Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 7.
The Denaby Main Miners.
Singular Proceedings.
At an early, how on Monday morning, proceedings of a rather singular description occurred at Denaby. The lads employed at the pit, and known as pony driver’s, assembled near the colliery and behaved in a very excited manner.
Although it is nothing extraordinary to see Julie, now members of the mining community en masse in this way and to hear the raising strain the reverse of a harmonious, it was very plain from the shouting and yelling on the present occasion that something out of the ordinary way was about to happen.
A tall and well built us, known by his comrades as “Sixty,” and said to be the oldest driver under the ground at Denaby, was apparently the ringleader, and the young gentleman from Mexborough, especially played a very prominent part in the demonstration.
One after another mounted the wall on the roadside and in oratorical fashion announced that the time come when they should demand their rights; that they would no longer submit in this free and happy country, to work for almost next to nothing, but in the name of Justice, would have a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
Of course the applause on all hands was most hearty – some of the mothers too, happening to overhear their offspring preparing their “speeches” the night before, were attracted to the spot, and at times their vocal organs could be heard, soaring above the rest.
The colliers were quite taken by surprise at this crisis of affairs, and were somewhat chagrined to know that they were thus thrown out of work. The men advised that the youngsters, who had now turned “Masters of the situation,” should talk matters over with them, and later on a crowded meeting was held at the Lodge room, Masons Arms, Mexborough
The pony drivers roars in rapid succession, and declared that it was preposterous to expect them to work the hours a day for the “paltry pittance” they received. During the course of the debate, which was a very heated one, it transpired that the lads were paid by contractors, to whom certain portion of the work had been sold, and the appeal was expressed that if the ways were paid by the company instead, the drivers would be better off.
The wages were set to run from 1s 6d to 3s 0d per day according to age and capabilities and that, under the present system, the lads did not receive advances when they ought. They would be satisfied with an advance of 3d and 2d, respectively. The pony drivers were supported in their contention by many of the men.
After a protracted sitting, a deputation from the boys went to have an interview with the Manager. He however, was not in his office and it was agreed that he should be seen on the morrow. On Tuesday morning a second meeting was held the same Lodge room, and Mr Chapple, secretary of the Rotherham and District Miners Association attended. He was informed of the grievances and, after a discussion lasting over two hours, who it was agreed by the drivers that work should be resumed on the same terms as before, but that it should be on the understanding that the wage list should be revised and that in future they work for the company and not for the contractors. It was those fully expected by the men that the dispute was pro tempore at an end. No sooner had the lads left the meeting than they made it known they didn’t intend going back to work. Some of them said, if the men were such – – – as to be guided by Chapel, they had more sense will stop the colliers endeavoured to persuade them to start work again, see what terms will be them become to on their behalf, and then, if not satisfactory, give a proper notice. The boys quickly gained their advisors to understand that they could manage their own affairs, and the men found it was futile to talk to them on the matter.
There was quite a scene at Denaby. During the day, and in the evening a party of the pony drivers marched to Mexborough, some of them armed with sticks. On reaching the inhabitants of their co-workers they cried out, “No work,” accompanied with shouts, and a good deal of excitement prevailed. The mob were cautioned by the police, but the gentleman in blue were only rewarded with derisive laughter. It is expected that some of the offenders will be prosecuted.
On Wednesday morning, only about 20 lads “turned up.” at the pit and the consequence was that when the miners assembled in the yard, expecting that work was to be resumed, they were told by the officials there was nothing for them to do and they had to return to their homes. Some of the youths who ventured to go to the colliery had to be taken by their fathers for fear of being molested, threats having been made use of them against any will return to work before all went. It is said that the pony drivers living at Denaby would have willingly gone to back to their duties. I do not been for the conduct of the Mexborough lads.
A mob collected near the pit and stones were freely failed at those who were seen to go towards the pit bank. On the conclusion of the day “shift” – two o’clock – the road and approaches to the colliery were crowded by number of the drivers, their object being to “thrash” those will be brought up by the cage. But the youths were taken through the mob by Mr Slack, the deputy manager and the policeman and none of them were interfered with.
The disturbances ceased by degrees, and when comparative tranquillity had arrived the young men seemed tired of their proceedings, and told the colliers they might expect them at their work in the morning. Accordingly, all of them re-entered the colliery workings yesterday and the all of the men are now again employed.
It was freely reported last night that the drivers intend to give 14 days notice, as there appears no chance of their position being improved.