took place in South Wales in the beginning of April, the effect of
which was felt in an increased demand for the class of coal produced
in this district. Their supply being cut off consumers turned to other
sources, and as a consequence there was a natural feeling of unrest in
Durham among the workmen. They had the impression that the whole of
the produce of the county would be affected by the demand, and
therefore the increase in price would be an all-round one. The
Federation Board met that "false impression which we fear rests in the
minds of many of our members" in a statement they sent out on the 26th
of May. They pointed out two very important considerations, which the
generality of members would lose sight of. There was a large amount of
coal sold under contract, which would not be affected by the
temporarily increased price, even if all the output of Durham had been
steam coal, but it must be remembered that only nine per cent. was of
that class. They then gave a calculation to show how a rise on a
small percentage would affect the whole. The steam coal being the only
part feeling the increase, and that class forming only nine per cent.
of the total, what would be its universal effect?
"Without contending for the accuracy of the quantities let us give a
calculation which may suggest a key to the position. Of the nine per
cent. of steam coal let us suppose two-thirds of it was sold under
contract at a normal market price. We should then have only three per
cent. of the entire output getting a higher price. Let us further
suppose that this three per cent. secured an advance in the abnormal
state of the market of 6s. per ton during the strike; we should only
have realised a general increase equal to, say, 2.16d. per ton over
the whole of the coals produced."
Considering, then, the purely temporary nature of the rise in price
the Board agreed to accept an advance of five per cent.--two and a
half on basis rates under the usual conditions, and, with the view of
meeting the exceptional circumstances, a temporary advance of two and
a half for six pays. The advances were to date back for a fortnight in
each case, the understanding being that if the prices fell at the end
of the six pays the temporary two and a half would be discontinued. On
July 22nd the Board met the employers, when the temporary advance was
continued for other six pays. A subsequent meeting was held on October
29th. The employers offered to increase the temporary advance of two
and a half to five for a further period of six pays. The Board was
willing to take the five per cent. if it were considered a permanent
advance. The settlement agreed to was an advance of two and a half,
and a continuance of the temporary advance of two and a half for six
pays more.
THE COMPENSATION ACT
During the Parliamentary session of 1897 the first Compensation Act
was passed. The date of commencement was fixed for the 1st of July
1898. While the Act was under discussion the representative of the
Durham Miners in Parliament urged strongly that, not only should
facilities be given for the formation of Committees, but means should
be adopted to induce employers and employed to take steps in that
direction as a means of avoiding the friction and litigation which the
new law involved. The idea of a Compensation Committee was from the
very commencement very favourably received by the members of the
Association, and the employers were as desirous on their part to join
in the endeavour. There was a natural desire on the part of the
Permanent Fund officials to formulate a scheme to strengthen their
fund. It was found that the attempt between the Trade Unions of
Northumberland, the Federation Board, and the Permanent Relief Fund to
arrange a Scheme was a failure. A number of meetings of Joint
Committees and Sub-Committees, representative of the various
Associations, and between those Sub-Committees and the Employers, were
held. The failure arose from the character of the proposition--that
there should be an Insurance Fund, which would take over all the
liabilities of the owners, and insure all the workmen, which, said
the employers, was the primary condition. The Miners' Executive in
Durham could not accept such a scheme, and they turned to the
formation of a Committee representative of their Association alone,
and the owners. Negotiations went on with the owners, and finally the
Executive Committee asked for full power on lines which they
indicated. This the county agreed to give, and an agreement was come
to in time for the commencement of the Act on July 1st. The system of
class average obtaining in the county lent itself to the formation and
working of such a Committee. This the men readily adopted, and it was
another illustration of the hold mutuality and compromise had on the
men of the county as a whole. Some men would have made above the
average wage, and have worked more than the agreed number of days, and
as a consequence their compensation would have been greater, but it
would have entailed a large amount of labour if it had been on an
individual basis. But by the Committee arrangement the system worked
automatically. In the formation of the Compensation Committee Durham
stood alone. There was nothing like it in any other district or trade,
and its action was of the greatest benefit to employers and workmen
alike.
1899
Election of Mr House--The Wages again--The second Conciliation
Board--The Aged Miners' Homes--Deputies' Basis Wage
For some time there had been a growing desire for a further
subdivision of the labour in connection with the agency. It was
thought that it might be useful if, instead of the Joint Committee
business being in the corresponding secretary's department, an agent
was appointed, who should have sole charge of that Committee. This
rearrangement was hastened by the passing of the Compensation Act. The
work thrown upon the organisation as a result of that measure was
immense owing to the very great liability there is to accidents in the
miners' occupation, and consequently the large number of delicate
questions that were sure to arise in the application of a complex and
complicated measure such as the new Act. The Executive Committee felt
that it was imperative something should be done, and, acting on their
suggestion, a new department was formed. Mr W. House was the gentleman
selected to fill the new office. Mr House brought to the work a very
essential qualification. His ability was unquestioned, but he was also
experienced, having served on the Executive and Joint Committees for
some years, and was thus thoroughly prepared for taking upon himself
the duties of the new office.
[Illustration: ALDERMAN W. HOUSE]
THE WAGES AGAIN
In considering the wage negotiations for 1898 mention was made of a
temporary advance of two and a half per cent., which was given for six
pays, and then carried forward other two periods of the same duration,
and extended into 1899. On the 14th of January the Federation Board
met the owners, their errand being to get if possible the temporary
advance (which would terminate on January 21st) incorporated into the
ordinary percentage. That request the employers could not grant, as
the ascertained price for October and November was less than for the
three months previous.
"They are willing, however, to continue the temporary advance for a
further period of six pays, or as an alternative they suggest that
this meeting be adjourned until Saturday, the 28th inst., by which
time the selling price for the quarter ending 31st of December will
be ascertained."
The Federation Board chose the extension for a further six pays, as
they believed it was the most beneficial course.
The next meeting was held on April 5th. Nothing was arranged, and
there was an adjournment for three weeks. At that meeting the owners
said there had been a declension in the prices. After a long
discussion they offered an advance of three and three quarters,
bringing the percentage above the standard up to twenty-six and a
quarter; and, in consideration of special circumstances, to give a
temporary advance for three months of one and a quarter, and they were
prepared to date it back a fortnight. The arrangement was a very
unique one, and, said the Federation Board in their explanation to the
members, "it arises from the operation of the two and a half temporary
advance, and the fact that the adjourned meeting was not held until
after the dates fixed for its termination."
THE SECOND CONCILIATION BOARD
The delay and uncertainty, both as to time for making application for,
and the data upon which to found, the claim, turned the minds of the
members to a renewal of the Conciliation Board, or some similar system
by which wages could be regulated more smoothly and expeditiously than
the policy they were pursuing. On the programme for the Council held
on May 27th there appeared a resolution from Marley Hill:
"We move that the county be balloted for and against forming a
Conciliation Board."
The Executive Committee in their note on that resolution strongly
recommended its adoption. It was highly desirable that the feeling of
the county should be ascertained. They said:
We have previously expressed the opinion that the steadier we can
make our trade, and the more certainty we can infuse into our
industrial relationship with our employers, the better it will be for
the workmen; and there is nothing more calculated to foster this
desirable condition than the principle of conciliation. It was a
mistake when we terminated the previous Board, and this has been
revealed more fully in our negotiations with the owners in a rising
market. We feel sure we would have done better, and it would have
saved a great deal of friction, if we had had the Board. There are
other questions of great importance besides the wage question which a
Conciliation Board could deal with. We therefore advise that you
carry this resolution.
Acting on that advice the Council adopted the ballot, and by a
majority of 580 in a total vote of 39,713 the Board was
re-established. The Bishop (Westcott), who had been anxiously watching
the course of events, came forward to offer his congratulations and
assistance if required. No time was lost. The four sections were
called together, and they recommended that the old rules should be
adopted, and that a circular be sent out urging the acceptance of the
same as the constitution of the new Board. The objects may be inserted
here.
"By conciliatory means to prevent disputes and to put an end to any
that may arise, and with this view to consider and decide upon _all
claims_ that either party may, from time to time, make for a change
in county wages or county practices, _and upon any other questions_
not falling within the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee that it
may be agreed between the parties to refer to the Board."
The following was the voting on the adoption of the old rules:--
For the old Rules Against Majority
Miners 258 125 133
Enginemen 125 -- 125
Cokemen 52 3 49
Mechanics 75 -- 75
At the earliest moment after the result of the vote was known a
meeting was arranged with the employers. At that meeting the employers
wanted to alter the rules in one or two particulars, but the
Federation Board informed them that their powers only extended to the
adoption of the old rules, and if any alterations were made they would
have to be referred to the members for sanction.
"It was agreed that the employers should take the statement to a full
meeting of their members, and if they persisted in desiring
amendments a further meeting should be held, but if not, then the two
secretaries should get the rules signed by the Owners' Committee and
the Federation Board."
The latter alternative was adopted. The old rules were signed as
suggested. The first meeting of the Board was held on November 4th.
The officers elected were Sir David Dale, Chairman; W. H. Lambton,
Vice-Chairman; R. Guthrie and J. Wilson, Secretaries of their
respective Associations; and Lord Davey, Umpire. It was further
resolved:
"That with pays commencing 6th and 13th of November 1899, wages
should be advanced by 3¾ per cent., making the wages of
underground men, mechanics, enginemen, cokemen, and banksmen to be
33¾ per cent. above the basis of 1879, other classes of surface
labour 30¾ per cent. above the basis."
THE AGED MINERS' HOMES
In October 1899 was initiated a movement of which Durham may justly
claim to be the pioneers--viz. the provision (as far as it can
possibly be done) of free houses and coal for the aged mine workers.
For a few years the subject had been assuming shape. Vague in its
inception, by the perseverance of the originators it was inaugurated
in this year. The first to make mention of such a movement was Mr J.
Hopper, who subsequently became Secretary and Clerk of the Works. To
him was soon joined Mr H. Wallace, land steward to Earl Ravensworth;
and then other three: the Rev. Canon Moore Ede, J. Johnson, and J.
Wilson. Their first step was to secure a large hall and two acres of
ground near Boldon which could be made into tenements. The building
was the property of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, but was rented
at an easy rent. That was taken over by the Boldon workmen for their
own old men. Then the Committee turned to the Ecclesiastical
Commissioners again. Without entering into all the stages of the
negotiations, the final result was the renting of nine acres of land
in three plots situated in three different parts of the county. Just
at this juncture there was an opportunity to purchase the colliery
village known as Haswell Moor, consisting of 112 houses, to each of
which was attached a garden. The whole of it was freehold. This
fortunate bargain gave inspiration to the Committee, as it was very
cheap, and an impetus to the effort, as it formed a very nice colony
of old people, the cost per house being about £25.
The scheme rested on a voluntary basis. The Committee in initiating
the movement resolved to keep it clear of all compulsion. Their
proposition was 1s. per member from all in the Miners' Association per
year, which would give £3000. The lodges responded very readily to the
appeal, and were soon joined by the other three sections of the
Federation Board and the deputies. In addition, the outside public
sent large and generous help. One very striking letter was received,
enclosing a cheque for £25, which we will record.
"Mrs Graham and I are very pleased to find that you are making such
good progress with this most useful and laudable scheme. We are quite
sure that the old folks would be more at _home_ and more comfortable
in cottages such as they have been used to all their lives instead of
being placed in specially built almshouses or hospitals.
"We would like to feel that we have made one old couple happy by
paying the cost of one of the Haswell Moor cottages, as intended to
be made fit for habitation, and therefore propose to subscribe £25."
That encouraging letter and generous gift were from Coroner Graham of
Findon Hill, near Durham, and was soon followed by other expressions
of sympathy and substantial help. Bishop Westcott rendered great
assistance, and opened his castle at Auckland for one of the sectional
meetings the Committee called as a means of bringing the question
before the lodges. His lordship allowed the use of his splendid
drawing-room, and presided over the meeting, and on every hand the
workmen were praised for their grand work. The best commendation,
however, was the comfort of the old people, and when the opening day
came there could not have been found prouder men anywhere than the
Committee of Management.
The opening of the first batch of houses took place at Haswell Moor in
October. The ceremony was performed by Mr J. Wilson, the chairman of
the General Committee, and the inaugural address was delivered by the
Bishop. A quotation from the _Monthly Circular_ giving an account of
the proceedings will be fitting here.
It was a great occasion, and the address was worthy of it. There was
a very large company in the tent to listen to the eloquent remarks,
but there was a larger outside who were excluded from the privilege.
To the men of mature years there was the rejoicing coming from the
past, and an exhortation to act in unity, and not to be simply
receivers, but givers of strength to the common cause. They were not
alone, not isolated separate units, but members of the great body;
strong with the strength of all, and glad with the service which they
could render to their fellows. A man who received all and gave
nothing was like the Dead Sea. However rich the floods might be that
flowed into it, it retained no life-giving, no glad force--all was
lost. In addition, there was the urging to avoid despair and have
hope. Nothing could be more fatal than to declare that, because we
were not moving with greater rapidity, the goal was unattainable. "Do
not listen to such a vision of despair, cherish the full vigour of
hope."
Let me finish with the words to the young men. I wish all could have
heard the words of wisdom as they fell from the lips of our respected
and honoured Bishop. As they could not, let me quote them, "they had
received a splendid inheritance, splendid with noble achievements and
noble traditions, and they--as men who had mastered themselves and
realised their obligations--would use it well, guard it well, and
hand it down to those who came after, enriched by the fulfilment of
hopes cherished long ago, and illuminated by the brightness of hopes
which those who came after them would perhaps be allowed to fulfil."
On that day, by the inauguration, the Durham miners took a long step
in the path of benevolence, and raised themselves to a proud and
prominent position amongst true reformers. It was a grand illustration
of the truth that they who most practise self-help are best able and
most eager to help others. A working man's income limits the
possibility of giving large sums; but the many small rills make the
large river. There is large philanthropy in a small gift. The volume
and value of it lies in the spirit and intent which prompts it; and
the ultimate success of a movement like the Aged Miners' Homes Scheme
lies in the willingness of the thousands of workmen in and about the
mines to assist. Based on that, the county can be studded with homes
where the aged and worn-out miner and his partner can find home
comfort and warmth when the sun of their life is nearing the setting
and the shadows of life's evening are gathering thick around them. No
young man can measure the full meaning of such provision, but all can
feel the rich mental luxury which will assuredly result from taking
part in the providing.
DEPUTIES' WAGES
We will close this year by a reference to a settlement made during it.
This was in respect to the fixing of a basis wage for deputies. Prior
to the agreement there had been a fixed wage, which was altered by
adding a penny or twopence, or more, to it, or reducing in that way if
the wages were decreased. It was a very unsatisfactory mode of
procedure, and always involved a meeting between the Owners' and the
Deputies' Association after the Federation Board had dealt with the
wages. For some time there had been a strong desire on the part of the
deputies who were in the Miners' Association to have their wages
regulated by a percentage, the same as the other classes of workmen.
In July the following agreement was signed:--
It is hereby agreed that with pays commencing 24th and 31st of July
1899 the basis wage of deputies shall be fixed at 4s. 8½d. (four
shillings and eightpence halfpenny) per shift for back-bye shifts,
and that these basis rates shall be subject to the same percentage,
advances, and reductions as may be from time to time arranged with
regard to the wages of the miners.
1900
Death of Mr Forman--Election of Mr Galbraith--Agreements made during
the Year
On the 2nd of September death made another inroad upon the original
leaders of the organisation by carrying off the president, Mr J.
Forman. For over twenty-seven years he had been in that position, and
from first to last he carried out the obligations of the office in a
manner equalled by few and excelled by none. He was fitted at all
points for being president of an organisation of workers such as the
Durham miners. The best estimate of his character will be found in
quotations from the _Monthly Circular_ and the Executive Committee's
Minute.
DEATH OF OUR RESPECTED PRESIDENT
I am sorry to say Death has made one of its most serious inroads into
our ranks, and taken from us one of the most prominent figures in our
Association. Our much respected and gentlemanly President is no more,
and his services, over more than the average length of a generation,
are ended. We long for the sound of a voice that is for ever still,
and the touch of a hand that had a friendly grasp. For nearly thirty
years the name of Forman has been a household word amongst the
miners of Durham. He was not ambitious of "spreading a sounding name
abroad," but he had a deep desire to do his duty to his own people.
His was a quiet nature; but among men, as in nature, the quiet forces
are the most productive of good. In the movements that make for
progress in men, as in our physical surroundings, the clamour of
violent action and noise are not the most useful. In the history of
our Association, from its very commencement, our departed friend has
been one of the binding and consolidating influences. Wise in
counsel, when a spirit of rashness and impatience seized some of us,
he has many a time helped to steady the mind and temper, and tone the
action. Prolific in suggestion he has oft pointed a way out of
difficulty in the time of stress and strain; in fact, he was well and
amply equipped and qualified for the important position he filled
amongst us. He took upon himself the office when times were vastly
different from what they are now; when capital and labour were in
this county like two opposing forces, separated by a spirit of doubt
and animosity; and he has done much to establish a better feeling
between employers and employed. He knew by experience the position of
inferiority and harsh conditions in which our lot was cast before the
foundations of the Society were laid. He has assisted and rejoiced
over every step towards equality and relationship, and he was very
anxious lest anything should be done to mar our usefulness.
Mr Forman was more than an agent, he was a friend and an example. A
man may be appointed to a position and do his work in a mechanical
and perfunctory manner, like a hireling waiting for the shadow of the
day, but that is not sufficient, and it did not satisfy him whose
loss we mourn. He was an example in conduct and in mental
cultivation worthy of imitation by all our young men. He looked upon
the workmen as something more than machines, and he was desirous that
they should pay more attention to the improvement of their minds, and
the formation of thrifty and studious habits. In that he was no
theorist, for he was a man of very extensive reading, especially upon
scientific subjects, and, as a consequence, he was able to approach
and deal with our questions in a most intelligent manner.
He has gone, but his work is with us. It is our heritage, not merely
for enjoyment, but for employment. We can best show our respect for
his memory by our acceptance and proper use of that legacy. These men
whose lives like his stretch back into the dark days are decreasing
in number year by year. Let us do nothing to damage the Institution
they helped to establish and consolidate, and let our effort be to
strive for the goal they sought to attain.
DEATH OF MR JOHN FORMAN
(_Executive Committee's Notice_)
_September, 1900._
Our regrets on this occasion are not those of formality, but are
prompted by a recognition of his worth as an official of our
organisation and his character as a fellow-worker and a man. Never
yet had any organisation a more earnest officer, any body of men a
more willing colleague, nor any community a more upright, honest, and
straightforward man than our friend who has been taken from us. He
was privileged to live to the ripe old age of 77 years, and for more
than a quarter of a century has devoted the whole of his time and the
best of his energies to the upbuilding and consolidation of our
Society, and the betterment of the working classes generally. We
shall miss his genial presence and guiding counsel from all our
business meetings. He was on all occasions a reliable guide and
counsellor in our deliberations on complicated questions, and in the
general matters pertaining to the work of the Association in the
midst of dark times and difficult circumstances. We feel that by his
death we have not only lost an able and efficient President and
colleague, but the workers in and about the mines in Durham have been
deprived of a friend whose lifelong services have been devoted to the
bettering of their conditions as wage earners.
And further, we would tender to the family our sympathy in the great
bereavement which has fallen upon them, and the hope that they may be
strengthened by the assurance that, although dead, he still lives in
the grateful remembrance of the people amongst whom he lived, and for
whom he laboured.
[Illustration: ALDERMAN S. GALBRAITH]