Mexborough and Swinton Times March 3, 1906

Miners Generosity at Denaby
Cadeby Miners Magnificent Gift
Splendid Testimony to The Late Under Manager
Interesting Presentations

The popularity of Mr Arthur Brearley, for over seven years under manager of the Cadeby Colliery, was made manifest in no uncertain manner on Saturday evening, in the large Hall at the Rossington Street Schools, Denaby, when a gathering of some thousand miners and officials together with their wives and friends, emphasised this popularity, and was further, an expressive tribute of the generosity of the Cadeby miners show their appreciation for their late official.

The event materialised through Mr Brearley’s recent departure take over the management of the Warsop Main Colliery, Notts, and was the outcome of a unanimous desire on the part of his late under officials and workmen to give his son tangible talk of the respect and esteem he had won during his profitable and active connection with them.

With the ready approval of Mr W.H.Chambers, the managing director of the two great sister pits, no sooner was the project suggested that it rapidly became an assured success.

A committee of over 40 miners was elected, Mr T.W.Mosby as secretary, Mr Springthorpe as treasurer, and to these gentleman must go the credit of the excellent arrangements made on Saturday. A total amount of nearly £70 having eclectic, and out of the magnificent amount a large eight-day English Westminster Chiming clock, chiming on for an eight brass tubes, nickel plated had been purchased. The clerk is of mahogany, inlaid with marguerite panels, and stands about 8 feet. In addition, an illuminated address had been purchased, as well as a golden guard and pendant for Mrs Brearley, to whom the workmen also desired to express their esteem and respect.

The Tea

In the afternoon about 600 sat down to a knife and fork tea, in the large Hall, the arrangement for the catering being in the hands of Mr W.J.Gibbs, of the Denaby Main Hotel, who, needless to say, gave general satisfaction.

The Presentations

in the evening there was a crowded attendance. The large platform are been decorated with plants and flowers and the presents were on view. The magnificent clock formed an imposing feature, while the illuminated address, which was couched in the following terms, was much admired:

To Mr A Brearley
We, the undersigned, on behalf of the employees of the Cadeby Main Colliery, cannot allow the occasion of your leaving us to pass without asking your acceptance of this illuminated address, as some slight token of the esteem and respect in which you were held by us during the seven years you were the under manager of the above colliery. Although we regret your removal from amongst us, we sincerely congratulate you on your promotion, and unite in hearty good wishes for your future welfare and happiness
signed on behalf of the employees
Vincent Rose, Thomas William Mosby, Hon Sec
Denaby Main, Rotherham, 24 February 1906

Mr S.J. Bridges, Under Manager of the Cadeby Colliery, presided, and there were present: Mr and Mrs Brearley, Mr W.H.Chambers, managing director of the colliery; Mr A.H. Barnard, agent; Mr H.S.Witty, manager, Cadeby colliery; Mr H.H.Wray, Mr F.Kershaw, Mr E.Krupp Shaw, Mr V.Rose, Miss Rose, Mrs Bridges, Mr T.W.Mosby (hon secretary), and others.

The chairman, in his opening remarks, said that during the short time he had known Mr Brearley he had found a kind, generous and just master; one better he did not know; one had always been ready to help him and other officials in every way. Mr Brearley had smoothed over many differences between masters and men, which other men might not have done so successfully. The workmen also wanted to make to Mrs Brearley a presentation as a slight token of the esteem in which they held her. He thought this was only right. All successful men, he believed, had got good wives. (Hear, hear) Mr Brearley had been very successful, therefore naturally for that he had a very good wife. There were few people were trying to improve their position – especially after they got married – who did not know are many depend upon the wife. These women had to forego many little luxuries that other women enjoy, in order that their husbands might educate themselves for the position to which they aspired. (Loud applause)

Mr Mosby, in giving this report, said, as they all knew, Mr Brearley had worked earnestly at the Cadeby Colliery for over seven years he had been more interested in him than he (Mr Mosby) because he had been in daily and almost hourly contact with him.

Dealing with the presentation fun, he called a meeting of the employees of the Cadeby Colliery, when some 400 or 500 attended at the Denaby Main Hotel. A committee of about 40 was elected from amongst them, and tonight they saw the results of their labours. (Hear, hear) he thought they would all agree with him that they had done their duty. Respecting the subscriptions they had all been given voluntary and he did not think one stall in the pit are been asked on even one man, to give to that testimonial. The committee also raise a concert and he might say that Mr Chambers kindly lent them the use of the schools, and the artists are given their services free. (Applause)
Mr Wray had led them the furniture, and Mr Chambers the plants. As to the number of persons were subscribed, out of 123 stalls 89 contributed, and the following had also sent subscriptions; 371 colliers, 197 fillers, 44 top officials etc 548 datallers, roadmen and drivers (applause). Included in that number were 17 trappers, who contributed 1d each. (Applause), 14 horse keeper’s, 27 contractors, 18 hangers on, 62 surface workmen, including four lamp boys at 1d (loud applause), 10 tradesmen at Denaby Main, and two licensed victuallers;

Making a total number of subscribers of 1,293 (applause) and the total amount subscribed £67 7s 7d. (Loud and continued applause) This worked out at rather more than 1/- per head. (Applause)

Mr Chambers who was enthusiastically received, paid first a personal tribute to the Denaby Main Prize Brass Band. There was a tremendous improvement in their play – (applause) – and they could only hope that it will continue, and that they would keep up the record of other Denaby institutions. (Hear, hear). As a subscriber, the honour had been deputed to him to make the presentation, and charged Mr Brearley’s acceptance of that clock, as a mark of the scene, and as something tangible to show the esteem in which they held them. (Applause) he knew from experience of pride he (Mr Brearley) must feel that evening in occupying that position, and seeing that the work people had so liberally and generally subscribed, and to see such as were present who had attended in order to show their esteem of him. (Applause)
They had attended in such large numbers in order to assure him that this was not empty talking, but a real, tangible proof of the regard in which they held in. (Applause)
he did not propose to make any congratulatory remarks as to what he had done, or what he was, but you would say this – that he would not have received that magnificent present if he had not fully merited it. (Applause)
He had spent amongst them one of the cycles of a man’s lifetime, and the experience he had gained during that time would prove exceedingly valuable that he had done his duty was fully borne out that evening. He could only say that although they were very happy to show their appreciation, yet they regretted the loss they would sustain by his normal, and they thought there must be something of that kind in his mind too. They were, however, delighted he had been promoted to a sphere they would have greater scope for the undoubted ability which he possessed, and they wished him every success and happiness in it. (Applause)

The clock would remind him, they were hoping, as long as he live, of the time he spent at Cadeby, and a further hope that you will, if anything, strive more strenuously to merit the appropriation of those over whom he had charge. (Applause).
They knew that the new position he was called upon to fill was an onerous one, one which carried with it greater responsibilities, but they believed he would be equal to them. He would know bays experienced during the time we had been there – he thought valuable experience – that what he had done at Cadeby had been a very important step in the ladder up which he was now climbing. He would, he was sure, remember that all these responsibilities would now rest upon him, and that great care would have to be exercised in carrying out his duty to his employer, which they knew he would do; and that he would also extend justice and sympathy to those who worked under him. (Applause).
Weakness was as reprehensible in anything almost as anyone’s – (applause), – but they thought and believed that he would not allow any unfair advantage to be taken of his position by men, who would try, he could depend upon it, someday. (Hear, hear).
They thought he would be fair in maintaining his position with dignity, fairness and honesty to his employers, as he had done while he had been there. But he would have to remember that there would be no appeal from the position he now occupied to anyone else, and bearing that always in mind he would not fail. Any mistake he might make, in a temper are in some harassed moment, would be bitterly bent, some perhaps which might never be forgotten, brought the felt certain if he exercise careful consideration and did nothing in a hurry when he had time for mature deliberation, he would take a wise and honest policy, and that he would do what was fair between man and master. (Applause).
It was really a position that many would not envy, it was a position of go-between – call it what they lie – between employers and employed; but they felt sure Mr Brearley would fully feel the responsibility which rested upon his shoulders, and that he would be equal to every occasion; that he would show that consideration to all his men which they deserved. (Applause).
In conclusion, Mr Chambers said he had great pleasure, on behalf of the whole of the subscribers, in asking Mr Brearley’s acceptance of the clock, and the illuminated address, in the spirit in which it was given, and with every sincere wish for his future prosperity and happiness. (Loud applause).
The audience, rising, also, “For his a Jolly good fellow.”

Mr Kershaw, a workman then spoke in support.
Mr Croxall then presented Mrs Brearley with a gold guard and pendant on behalf of the workmen. He commented upon the good work missed Bailey had accomplished during her stay amongst them. She proved herself worthy of the gift. (Applause).

Mr Rose then spoke in support.

Mr Brearley then started the clock, which chimed and struck the hour of twelve.

In reply, Mr Brearley, who was most enthusiastically received, said he had been deeply touched by the honour they had conferred upon him by inviting him to be present that evening, and listen to the very kind remarks they had been pleased to make about him. Some 2 ½ years ago he was on that platform making a presentation to Mr Chambers, on behalf of the underground workmen, but little did he think then that he should be the next victim. (Laughter).

His task was a difficult one on that occasion, but it was a much more difficult one that day.

He did not feel quite so worthy of the presents they had given him as they had said. (a voice: You are quite worthy, applause). Yet he could conscientiously say that he had always endeavoured to do his duty to both employers and workmen and also between man and man. (Applause).

He was very pleased to think that he had not failed in that. His one desire was that he might be a successful at Worsop Men as had been at Cadeby. (Applause). He could not claim the whole of the credit, because he had received good assistance from Mr Mosby, Mr Bridges, and others while he had also had good deputies. They had always endeavoured to work most amicably together. He sang very sincerely on behalf of his dear wife and himself for the magnificent present. His wife, he might say, I’ve been of great assistance to him. That evening marked a very important milestone in his life’s journey, and the sent them all from the bottom of his heart. He offered his thanks to all were in any way contributed towards the present, and whenever he looked at the clock, and heard the musical chimes – (a voice: Denaby Bells, laughter) – he would always be reminded of the kind words that had be spoken that evening, and the fact that he had left so many kind friends at Denaby Main. (Loud and continued applause.)

The clock and guard and pendant were supplied by Mr H.H.Wray, of Conisborough, and the address was by Messrs Parker and Honey of Sheffield.