Mexborough and Swinton Times, January 21
Meeting of the Men.
A largely attended meeting of Denaby Main miners was held at the Masons arms, Mexborough on Tuesday morning, to take into consideration the question of “packing,” which is designed to be taken the miners to give to the “bye workmen,” or, dataller’s.
One of the deputation waited upon the manager (Mr Warburton) on the previous day, said they asked if the “packing” could be put on the ton, as it had been done in bygone days. He asked what they had been paid for it. On the ton, and a reply from 2 1/2d to 5d. He then replied, “I can’t give you anything of the kind.” That was the only arrangement they made with him about it. (Laughter.)
A miner, said a proposition had been passed that they do not sacrifice the “packing” and he told the manager that. He then asked what they had had a ton, as stated. It was, he (the speaker) thought, impossible to put “the places” on by the ton; if they could do so it would be a very difficult matter.
With regard to the Liability Act, they told him they did not consider it advisable to take any decided action on that matter at present; they would wait and see what was being done by the district. They thought if they formed a mutual affair, as was suggested, they will be contacting themselves out of the Act.
Another miner, said at the time they had the packing” by the ton their “gates” were all kept straight, but that was not so now; and it was out of all reason to suppose that they would agree to the terms offered. (Cheers)
Another miner, said they asked the manager what he would do with the men in the `bank´ if the dataller’s took the “packing,” but the manager gave them no answer about it. (A voice: he is too arbitrary)
A miner: I make a proposition that we don’t lose the “packing.”
Another miner: I will second that.
The chairman: I want us to be very careful in what we do. I told Mr Chappell, that if the manager wanted to take the “packing,” he had better take the “coaling” as well. (Hear, hear). The men could not live at Denaby without it. They had hitherto had a difficulty in subsisting on what they were paid, and he was sure they could not give up the “packing” (cheers)
Another miner, stated that at the committee meeting held to consider the question, those presence were in favour of the men being paid for the packing the same as they had been. They considered it would be very detrimental to their interests if it were taken off them. (Hear, hear).
A miner: let’s have a percentage before we start again. (Laughter.)
The resolution was then put the meeting, and carried unanimously.
The chairman of observed that certain of the Colliers have been asked to return to work, but they had refused, unless they were to be remunerated as they were before the lockout. (Cheers) he also informed the meeting that Mr James Montague, of Melton Hall and sent them five pounds, and promised to give them more during the week, and the tradespeople of Mexborough, had been very kind to them (cheers). Mr Peter Waddington, accusing them one pound; Mr W.H.J.Mills 5s; Dr Sykes 5s; and Messrs Jowitt and Tiptaft 5s.
Hear, hear, and a voice: we are much obliged to them.
When they came out of Mrs Jo shop, he was told to be sure “Mr Allison’s, as they would be sure to get something there; but he had not yet found Mr Allison in. They had received several shillings, and were getting on nicely. The chairman also said that a council meeting was been held in Rotherham and that they and their delegate was there. The position of the Denaby miners would come up for consideration.
He thought it possible that they might contribute more to their relief, than they had done, and he would suggest that the funds which they had in hand be not distributed until they know what the Council had agreed to give them.
This was agreed to.
Vote of thanks to the chairman and reporters having been passed, the meeting was adjourned until the following day