Mexborough and Swinton Times April 6, 1907

Withholding Trades Union Money.
Cadeby Treasurer to Repay.

The Yorkshire Miners Association, through the medium of its solicitor, Mr. J. E. Raley, of Barnsley, called one of its unfaithful servants to account at the Doncaster West Riding Court on Thursday morning, Mr. W. J. Huntriss and Mr. G. W. Jackson being the magistrates.

The prisoner, WM. Catton appeared on remand from the previous Monday, and pleaded guilty to a charge of withholding the sum of £12, the property of the Yorkshire Miners Association.

The prisoner said Mr. Raley, had been treasurer to the Cadeby branch of the Association, and it was his duty, together with the secretary, to administer the income, and to determine what amount should, after the payment of the branch expenses, be remitted to headquarters. The action was taken under section 18 of the trade union act of 1871, which provided that an official withholding or misapplying such money, should be called upon to refund that money, or in default under goal a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months.

In the present instance, on December 22, 1906 the sum of £97 9s 6d. was in the treasurer’s hand, and on the same date the expenditure, £79 9s 9d of this was accounted for by payment of expenses and remittance to Barnsley. Therefore there was £18 in hand.

Two days later the secretary and the treasurer had met, and the former had given the latter an order to remit to Barnsley a further £12. That money had not been forwarded, nor was the treasurer seen again until he was apprehended.

Joseph Cooper, the secretary to the branch, gave corroborative evidence, and spoke to having given the note in question for the payment of £12 to the Association.

Mr. J. Dixon, financial secretary to the Association, on the other hand, stated that he had not received the £12 pounds.

Mr Raley said that was the case, but further remarked that he understood defendant would like the opportunity of repaying the amount at the rate of 10 shillings weekly. Therefore he would suggest to their worships that this course be pursued, and that the case be adjourned for three months, in order to give the man an opportunity of fulfilling his promise.

The defendant agreed to the suggested arrangement and an order for repayment at the rate of 10 shilling weekly, was made, defendant also being ordered to pay the costs, not exceeding 20 shillings. The case was therefore adjourned for three months.