Mass Meeting of the Men – Monday – Ready for the Ejectments – “Fight On Fight On.”

January 1903

Mexborough & Swinton Times, January 9, 1903

Another Meeting of The Men.

Ready for the Ejectments

“Fight On Fight On.”

On Monday morning yet another mass meeting was held for the purpose of encouraging the men, and the fact that the situation was on the eve of undergoing a drastic change, in no way altered a determined attitude of the great majority, who again demonstrated a dogged determination to stand firm under the colours they had unfurled, and to see the strike through to the bitter end.

Perhaps the chief reason the meeting was called was to acquaint all with the latest information on the situation and to give a final reminder to the men to keep calm during the carrying out of the ejectment and this advice by the strike committee was warmly received, the men recognising that by their quiet and orderly behaviour throughout the last 28 weeks has been responsible for a lot of public sympathy and encouragement, and they recognise that any outburst in useless rioting would have a tendency to alienate that sympathy and the welcome voluntary subscriptions given in their aid would depreciate as a consequence.

That this was the feeling was apparent by the cordial way all the men fell in with the leaders suggestion, and the meeting separated to prepare for the ejectment blow that was even now preparing to fall.

The information as to the offers of housing the women and children and storing the furniture was received with enthusiasm, and the many offers of help in this direction sure that the efforts of the strike committee will been attended with gratifying results.

One special point notable about Monday’s early-morning meeting was the statements made by the speaker to the effect that they were willing, even at that late hour, to meet Mr Chambers and try and avert the ejectment by coming to an amicable arrangement.

However, the flight of events had progressed too far to allow of this, and the only thing left to do was to each side to continue a fight, which now seemed further off a finish than ever, although it is to be sincerely hoped that the latest big move in the struggle would not make future negotiations for a settlement more difficult than ever.

The men are determined and resolute, whilst the Colliery Company are equally determined to win.

The meeting was held in the Cadeby branch room at the Station Hotel, Conisbrough, and was presided over my Mr F Croft, who was supported by Messrs G.H.Hirst, G.Smith, H Humphries and A.Dickinson.

The chairman said they met that morning with the knowledge of what was facing them. Most of them were aware that they were expecting the evictions that day, but for some reason they had been allowed another days Grace.

As far as the committee were concerned they were prepared to meet Mr Chambers even at the very last moment, in fact, up to the time he had done what he intended to do. (Hear, hear). He was proud to say that they would have sufficient shelter for all of them (applause.) The meeting a recall to see what they were made up, and to give them a little encouragement. They had now been out for 28 weeks, and if the struggle lasted two years let them stand firm at the last as they did at the start. (Applause.)

They had the sympathy of everybody; not only the miners of Great Britain, but the people as a whole. (Hear, hear). There’s would be one of the test battles – though the position was rather an awkward one – that was being fought in Great Britain, and it was a battle that had wanted fighting for some time past. (Applause.) They were fighting for their rights as men, and he did not think they regretted the steps that taken to try and get them (a voice: no, not me!) They would have to face a few weeks hard weather, but, thank God a short time. They would have the sun shining over them. (Applause.)

If he found it necessary to go into a tent he would go. He did so in 1885 and he was ready to do so again, and he was sure they were all prepared and willing. (A voice: we are all good now as in 85).

Not only their own committee, but committees of neighbouring collieries, and be making provision for the men of Denaby and Cadeby to have house and what was more, to send coal and pay rent for them. (Applause.)

He with the others had to make arrangements to put many under shelter when the evictions took place, and all that morning, he had received a letter from a gentleman, whom he had tried to interview several times, to say he could find shelter for more than 100 families (a voice: that’s the sort, and applause.)

This kind of thing was for the encouragement of the men, and showed they had many with them in the fight. If they only kept determined and acted on the same lines as during the last 28 weeks, they would be all right (a voice: keep calm) He hoped they would not get excited, and that they would bear it, although it might seem hard, for when once they were again sheltered they would bless the day when they left Denaby. (Applause.)

They would show by such an attitude that they were as determined as they were 28 weeks ago. When they were turned out places will be ready for their furniture to be stored, and as far as possible accommodation for there will be found in houses.

Some of the men would have to go in tents which would be made as comfortable as possible for them, and if things were not quite all they desired at first, they would soon improve. They had had many promises of conveyances for the removal of furniture, and when horses were not available he asked them to assist by putting their shoulders to the wheel.

He concluded by asking them to brave as quietly as possible, for he did not want any of them to go to Wakefield for even one day, and with an extra word of warning he sat down.

After further speeches by Mr HH Humphries, Arthur Dickinson and G Smith the meeting terminated.

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