demand.

OWNERS' MODIFIED OFFER

_February 22nd, 1879._

"1. That a reduction of 10 per cent. in underground, and 7½ per
cent. in surface labour, be brought into operation in the first pay
beginning March next.

2. That the additional 10 per cent. in underground, and 5 per cent.
in surface labour, claimed by the owners in their Minute of January
11th, be referred to arbitration in the following manner, viz.:--

Representatives of the two Associations to meet
within the first week of March, and if they can agree on a sole
arbitrator, the matter to be forthwith referred to him; and if they
cannot so agree, each side to appoint an arbitrator, which two
arbitrators shall forthwith appoint an umpire, and if they fail to
do so by March 15th, such umpire shall, on the application of either
arbitrator, be appointed by Mr Meynell, County Court Judge of
Durham.

In the event of there being two arbitrators and an umpire, they
shall sit together to hear the case; and the award shall take effect
in the first pay in April.

3. The expediency of re-establishing a sliding scale, to be left for
consideration after the award has been given."

This was submitted to the Federation Board, who met the modification by the following:--

FEDERATION BOARD'S OFFER

_March 6th, 1879._

1st. To offer the owners the 10 per cent. for underground workmen,
and 7½ per cent. for bank workmen as a settlement of the whole
question.

2nd. To offer them 7½ per cent. from underground, and 6 per cent.
from above-bank workmen, and to refer any further claim they might
make to arbitration.

The Miners' Committee supported the Board, and did this in a circular which contained some very plain and urgent statements.