638

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN

September 24, 1915.

vious minutes, and report also that in their opinion the
present prices of household coal (the price ruling for the
current month of September) are sufficiently high, and that
as the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act does not afford suffi-
cient protection to the consumer the Corporation be
recommended to petition the Board of Trade to introduce
further legislation fixing the prices during the winter months
in order to protect consumers against further inflated prices.
It was also agreed to ask the Corporation to extend the com-
mittee’s remit to consider the circular by the Board of Trade
as to arrangement being made with local coal merchants for
limiting during the ensuing winter the prices of coal for
domestic purposes. On the casting vote of the convener, v
Coun. Dollan, the meeting decided to ask the Corporation
to extend the powers of the committee to consider and report
on the advisability of the Corporation petitioning the Govern-
ment to take control of the coal supplies during the war.

An important prosecution was brought in the Airdrie
Sheriff Court on Monday, before Sheriff Lee, in which J.
Dunn and Stephen Limited, colliery owners, Kenmuir
Collieries, Old Monkland, were the respondents. They were
charged (1) with working their South Kenmuir Colliery with-
out there being one duly certificated manager appointed by
them responsible for the control, management, and direction
thereof; (2) failing to provide the cages in the shaft with
suitable gates, or other rigid fences in connection with the
raising and lowering of persons to and from the surface of
the mine; (3) employing in moving railway wagons a boy
under the age of 16 years; (4) failing to use the general code
of signals in the shaft in connection with the winding of
persons prescribed by the regulations, and using the old code
instead; and (5) failing to provide an appliance to automatic-
ally indicate in a visible manner to the winding engineman
(in addition to the ordinary signal) the nature of the signal
until the signal was complied with—all in contravention of
the Coal Mines Regulation Act and General Regulation 95,
whereby they were liable in a penalty of £20 for each offence.
—Evidence was led at considerable length, the witnesses
including three mines inspectors and several colliery managers
and officials.—The Sheriff found all the charges proved, but
in the circumstances only imposed a fine of £5 in each of the
second, third, and fourth.

LABOUR AND WAGES.

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

The Conciliation Board sat on Monday, at Cardiff, and
dealt with disputes at collieries. New Dunvant had a
question as to price list, as also had Groeswen; and arrange-
ments were made for referring these to representatives, with
power to settle. Some of the hauliers at Bed was had given
notice contrary to agreement, and the employers drew atten-
tion to this fact, as well as to the stoppage at Ynyshir,
owing to the inter-union dispute of Federation and Associa-
tion. The workmen’s representatives complained of
Cambrian refusal to pay certain yardage prices, and they
had also a question as to roadside props at Tiryda.il.
Reports were submitted by representatives who had been
appointed to deal with former disputes.

An emergency committee of the Conciliation Board dealt
with points of difference that had arisen at various collieries
as to interpreting several matters in the new agreement.
Amongst these was the question of payment to men employed
on light work whilst in receipt of compensation; also the
rate to be paid for the bonus turn to workmen on the after-
noon and night shifts. The owners having introduced an
age limit for surface workers, the men’s representatives
desired to have a definition of the payment of the bonus
turn to ostlers. There was also some question as to the
old standard rates having been maintained on the pay
ticket instead of only the new standard rate being
inserted. After a discussion the proposals submitted by the
owners were taken by the workmen’s representatives for
further consideration.

This committee sat again subsequently to the meeting of
the Conciliation Board, Mr. Hugh Bramwell being in the
chair; and it was agreed to issue the following general
instructions :—

1.	In those cases where workmen have been raised up
to the new 1915 standard rate of 5s., the bonus turn
is to be at the rate of 5s.

2.	In cases where the new 1915 standard rate is above
5s. and below the minimum rate plus 50 per cent., the
bonus turn is to be paid at such minimum standard rate
for that class of workmen.

3.	That the new 1915 standard rate is to be inserted
on the pay tickets, and no reference must be made to the
old standard rate.

Other matters still remain in suspense, pending considera-
tion by the men’s representatives.

The miners’ executive on Saturday received a report from
the joint meeting with representatives of several branches
of the Enginemen and Stokers’ Association; these branches
being wishful to sever their connection with the Association
and become merged into the Miners’ Federation. The
matter having been considered, a formal resolution was
passed accepting the transfer of those men; and certain
regulations were made in regard to dealing further with
this question. It was resolved that where no lodges of
mechanical workmen, enginemen, and stokers, etc., exist
at the present time no new lodges should be established,
but that this class of men should become members of the
Federation lodge at that particular colliery. Any lodges at
present in existence will be allowed to continue as lodges
of the Federation if they so desire; all disputes and griev-
ances to be dealt with by joint representatives of the
mechanical and miners’ lodge; the services of the engine-
men’s agent or miners’ agent, or both being requisitioned
in time of need. All classes of workmen who are members
of the Federation are to be “ accorded all the rights,
privileges and protection ” which members of the Federation
are entitled to. Upon the question of stoppages it was
resolved that :—

As the stoppages of workmen responsible for the working
and maintenance of the colliery machinery is of great
importance in the cases of local or general disputes, the
power to decide upon the advisability of these classes
ceasing work shall in cases of stoppages affecting
particular collieries be vested in the executive council.
No general stoppage of these workmen shall take place
until the matter has been considered and a decision
thereon arrived at by a conference of representatives of
the lodges of the Federation.

The Federation area is to be divided into two districts
for the purposes of the supervision and services of the
mechanical department of the Federation, Messrs. Woosnam

and W. Davies having transferred themselves from the
Enginemen and Stokers’ Association to the Federation.
These agents will attend on district meetings “ to discuss
and report ” on any matter relating to their department.

The Enginemen and Stokers’ Association in South Wales
have not taken quietly the endeavour of the Miners’ Federa-
tion to force the association members into its ranks; and on
Tuesday the executive of the association met in Cardiff a
deputation from the National Federation of Enginemen and
Stokers and kindred trade societies, the South Wales body
being affiliated to that central organisation. In addition,
there was present a representative of the South Wales Wind-
ing Enginemen’s Association—a smaller body, which also
stands distinct from the Miners’ Federation. In the course
of the proceedings, it was pointed out that organisations of
enginemen, etc., exist throughout the whole country, and
that they were prepared to take action in order to bring
before the Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Union Con-
gress the action of the Miners’ Federation, they holding that
societies of enginemen and stokers had a right to separate
existence in each coal field. The question will be taken up
nationally by their central organisation in the interests of
enginemen and stokers generally. The deputation informed
the local executive that a similar position was arising in the
Lancashire and Cheshire district; and the enginemen and
their coadjutors considered that the miners had sufficient
work to organise their own men, and that there ought to be
a separate organisation for enginemen, stokers, and crafts-
men. It was stated that the central body was prepared to
render every assistance to the South Wales enginemen and
stokers in order to maintain their organisation.

Apart from the foregoing, the South Wales executive con-
sidered the matter of preparing a statement as to rates, etc.,
in the coal field prior to the meeting with the employers
which had been arranged. It was reported that the number
of members in certain branches had increased considerably
during the past few weeks. The executive also passed a
resolution expressing satisfaction at “ the heroic and success-
ful stand made by the members of the association at the
Standard Colliery, Ynyshir, against the attempt of the miners
to force them into the Federation.”

The Fforestfach branch passed a resolution pledging the
members to remain loyal to the association. The general
secretary (Mr. W. Hopkins) complimented the branch secre-
tary upon the firm stand which had been made against
“ Prussianising ” the members of the association.

The inter-union dispute that led to the idleness of over
1,000 men at Ynyshir Colliery continued during the week,
constant effort being made to reach a settlement, and it is
satisfactory to note that at the end of the week a decision to
resume work was arrived at, the suggestion mooted in these
columns last week, as to action through the executive of the
Federation, being carried out. There has been a general
condemnation of the independent sectional action of the
Ynyshir men, for even among trade unionists it has been
felt that this was a mistake. There is a growing feeling
that the Miners’ Federation ought to put itself into better
position for disciplining its members. At Ynyshir it was
found impracticable to drive association members into the
Federation, although the miners claim that 30 out of 54
transferred their allegiance. Over a thousand men were idle,
and Admiralty supplies of at least 5,000 tons were lost. The
local miners’ agent alleged that some enginemen and stokers
had been granted better terms than the miners, a declaration
that reads oddly in contradiction to the other claim that the
association members owe their advantage to Federation action.

Discussing the endeavour to force the enginemen and
stokers into the Federation ranks, one of the miners’ leaders,
Mr. Vernon Hartshorn, claimed that inasmuch as the advan-
tages which the enginemen and stokers now enjoy have been
gained through the action of the Federation, they should
therefore contribute to its funds, and he has gone into the
detail of a number of movements during the last few years
ascertaining that the action of the Federation has been to
the profit of members of the smaller organisation. One
reply to his contention has been to draw comparison between
the action now current in South Wales, and the decision
which the cotton workers arrived at in regard to the
organisation of their trade interests. There is a direct
contrast of method. In Lancashire the cotton workers
have a separate union for each class of workmen and
women, every union having home rule within its own limits;
but inasmuch as the strike of any section would bring about
a stoppage of work for all sections, no cessation of labour
can take place until the individual union has referred the
question to the central joint committee; and only if that
central committee, which has representatives of every union
in the trade, should approve of a strike, can any stoppage
be permitted. The Miners’ Federation of South Wales is,
on the other hand, aiming at the extinction of the smaller
union; and it is this contrast of principle and practice
which provokes criticism at the present time. Members of
the Enginemen’s Association also claim that if they leave
the parent organisation and join the Federation they have
no guarantee of out-of-work pay; and, further, that through
competition between two unions better working conditions
are obtainable.

North of England.

A case at Wallsend on Monday, in which 12 putters in
the employ of the Wallsend and Hebburn Coal Company
were charged with breach of contract by having left their
work without notice, and .in which 4219 10s. damages were
claimed, was settled by the lads’ legal representative agree-
ing, on their behalf, to pay £11.

The quarterly report of the auditors to the Northumberland
Miners’ Association shows that the union has a membership
of 23,554 full members and 3,922 half members. Full
members numbering 8,777 have enlisted, together with 552
half members. Exemption from contribution to the political
fund has been claimed by 340 members, nearly all of whom
are working in the Hexham Parliamentary Division.

The resourceful members of the wages committee of the
Northumberland Miners’ Association having failed—under
circumstances already fully reported in the Colliery Guardian,
—to induce the Prime Minister so to interpret his war
bonus award as to allow of their exceeding the agreed upon
maximum rate of wages of 65 per cent, above the basis of
1879, had a conference with the county coal owners on
Saturday last, at which they put forward a request for a
further advance of wages for their members, in view of
the great increase .in the selling price of coal. Mr. Thos.
Taylor presided. A three-hours* discussion resulted in the
agreement that a further meeting should be held to-morrow
(Saturday), and that the accountants should be asked to
expedite the ascertainment of average selling prices in the
county for the three months ended August 31, so that these
figures might be placed before the adjourned meeting.

Addressing a conference of members of the Northern

Colliery Officials’ Association, held at Stanley on Saturday
last, Mr. R. Nuttall, general secretary, affirmed that, since
the inception of the association, nearly three years ago, there
had been a wonderful impetus in the spirit of unity amongst
colliery officials. The association had now 37 branches in
the principal mining districts of Durham, with a member-
ship of over 1,000, and had been duly recognised by the
Board of Trade and the Home Office. He urged that full
recognition by all official superiors, including the Coal
Owners’ Association, was their due, and that much still
required to be done ere the colliery officials found their
legitimate place and power in matters of mining legislation
and in all important questions of remuneration, hours, work
and status. Their own lack of unity had been their undoing.
The late mining conference in London furnished them with
a striking example of that fact. The only persons heard
at that conference were representatives of the Government,
the owners, and the miners. In an appeal to the colliery
officials who remain outside the association, Mr. Nuttall
emphasised its peaceful mission, pointing out that the
officials sought to improve their condition by reason, con-
ference, and, if necessary, arbitration, and that the interests
of the owners and safety of the miners would always be
identical with the interests of the officials.

A meeting of the Cumberland Coal Trade Minimum Wage
Board was held at Workington, on Friday, of last week,
presided over by Sir Wm. J. Collins, when an application
was considered from the Montreal Colliery, Cleator Moor,
for a reduction of the minimum at present paid to the hewers
at that colliery. Mr. T. P. Martin presented the case for
the employers, and Mr. T. Cape, the workmen’s. After
hearing the statements and evidence of both sides, the
Board was unable to come to an agreement, and the matter
was therefore left in the hands of the neutral chairman, who
is expected to give his decision in the course of a few days.

Federated Area.

Trouble is brewing among the miners of the southern part
of the Black Country, following a revolt against the non-
unipnist element. The men in this part of the district are
easily moved to a cessation of work, and in recent months
there have been many stoppages. Many devices have been
tried to compel men to pay the union levies—one, involving
the changing of medallions, proving efficacious for some time.
A warning was recently issued to the men to join the associa-
tion, and this, having been unavailing, a resolution has been
passed instructing the officials to invite employers to
co-operate in forcing the delinquents within the ranks. Fail-
ing the success in this direction, it has been decided to
declare a strike.

The council of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association met at
Barnsley on Monday, Mr. H. Smith presiding. The revision
of the price-lists, in accordance with the Board of Concilia-
tion’s settlement, was discussed, and it was decided that if
the coal owners failed, within a stipulated period, to carry
out the agreement and arrange a meeting with the repre-
sentatives of the Miners’ Association to revise the lists, a
special meeting of the council should be called to decide what
action should be taken. Mr. Smith said the council were
under the impression the owners were playing with the
question, and did not intend to carry out the agreement to
alter the basis rate from that of 1888 to 1911 as agreed. The
subject of the use of steel props in pits was also discussed.
It was explained that meetings of the owners’ and men’s
committees had been held, but had failed to agree. Mr.
Wadsworth, M.P., had asked for a meeting of the South
Yorkshire Joint Board, but this had not been arranged. It
was decided to repeat the request, and if this was refused,
a special meeting of the council should be held to deal with
the matter. Mr. Smith said he was surprised the coal owners
were not trying to avoid disputes. There could be no satis-
faction unless there was mutual co-operation to try and settle
these disputes as they occurred. The men at Halifax,
Wortley, and Farnley pits were allowed to tender notice on
the refusal of the owners to pay the war bonus. The men
at Tinsley Park were granted a similar power, and an appli-
cation from the Harehills pit to take a similar course was
referred to the district for settlement. The men at Mill
Bridge pit (Liversedge Coal Company) were taking a ballot
on the question of tendering notices owing to a grievance
regarding house coal. Conscription was discussed, and ~
resolution was carried entering a strong protest against the
imposition upon the nation of compulsory military service,
and still more against the proposal for industrial conscription,
under which manual workers would be subjected to forced
labour, controlled bv military law, in establishments run for
private profit, and in the settlement of wages and conditions
of work no trade union would be allowed to have any share.
The grievance regarding the use of forks at the Brodsworth
Colliery was again discussed. For some time there had been
negotiations, said Mr. Smith, with the directors of the colliery
in regard to the matter. It was proved beyond doubt that
the placing of small coal into the goafs in mines of this
character was a danger of itself. Unfortunately, negotiations
had broken down, the owners refusing to withdraw the forks
unless other concessions were made apart from what the
price list provided for. The men were taking a ballot on
the question of tendering notices to see if a settlement could
be arrived at. In the meantime the facts were to be put
before the Commissioner of Industries, as they (the miners’
officials) were wishful to avoid any stoppage if it was possible.

A meeting of the Derbyshire Miners’ Council was held at
Chesterfield on Monday, when a resolution was passed
strongly advising the men to make every possible attendance
at their work during the present crisis, as by so doing they
would be able to secure to the county a great share in
compensating for the loss of output due to recruiting, and
might make the suspension of the Eight Hours Act unneces-
sary. A circular is to be issued to the lodges pointing out
the paramount importance of every miner putting in full
time. It is shown that on the average one shift in ten
is lost, taking all the men working at the coal face. If
avoidable, absenteeism could be abolished during the war,
and half the loss due to recruiting would be made up,
namely, twenty million tons. It was decided to refer the
Morton ripping dispute to the County Board for settlement,
as the management of the company and the workmen had
failed to agree. Mr. Frank Hall, the general secretary, was
instructed to write Mr. W. Saunders, the coal owners’
secretary, for a meeting, failing which it was agreed that
the men be allowed to ballot with a view to giving in their
notices.

The councils of the Cannock Chase and Pelsall Miners’
associations have decided to hold a joint medal examination
on September 28 and 29, with a view to dealing with non-
unionists.

A meeting of the Lancashire and Cheshire Joint District
Coal Board was held at Manchester on Friday last. The
chief question was that of increasing the output of coal at