Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 10 February 1893
Celebration of Cadeby Coal-Winning.
Grand Dinner.
On Saturday last a dinner was provided by the managers of the Denaby Main Colliery Company to the workmen and officials employed in sinking the new pit at Cadeby Main. The dinner was bold in ate upper room over one portion of the machine shop erected close to the pit mouth.
Substantially constructed tables were arranged about the room, and a splendid dinner was provided for about 400 persons by Mr. B. J. Clarkson of Conisborough, who took care that not one of the present guests could find anything to prevent a substantial meal being made.
The menu included roast beef, roast veal and ham, roast leg of mutton, boiled leg mutton and caper sauce, plum pudding, tarts, cheesecakes, celery, cheese.
The walls of the room were relieved by a motto in red and white, with the words, “Success to the Cadeby New Colliery.”
Mr. E. Pope was chairman during the earlier part of the ecenin4, and Mr. W. H. Chambers afterwards took the chair There were a large number of officials present included amongst whom were Mr. G. Wilkie (secretary of the Company), Mr. J. Rose, Mr. H.S. Witty, Mr. Thompson, the Rev. R. P. Rosevere and Dr. McCall. The dinner was a great success. After the guests had been supplied with the wherewithal to make them merry the toast list was commenced after Messrs. G. Pilling and H. Chadwick had sung the duet, “All’s well.”
The Chairman (Mr. Pope) then proposed the health of the e Queen and the Royal Family,” which was drunk with the usual honours.
Mr. J. Rose proposed the toast of the “Denaby Main Colliery Company,” and said he was exceedingly pleased to be entrusted with the toast. He said they had seen him about the works good many times during the sinking operations, and he was now very proud to be in the position to move that tours which he held was a very proper toast on that occasion. The company was known far and wide, in fact he might say all over the world. Someone and said in the local piper that perhaps to the coal trade a little frost and snow would result in the improvement of the coal trade, but they should also remember that that was not the desire of the shippers. On the Atlantic the huge steamers of 6,000 tons which used and carried the coil from the Denaby Main sidings did not wish for any interruption from icebergs or the like—their desire was fine weather. The Denaby Main Company, during the time that huge undertaking bad been carried on had expended large same of money in reaching the coal bed, and now be hoped the time had come when, instead of continuing taking money out o of their purses they would be putting some in.
Mr. Rose spoke of the Denaby Main Company as ore which besides being very enterprising, was one which continued its operations regularly, and that was more than some of their neighbours could boast. The Denaby Main Company found employment for its men of the most regular kind. Sometimes that was only done at great expense by putting the coal down and taking it up again, but that expense was met, and the Denaby Main Company continued to keep its men at work. (Applause). He was sure they would all receive that toast with the greatest cordiality, and he trusted the directors might long be spared to see the Cadeby Colliery working and extending. (Applause).
Dr. McCall, of Conisborough, seconded the toast and said they were there to enjoy the hospitality of one of the most enterprising companies the world had ever seen. (Hear, hear). That might seem to be tall talk, but it was not too tall when they considered the proper meaning of the word “enterprise.” He did not mean an enterprise that was a disgrace to the civilised world, like the Panama Canal enterprise—wrecking thousands of people ; causing a great sacrifice of life-with a great risk and loss of money. The Denaby Main Company’s enterprise was the direct opposite to that. They did not risk either life or money needlessly. If at any time whatever he (the speaker) had any recommendation to make he always found that the utmost attention was given to it and his suggestions, so far as the care of the men was concerned, were always attended to. (Applause). The manager and every one in connection with the colliery seemed only too willing to do everything that could be done to obviate any possibility of risk to the health of the men. The spirit which actuated the company and its workmen was a grand one. (Applause) He had great pleasure on that day in going over the colliery with Mr. Chambers.
It was the first time he had had the pleasure and privilege of being down the pit, and it was a revelation to him to see the careful workmanship and the great thought which had been expended in sinking the colliery, and it was great cause for gratification that during the whole of the work injury to the men had been slight, and there had been no fatal accident. It was a great deal to be thankful for that during those four years there had never been a really serious accident.
It showed careful, sober, and judicious management, and it spoke a good deal for the oversight of the officials and care on the part of the workmen. (Hear, hear). He must really say that the ruling power that guided the actions of the officials had been the comfort and the safety of the men. (Applapse). As regards the management, from a business point of view, he was not the one to judge but, nevertheless, it was a company which, from his observation, called forth every admiration. The slightest detail was attended to, and courtesy and good feeling pervaded all the classes of the works from the chairman of the directors and the manager to the meanest employee. (Applause). That kind of thing seemed to him to be most commendable, and it would long live in his memory whether he continued to reside in that part of the world or elsewhere. (Applause).
Mr. Wilkie responded, and said the occasion of their meeting was one of congratulation, and it afforded him very great pleasure in responding on behalf of the company. Four years ago, when the first sod was turned, no one anticipated that in that smiling valley of the Don there would be bottled up such a force as would create so many difficulties. It was, however, a relief to know that they had in Mr. Chambers one well able to grapple with the difficulties. Throughout the whole undertaking there had never been a single instance where ingenuity and skill had been wanting and, from an engineering point of view, he considered it one of the greatest undertakings in the colliery line that had been brought to a successful issue. (Cheers.) They had every confidence in him, and they fully expected a successful result out of all their trials, and trusted him to terminate the work successfully. He was sorry they would have to excuse him entering further into details, as it was necessary to catch the train to Doncaster. It would be his great pleasure to express to the directors of the company the kind way in which the toast had been received. He concluded by wishing them a very enjoyable evening.
“kie then left the room
Mr. E. Pope and Mr. Wilkie then lift the room amidst rounds of enthusiastic cheering, Mr. Chambers remarking they could not let eke president go away without showing him in a hearty way their appreciation of the honour conferred to them by his presence that evening. The company then rose and sang “For he’s a jolly good fellow.”
Dr. McCall then proposed that Mr. Chambers take the chair, end the proposition was carried with acclamation, Mr. Chambers smilingly returning thanks.
Mr. A. Goddard sang ” Thy sentinel am I” very nicely, Mr. Beardsley accompanying in good form, both in this song and all the others.
The next toast was “The health of the Manager,” and Mr. Rose said he had had tile greatest possible pleasure in rising to place the toast of their noble manager. They were not only proposing his health, but they were also about to present to him an illuminated address that the contributions of the men had resulted in. The contribution had been made willingly and heartily by the workmen, and they had shown themselves anxious that a presentation should be made to their manager. The motto on the wall at the end of the room, “Success to the Cadeby New Colliery,” was a sincere wish of all, and no less than that of success to their manager. (Applause.) He had much pleasure in proposing the toast.
Mr. H. S. Witty then read the address, which was beautifully illuminated.
Mr. V. Rose briefly seconded the address. He said he was not much at speaking, as they all knew, and had seen him before many a time. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) All had been said that need be of the hearty way in which the subscriptions had been given, and be would simply content himself with seconding the toast.
Mr. H. S. Witty said lie could not let the opportunity pass without saying a few words in support of the resolution. He said that since the scheme for presenting the testimonial had been set afoot it had gone like wildfire, and the only difficulty the committee had experience was with regard to the extent of the money which came in to fast. There was so much money coming in that they had to check it, as the committee had only decided that the presentation should take the form of a testimonial. Notwithstanding that there was a small surplus beyond what was needed for the testimonial and the committee decided that the surplus should be devoted to some special object which should have the approval of Mr Chambers. For instance Mr. Chambers was interested in the hospital at Mexborough –(applause)—and there was also the ambulance lectures fund to which the money might be devoted. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Chambers didn’t want the money—(laughter)—and he would not be offended when, they did not give it to him. (Laughter.) They would not give him the money, but they would give him the testimonial with all their hearts. (Applause.)
He (the speaker) would suggest that the money should go to the Mexborough Hospital. He offered his congratulations to Mr. Chambers who had had a very hard time of it during the sinking operations. They might see him coming up to Cadeby during the time the work was going on and be would ask ” Well, how are you going on this morning?” The reply would be say “Number two pump has gone again.” (Laughter.” Mr Chambers will quietly say “Oh, mend it then.” (Laughter, and hear, hear.”) Another time you come up and say “How are you going on?” And someone would mournfully say “The pit is full of water and we can’t get it out.” (Laughter).
Time after time these complaints met the ears of the manager when he came up to the pit, but they did not seem to cause him any trouble, and every time they complained of the water the reply came as cheery as ever “Well, get it out.” (Laughter.)
They now saw the success of his pluck, fur it was his pluck that pulled them round. He congratulated the chairman also on the freedom from fatal accident which had attended the huge work. He did not think there could have been any pit sinking of the same magnitude at which it third be said there had been no serious accident That had been largely due to his foresight and the way in which he had superintended and arranged everything for the safety of the men. The result had been as they bad seen. It was also due probably to the able way in which he had chosen his lieutenants, and that reminded him that be thought they would have to drink to the health of the “Rose’s.” (Laughter and loud applause). They would also agree with him there had been very few penalties and disagreements amongst the men, and he did not think there were a better set of fellows anywhere than they had at Cadeby. (Applause). They had all every confidence in Mr Chambers. (Applause.) When he had said in quotes go” they went, only had told them to do things he always took care they were things he himself could do. (Hear, hear.)
He had really had the welfare of both the Company and the men at heart. (Applause.) When they had asked for his advise he had never refused it. When did they come to a man telling they were in effect that he could he did not in his nice quiet way get them out of the fix. It seemed as easy as possible when he had spoken. (Applause.) He hoped they would forgive him if he added his small quota of personal esteem and regard for their excellent manager. He hoped every success would attend his efforts in the future. (Loud applause.)
Mr. Thompson was then called upon, and was well and cordially received. He said that was a red-letter day for the Cadeby New Colliery and it gave him great pleasure to be there at such an occurrence. He had had a good bit of practical experience during the time he had been at Cadeby, and he had been one of the very first that commenced on the spot. Mr. Witty had given them a little insight into the water difficulties and other obstructions they had had to contend with, and it would scarcely do for him (the speaker) to go further into details. He would say, however, that in
Mr. Chambers they had a man in a hundred, and they would perhaps all allow a him to say it was he who had had some experience. (Hear, hear.) He had travelled about in various district., and he worked under many different managers, but he had never served under any manager who had treated his men so much like gentlemen as had Mr. Chambers. (Load applause.) Mr. Chambers was not like some they knew—simply weathercocks who were smiling one day and blowing in another direction altogether the next day, so that they never knew how to take them or how to meet them. Mr. Chambers had always met them and said, when they were in a fix,” Well, try your best.” That encouragement he had always given them. He (the speaker) gave up all hope at one time, and completely despaired, because of the difficulties they were having to grapple with. Mr. Chambers came one morning when he felt like throwing down, and he (Mr. Thompson) said to him, ” We are as far as we can get. Everything is stopped.” Really everything was looking as black as it well could, yet Mr. Chambers had said they must go on, and they had gone on and success had attended their efforts. (Hear, hear.)
They had been free from accidents—other speakers had mentioned it, and it could not be mentioned too often. It was really surprising that they could have worked s long at a work like theirs without serious accident to any of them. He believed one great calm was the excellence of the plant. If that had not been of the best they would not have escaped so lightly. (Hear, bear.) He also was one who believed in God, and he was of opinion the whole must have been directly under the influence of Providence. Mr. Chambers had been an excellent man at the head of affairs, and they had all worked harmoniously together with him. He had been amongst sinkers for many years, in various places and in various ways, and he could confidently say they had had at Cadeby some of the best men in the country—as good men as they could find in Yorkshire. Derbyshire, or any other shire. (Mr. Chambers vigorously assented to this.) That was one thing which added speed to their work, and they would not have got on nearly so fast as they had done if it had not been so. (Hear, hear.) Some people said sinkers were a lot of degraded men, but he should say they were not. (Hear, hear.) He was a sinker, and he would stand against that which was net right. (Applause.) He would boldly maintain that sinkers as a body were not degraded. (Hear, hear, and applause.) He (the speaker) did not like what some other sinkers did and he wished they would not do it. He wished they could see it and he saw it and take care of their money and take it home and then they would be much better men for the country. (Hear, hear.) It was very gratifying to remember they had had no strikes or disturbances. Their men had all worked on agreeably and everything bad gone on comfortably and happily all the way through. (Applause.) The men had been as cheerful as larks, and he was sure he hoped that would be their experience in the future. They had been embarked on a great enterprise and there was now a large field of coal to be worked. He did not see why the work should not continue without strikes, lockouts or any disturbances whatever. (Hear, hear.) Men and masters might work in harmony it when a little difficulty erne they would come together and amicably discuss the matter. (Hear hear.) There were a few outsiders who were kicking up disturbances. What was wanted was a few common sense men to oume to the front t, stand by that which was right and let the rowdies differ as much as they liked. He wished all present, and especially their chairman, health and prosperity and hoped success would attend the working of the new colliery. (Applause.) Mr. Rose amidst loud cheers male the presentation, and said Mr. Chambers, their manager, was a good general. He was not one of those who went up and down the country buying second hand machinery and pumps. (Applause ) No, he did not believe in sinking machinery of that sort which often resulted in a milking of the shareholders’ money in a way which was not wise at all, and often resulted in lives being lost. (Hear, hear.) No, such like management would not do for Mr. Chambers.
He did not believe in a penny wise, pound foolish policy,” as they could not help but see in the way in which their undertaking had been carried out. (Applause ) He spared neither time nor money to have the machinery of the best kind, both in the best interests of the shareholders and the safety of the men. He saw that everything was kept up to the mark. Now they had got down to the coal he hoped they would soon see a grand result. His hope was that the pit sure be soon sending up 5,000 tons of coal per day. (Applattes.)
The illuminated address was then received by Mr. Chambers amidst loud cheering for himself and Mrs. Chambers. The following is the text of the address:—
To William Henry Chambers, Esq. M.I.M.E.
Dean Sir.—We, the employees of the Cadeby Main Colliery, Conisborough, respectfully desire to offer you our congratulations on the practical completion of the sinking operations at this mine and request your kind acceptance of this address to record our thankfulness re the total freedom from accident, under your able direction of the work, and also as a mark of the personal esteem in which you are held by us.
Hoping you may long be spared to enjoy the blessings of health and prosperity,
We are, sir, on behalf of the subscribers,
Yours sincerely.
James Rose.
Vincent Rose
- Thompson
H.W. Campbell
David Mitchell
George Lee
Heads of Departments
- S. Witty, Hon. Sec.
Cadeby Colliery, February 4th. 1893.
Mr. Chambers said that proud was he to be able that evening to address them as friends, for he felt in his heart they were his friends—(applause) —and he should judge the feeling was reciprocal. (Applause.) He was proud that he was amongst such a splendid lot of fellows as had been employed at that colliery. Mr. Thompson had referred to that as a red letter day, but be thought that it was a white letter day on a red board –(the loud laughter) —and that was better so because it showed a clean sheet. (Continued laughter.) It was gratifying, as had already been said, that the work had been accomplished with the freedom from accidents that had marked it. (Hear, hear.) There had been no fatal casualties to refer to and he thoroughly concurred with what had been said on that matter. (Hear, hear.) The men had all one their duty. There was not one who had been employed, from the top 10 the bottom of the undertaking, who had not done his duty, and done it so thoroughly as to show he had his heart sincerely in the work. (Hear, hear).
He did not think there was one shareholder in the company who was more gratified than the humblest workman employed in the place when it was known that coal was reached, and they had found such a magnificent seam. Of course they were all aware the new pit was in connection with the Denaby Main Colliery Company, which they also knew, was a huge company. The man at the helm of that vast concern and who superintended all its multifarious ramifications was Mr. Buckingham Pope. (Loud applause.) It was he who had directed the company, and who, by his keen business capacity, and command of the vast wealth which had been entrusted to him without hesitation, had caused that new colliery to be commenced, and which would culminate in the finding of employment to a large number of workmen. (Applause.)
It was to such gentlemen as Mr. Buckingham Pope that England owed her position at the present time. (Hear, hear.) What could a small capitalist have done at Cadeby in bringing to the surface that which had been buried so deeply, and which had been covered with so much water?
Mr. Buckingham Pope, with the wealth at his disposal had been able to accomplish successfully what could never have been done by a small capitalist. With Mr. Pope was first conceived the idea of making a new colliery at that spot and after he has studied the matter over he conferred with his brother—Mr. E. Pope —the gentleman who bad honoured them with his presence, at considerable inconvenience, seeing that It had not been in the habit of attending public meetings through having a great version to them, but who sacrifices comfort and attended the gathering to show them how heartily he appreciated all their work. (Loud applause.) Mr. E. Pope had had a practical training in mining engineering, and had served his time to the business like any other mining engineer and thoroughly understood all that had to be done when the operation of sinking so deeply was to be undertaken. (Hear, hear.) When Mr. Buckingham Pope consulted him as the starting a new colliery at Cadeby he went into the subject and in the end confirmed his opinion that the work could be done successfully, and the result was that it was decided that it should be done. (Applause.)
It was a very proud day for him (the speaker), as they might imagine, when the honour was conferred upon him of undertaking the work to bring it to an issue. It was a tremendous responsibility and a responsibility that many a man might have shuddered to undertake, and perhaps he should have shuddered if he had known what he would have had to overcome. However, he knew from his previous experience of the officials and workmen, and what they had done for him that he could thoroughly depend upon them for their ready and skilful support. (Applause.) There were thousands and thousands of pounds to be invested, and it was thoroughly known that the undertaking would entail a very large expenditure of capital and there was, of course, no return for it yet. How many people possessing the huge wealth necessary to sink a mine like that at Cadeby would use it in that way ?
A great many people in that position would rather sit at home by the fireside in comfort or go travelling about to take life easy, but if that were the case with all what would each as he or they do? (Hear, hear.) Certainly such works as those could not be carried out if that were the principle universally adopted. Small capitalists who could not afford to lose their money could not be expected to risk it, and therefore he said they ought to be very grateful indeed there were such men as Mr. Buckingham Pope, whit would direct such works and find the sinews of war. (Applause.) Something had been said about providing for the safety of the men, and he might say, although so much money had been invested in getting materials and men of the very best, there had not been the slightest hesitation in regard to the finding of the capital. (Applause.) Everything had certainly been provided for the safety of the men engaged in the work. (Hear, hear.) He had his instructions definitely that nothing must be spared to ensure in the highest degree the safety of the men—(applause)—and he felt there was no credit due to him individually for providing those means. He had only done his duty in carrying out his distinct instructions. (Applause.) He had known he should be thoroughly powerless in that undertaking unless he was unflinchingly supported by the foremen and the workmen. (Hear, hear.) It was all very well for a general to say ” Go and do this.” as had been said, but it was the men who had to do it. True it was he often heard that the pumps had broken down again, sad he had to say “go and mend them.”
It was easy to say that, but it was quite another thing going and doing it. (Laughter and cheers.) He could thoroughly appreciate the feelings of the men at times, and very likely if he had been in the same position working there day after day, and year after year, at the same work he would very likely have felt a little discouraged himself. (Hear, hear.) He had had more freedom from the side of the mine and had been better able to maintain cheerful equilibrium, and it was therefore his duty to encourage them and advise them as he had done. (Hear, hear.) He was sure be felt most heartily grateful with the engine-wrights; foremen, and sinkers, and indeed all the men of all the departments for their loyal undaunted support and dogged English persistence shown in overcoming the difficulties which had so often presented themselves.
Now it had resulted in the venture becoming a success, and that would have been thoroughly impossible with a lot of second-clam men and info for machinery. (Applause.) No man could work without good tools, and no manager could get goad work done without good men. (Applause) There had to be no flinching in times of discouragement on the part of the workmen or anyone, and he could say that the difficulties met with in connection with the sinking operation I had been such as bad not been known previously in the whole history of mining. The credit was undoubtedly due not to him but to them, and he felt it and gave them the credit for the enema unstintingly. Another thing which was more gratifying to him was that looking back and reviewing all the appalling difficulties, that had been enough to discourage the strongest man, he could say that if the work had to be begun again he did not know many particulars in which it could have been improved. (Applause.)
He could bay that honestly, and it was not often such a statement could be made after the carrying out of such a stupendous undertaking. (Applause.) It was a statement made conscientiously and with an eye on the whole work, and be would say that if they could have had the least idea of the tremendous quantity of water to be met they could scarcely have improved their arrangements beyond getting the pumps sooner. (Applause.) Of course they could not estimate the water to be met; but he said again that with the experience acquired now, that if they had to begin again, he knew but that one thing in which their arrangements would have to be improved. (Applause.)
Referring again to the freedom from accidents, he said that although means had been provided for the safety of the employees, it was undoubtedly due to their skill and knowledge that the arrangements had been used in such a way as to prevent accidents. There seem to have been no selfish thought – the men only consider their safety but also the safety of their fellow workmen.
Unless unselfishness had been coupled with their skill and knowledge things might not have gone on so well. (Hear, hear).
He thanked them for the very handsome testimonial they had given him. He also thanked them for the appreciation they had showed and the very little he had done for them, and he was rather part with the last penny he possessed done with that excellent testimonial. (Applause.)
It might have been possible to have given hi something of greater monetary value to commemorate what they had gone through together; but a freewill offering from them to him of the appreciation of a kindly fellow feeling from the start to the finish of that work nothing could have caused him more pleasure. (Applause.) It had given him more qualification than he could duly acknowledge.
If that frame had been of goal, studded with precious stones, he could not have felt more than he did, and he hoped the good feeling which had been shown will continue to exist so long as they knew each other. (Applause.) He would say that chief he ever was a manager elsewhere, and was there about to embark on a similar work, and a man came to me and asked to be employed, is first question would be, “Where have you been working?” If the man said, “I have been working at Cadeby, “he (Mr Chambers) would not ask another question, but at once set him on. (Loud applause.) It would be a recommendation to any man, in his opinion, to be able to say, “I have worked at Cadeby.” (Applause.)
That supper and been provided as a small token of the appreciation of their work, and Mr Buckingham Pope would have very much like to be present, but have been unavoidably engaged elsewhere, and sent the following letter.
3, Whitehall Court,
2nd February 1892
Dear Mr Chambers,
I am extremely sorry that business in connection with the South Yorkshire Railway necessitated my presence in London, and that in consequence, I cannot be present on Saturday, February 4th.
It would have given me great pleasure to have had an opportunity of personally expressing all those who have taken part in the four years working Cadeby, which is now been successfully crowned, my appreciation of the zeal and perseverance which has led to this result. In the course of our operations we have extraordinary difficulties to contend with, and had the Denaby Company not had in you and your workers a general and army capable of coping with these difficulties in an equally extraordinary way, this entertainment might not have taken place for a long time to come.
The thanks of the Denaby Company are due in the first place to yourself, who are throughout been in command, and in the second place to all grades of those who, under your instructions, and carried on the work, and I will ask you to convey to all those assembled on Saturday night, the expression of the thanks, and at the same time to wish them, and our behalf, all good luck in the future and equal success in any further operations.
I cannot close without calling attention to one more satisfactory fact in connection with a four years work, and that is the immunity from serious accidents, which speaks volumes for the excellence of the rules and regulations laid down, and the obedience and precision with which they have been obeyed.
Helping that you may also spend a happy evening, and again expressing my regret at my inability to be present, I remain, very truly yours
- Buckingham Pope.
The “Heads of department,” was the next toast, and was proposed by the Reverend.P. Roseveare. He spoke of the excellent manual filled those positions, and alluded to Mr S.H.witty (the under manager), Mr James Rose (head engine right), Mr Vincent Rose, Mr Thompson, Mr David Mitchell and Mr Mason. The names of Mr witty and Mr Mason were received with musical honours.
Mr George Eliot, sinker, propose the toast, “Thanks to the Company for supper,” which was carried with the acclamation, and the party quietly dispersed, after an evening that will long remain in the memory of all present.
The £4 6s 9d, which was the amount of the balance of the subscriptions, has been forwarded to the Mexborough Montagu Cottage Hospital by Mr H.S. Witty.