Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Friday 11 April 1890
Denaby Main Topmen – Deputations
Last night a largely attended meeting the Main miners was held at the lodge room, Masons’ Arms, Mexborough.
The deputation reported the result of their interview with the manager on the grievances complained of both by miners and the topmen. The manager had stated he did not consider all the topmen were entitled to the advance conceded to the miners and the other surfacemen. On the other hand, it was contended that the resolution passed by the Federation affected all the members of that body, and as nearly all the topmen were members of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association they considered themselves justified in demanding it.
Eventually a deputation was appointed to further wait on the manager today. A lengthy discussion ensued on the proposed price list, which a previous deputation, along with Mr. B. Pickard, M.P., submitted to the manager, but as nothing satisfactory had yet been done, the local secretary is instructed to write to Mr. Pickard asking for an interview with the directors of the company on the matter.
Several datallers complained of being compelled to go to work at six o’clock on Sunday night against their wishes, and forced to stop until six o’clock on Monday morning, for a shift and a half’s Dayment instead of two shifts. This was considered to be out of the question view of the attempt made to pass an Eight Hours Bill. The deputation were also instructed to ventilate the subject.