Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 31 October 1902
The Denaby and Cadeby Strike.
Application to Bench.
Important Developments.
Another interesting development was provided in connection with the dispute now to progress at the Denaby and Cadeby collieries, at the Doncaster West Riding Police Court on Saturday, before Mr. J. C. and Mr. B. I. Whitaker.
Mr. W. M. Gichard, solicitor to the Colliery Company, said that the Bench would remember that from time to time during the past four months arising out of the strike at the Denaby and Cadeby Main Collieries had occupied the of that Court. Orders had been made against a large number of miners, who had been employed at those pits prior to July 12th, for the payment of £6 and the costs, with the exception of one case, where the orde, for the payment of £3 and costs. At the time when the first lot of orders were made the Chairman of the Bench asked him that before the orders were proceeded with to make application to the Bench, and he promised that there would be no procedure taken unless he made application.
About three weeks ago when orders were made, the then Chairman asked him it any of the money for which the orders hao been made had been paid. He (Mr. Gichard) told them that there had not, but that he intended to make an application in relation to it very shortly. The time had now come when he should make that application. None of the money had been paid under any of the orders, and the company thought that as they had treated the workmen with great consideration, and as they had given them considerable time in which to consider their position; and moreover, as they were living in the company’s house, without paying any rent, it was time something was done to show them that the order’s of the court could not be ignored in this way without some steps being taken to enforce payment.
The company were forced to take this action under circumstances which had occurred. He need only mention one case, that of Fred Croft. He was the leader of the strike committee, and, since the strike commenced, and started a business which appeared to be in a flourishing condition. He was instructed, and was prepared to prove, that he had money deposited in the bank none the strike took place. The company under these circumstances, could not tolerate the thing. His application was to be a general one.
Mr. Whitaker: You say a general one?
Mr. Gichard: Yes. I could give other instances similar to the one I have mentioned. There are cases where pigs have been bought since the strike commenced.
Continuing. Mr. Gichard said his application was a general one, and the Bench would understand that the company would not act with undue harshness in any case but would only proceed to issue distress against those whom they thought ought to pay.
He asked permission, on behalf of the complainants, to play to proceed to put in force the orders which have been made.
The application was granted.