Embedded Files
Bowburn Miners’ Lodge (1935): Local Agreements and Awards
BOWBURN LODGE, D.M.A.
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LOCAL AGREEMENTS AND AWARDS
Basis Wages
Cavilling Rules
Death Levy Rules
Notes on Workmen's Compensation
Percentage and
Other Tables
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Arranged by
WILLIAM KELLY
Secretary
DURHAM:
J.H. Veitch & Sons, Printers and Bookbinders, 24–25, North Road.
1935
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BOWBURN LODGE. DURHAM MINERS' ASSOCIATION
Introduction
Will Members please note that while this Book contains quite a large amount of information relating to Rates and Conditions of Labour, there may be quite a number of other matters that are not touched upon, but which the Durham Miners' Association attends to on behalf of its members. I urge upon every member to make himself most conversant with all it contains and always to remember that if at any time he should feel confused or doubtful about anything, whether contained herein or not, he is not to hesitate but straight away acquaint the Secretary, who will only be too glad to help and advise him.
Always remember please that it is the duty of every member to try and increase the membership of his Lodge so as to always keep a 100 per cent. membership.
And again don't forget that Meetings are held every Thursday night at 7 p.m.
Yours faithfully,
WILLIAM KELLY,
Secretary.
UNITY IS STRENGTH.
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[page 4]
BOWBURN COLLIERY.
History.
Sinking commenced 1906 by Bell Bros., Ltd.
First Hewers' Cavils drawn August, 1908.
Old Coal Cleaning Plant scrapped and new one commenced November, 1932.
Up–cast pit commenced to operate as a riding shaft for workers only on July 14th, 1934.
Managers:
W. HARLE, 1908 to 1912,
P. HARLE, 1912 to 1931.
D. R. BROOKS, 1931 to 1933.
P. L. RICHARDSON, 1933.
Fatal Accidents:
1912 ... June 27, Jos. Ferguson, 17 rope lad,
1922 ... February 2, W. K. Wheatley, 29, stoneman.
1923 ... March 29, B. S. Hepple, 57, stoneman. Died 20th May, 1923.
October 27, E. Cranson, 15, driver. Died 6th November, 1923.
1925 ... September 18 T. Robinson, 28 hewer.
1930 ... September 29, J. Allison, 29, hewer.
1932 ... May 17, W. Cowings, 58, onsetter. Died 30th May, 1932.
1933 ... January 13, S. Allison, 18, rope lad, Died 15th February, 1933.
October 13, R. Moore, 14, belts.
1934 ... June 4, S. Barlow, 26, cutterman.
July 23, G. Connaughton 36 cutterman Died 17th November, 1934.
1935 ... January 29, Jas. Lawson 46 stoneman. Died 30th January, 1935.
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[page 5]
SYNOPSIS OF PRICES & CONDITIONS.
BUSTY SEAM.
Hewing Tonnage Rates for Whole Working.–
FULL SEAM. – Top and Bottom Sections, 1/2.5 [1/21/2]* per ton plus Band Measurement according to scale.
[* Fractions of a penny are hereinafter transcribed as decimals. So 1/2.5 means one shilling, tuppence halfpenny.]
BOTTOM SECTION. – 2ft. 6ins. thick, 2/3 per ton with 1d. per ton increase for every inch below 2ft. 6ins., and 1d. per ton decrease for every inch above 2ft. 6ins.
TOP SECTION. – 3/- per ton when seam is 2ft. 2ins. thick in keeping with award dated June 30th, 1915, by A. P. Stoker.
TURSDALE SIDE. – Full Seam whole working 1/5.5 per ton. Broken Price 2d. per ton less than whole working.
BAND SCALE. – See Agreement dated February 22nd, 1910.
YARD WORK PRICES, RAMBLE SCALES, HEWERS PUTTING, HELPING UP, ETC., ETC. – See Award dated November 24th, 1908, by J. Plummer.
Stonemen.– lnch Price: Post Stone 3d. per inch; Other than Post, 2d. per inch. See Agreement dated June 23rd, 1924.
Banksmen and Onsetters. – 2.75d per score,
Busty Seam Tursdale 3rd South Dlstrict. – Composite Price for Cutting, Drilling, Pilling and Putting, 1/6 per ton. No agreement.
PUTTERS' SCORE PRICES.
HAND PUTTERS. – First Rank, 1/7 for 9 cwt. tub; increased by 5d. per score makng 2/– per score of 20 tubs for 11 cwt. tubs; with 1.5d, per score extra for every 20 yards or part thereof over 80 yards. Also 1d. per score extra when working wet.
PONY PUTTERS.–9 cwt. tub, 1/5 per score of 20 tubs, first rank 130 yards; increased by 4d. per score for 11 cwt. tub making 1/9 per score first rank; with 1d. per score extra for each 30 yards or part thereof over 130. Also 1d. per score extra to be paid when working wet.
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[* Vulgar fractions have been transcribed as decimals. So 1/2.5 means one shlling and tuppence halfpenny. And 2.75d = tuppence three farthings.
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[page 6]
TILLEY SEAM.
Hewing Tonnage Rate for Whole Working.–1/8 Agreement dated per ton. See– January 21st, 1935.
HARVEY SEAM.
Suction Plants.–Basis Wage for one man 4/6, other four men 4/2: per shift. Hopper lad according to data! scale according to age. All coal produced during any one shift over 13 tons for the above number of workmen shall be paid for at the rate of 1/6 per ton, the hopper lad to receive half share of this as per each of the other workmen. All the above subject to plus County Percentage. No agreement.
Stonemen.– Post stone 3d. per inch, other stone than Post 2d. per inch. See Agreement dated June 9th, 1925,
Banksmen and Onsetters.–3.5d, per score.
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[page 7]
BUSTY SEAM AGREEMENTS.
JOHN PLUMMER'S AWARD.
To all to whom these presents shall come I John Plummer send greeting.
WHEREAS at a joint Committee of the The Durham Coal Owners' and the Durham Miners' Associations held on the 12th day of October 1908 the following minute appeared on the agenda
Bowburn Owners request that all hewing prices also other prices and conditions be fixed Busty seam be sent to arbitration in accordance with rule ten if not already fixed but owners and workmen are recommended to agree
Mr. T. Y. Greener Mining Engineer Crook acted as arbitrator for the owners and Mr. J . Herriotts acted on behalf of the workmen. These gentlemen met consulted together but failed to make a joint report have appointed me to be their umpire and so settle the matter.
Now I John Plummer until lately one of His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines having taken upon myself the burden of the said umpirage hereby give and publish this my award.
I AWARD
1. That the system of working to which the award is intended to apply shall be bord and wall.
2. That there shall be paid to hewers for hewing in the whole mine one shilling and twopence halfpenny (1/2.5 ) per ton.
3. That in addition to the hewing tonnage rate there shall be paid to hewers for separating and casting back the plate band one farthing (.75d.) per ton in respect of any thickness of band up to and including two inches. Should the thickness of the band exceed two inches an additional farthing per ton shall be paid in respect of each completed inch over and above the first two inches.
4. That the following yard prices shall be payable in respect of:
Winning Headways 9 feet wide 1/2.75 per lineal yard
Holing Walls 9 feet wide 1/1.75 per lineal yard
Narrow Bords 12 feet wide 10/5d. per lineal yard
Crosscuts 9 feet wide 1/5 per lineal yard
Sidings over 9 feet wide 1/- per lineal yard
Fast Jenkins (narrow) 9 feet wide 6d. per lineal yard
Side coal up to 6 ft 4.5d. per lineal yard
Side coal over 6 ft. nil.
Crop coal when ordered 6d. per lineal yard
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[page 8]
5. That the laid out fines shall be us follows :– Threepence (3d.) in respect of any tub sent to bank containing 30lb. of stone or other foul matter and a further fine of one penny (1d.) in respect of each additional 10lb of stone or other foul matter the tub contains provided always that the total fines in respect of any tub shall not under any circumstances exceed the full value of such tub.
6. That twopence (2d.) per ton in addition to the ordinary tonnage rate shall be paid to hewers in respect of scalloping in the whole mine in those places in which they are not allowed by the management to use explosives.
7. That tubs coming to bank containing 7 cwts. of coal or under shall be set out and that no payment shall be made to the hewer in respect of such tubs.
8. That hewers shall help up when required any distance not exceeding an ordinary pillar length – 30 yards – and that they shall be paid for such helping up fourpence halfpenny (4.5d.) per shift.
9. That hewers working wet by reason of top water shall be be paid threepence (3d.) per shift. That consideration shall be paid for bottom water.
10. That hewers shall draw juds when required and shall he paid for such drawing one shilling (1/-) in respect of each jud drawn.
11. That hewers required to cast their coals any distance exceeding five yards shall .e paid sixpence (6d,) per shift in respect of such casting.
12. That hewers required by the management to work double in the whole mine shall be paid sixpence (6d.) per shift.
13. That there shall be paid to hewers in respect of such ramble or following stone as cannot be propped up one farthing per ton in respect of each completed inch in the thickness of the ramble.
14. That hewers shall put when required by the management and that they shall be paid in respect of putting their own work only 1/- starting money together with the highest putting price payable in the district. Hewers required to put other than their own work shall be paid two shillings and sixpence starting money together with the highest putting price payable in the district.
Broken Prices.
15. That in commencing to break up pillars to form the broken area the same hewing tonnage price shall be paid as was paid in the whole mine for cutting out the pillars it was intended to remove and that price shall continue to be paid until 500 square yards of goaf are formed to constitute the broken area . Broken hewing tonnage price shall then be payable and shall be twopence per ton less than was paid for breaking up the pillars.
16. That hewers shall not be permitted to fire shots in broken workings after the broken area has been formed but shall scallop the coal.
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[page 9]
17. That broken prices shall be payable in all second working 50 yards of any goaf having an area of not less than 500 square yards
18. That there shall be paid to hewers sixpence in respect of each missed shot they may have.
Putting Prices.
19. That there shall be paid to hand putters 1/3 in respect of twenty tubs in respect of the first rank not exceeding 80 yards and an additional one penny per score shall be payable in respect of each completed twenty yards the putters are required to put over and above 80 yards.
20. That there shall be paid to hand putters in respect of wet putting one penny per score over and above the ordinary rank price of the flat.
21. That there shall be paid to pony putters one shilling and a halfpenny per score in respect of the first rank of 130 yards and that an additional one penny per score shall be payable in respect of each completed 30 yards 1he putters are required to put over and above 130 yards.
Coal Drawing Hours.
22 That the ordinary hours of coal drawing shall be as follows:
From 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first five days of each week. From 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Baff Saturday and from 5 a.rn. to 12 p.m. on the Pay Saturday.
Stonemen's and Shifters' Short Shift.
23. That stonemen and shifters shaII be allowed one short shift per pay of six hours and that such shift shall be on the Pay Friday night.
24. That the awarded rates shall in all instances be basic rates.
AND I FURTHER AWARD
That each of the said parties shall bear the costs of this reference and the costs of this my award shall be borne equally between them.
As Witness my hand this 24th day of November 1908.
,lOHN PLUMMER,
(Witness) JOANNA PLUMBER,
Spinster, Bp. Auckland.
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[page 10]
Band Stone Prices.
BOWBURN COLLIERY,
February 22nd, 1910.
At a meeting held this day between representatives of the Owners and workmen it was agreed that the following prices shall be paid for band stone in the Busty Seam in addition to the usual tonnage price.
1. One farthing per ton per inch for each completed inch for band measured from top of plate band to bottom of main band, including middle coal.
2. Also that the men are agreeable to make a packwall of band along the side of the place were required in order to keep the band intact.
3. Also it was mutually agreed that the hewers bring the led tubs out of their places.
The above to take effect from the 14th day of February, 1910.
For the Owners,
A, L. STEAVENSON.
W. HARLE.
For the Workmen
THOMAA FOSTER,
ROBERT GRIFFITHS,
JOHN WARD.
SAMUEL LAVERICK.
JAMES GRIFFITHS,
THOMAS WILKINSON.
Received February 23, 1910.
Copy sent February 23, 1910.
Confirmed .April 4, 1910.
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Shincliffe 3rd West Top Section Award, 1915 [sic].
BOWBURN COLLIERY,
25th March, 1914.
At a meeting held this day between the representatives of !he Owners and Workman [sic], il was agreed that the following alterations in the Hewing Rates in the Busty Seam take effect from the 6th April 1914 [sic]:–
l. Shincliffe XCut Flat.– One half-penny (1/2d.) per ton reduction making the tonnage rate 8.5d. Whole and 6.5d. Broken.
2. Shincliffe XCut 2nd South Flat.– One half-penny (1/2d.) per ton reduction making 8.5d. Whole and 6.5d. Broken.
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[page 11]
3. Shincliffe XCut 1st South Flat.– One half–penny (1/2d,) ton reduction making 8.5d. Whole and 6.5d. Broken. The Broken Rate in this flat not to be put into operation during the ensuing quarter.
4. Shincliffe 3rd East 1st South Flat.– One half–penny (1/2d.) per ton reduction making 9.5d. Whole and 6.5d. Broken.
All other prices and conditions to remain as before.
Signed,
For the Owners,
M. R. KIRBY,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
THOMAS WILKINSON,
ROBERT WILLEY,
WILLIAM ALLISON,
JOHN McKUEON [sic],
CUTHBERT MORLEY.
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THOMAS LAMBERT'S AWARD,
Whitwell Low Section.
To all to whom these presents shall come
I, Thomas Lambert of Gateshead in the County of Durham, Solicitor, send greeting.
WHEREAS some time ago certain question arose between the Owners of Bowburn Colliery, in the County of Durham, and the workmen employed thereat, the Owners wanting prices fixed for working low section, Whitwell District, Busty Seam, approaching nip out, and at a meeting of the Joint Committee for the Auckland Ditrict held on the 13th day of July, 1914, the matter was sent to arbitration, but Owners and Workmen were recommended to agree.
And whereas in pursuance thereof John Henry Bacon Forster of Whitworth House, Spennymoor, in the County of Durham, was appointed arbitrator by the Durham Coal Owners for and on behalf of the owners of Bowburn Colliery aforesaid, and Frederick Chapman, Miners' Agent, St. Helen’s Colliery in the said County of Durham, for and on behalf of the workmen employed at the said Colliery.
And whereas the said John Henry Bacon Forster and Frederick Chapman have finally disagreed and altogether failed to make their award in the said question in dispute, and they in pursuance of the powers vested in them and exercisable on such disagreement, duly appointed me to be Umpire in respect of the said matter in dispute as aforesaid.
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[page 12]
Now I the said Thomas Lambert having taken upon myself the burthern of the said Umpirage, and having heard, examined and considered the allegations, documents and evidence of both the said parties concerning the premises, do here by make and publish my Award and Umpirage in writing in manner following, that is to say :–
I AWARD as follows:–
That the prices for working low section, Whitwell Distict Busty Seam, approaching nip out, shall be as follows:–
Standard width of gateways to be ten yards; and roadways shall be, so far as is practicable, in the centre of the gateway. All stones band and dirt met with to be cleared and cast back in to goaf, but to be cast clear of the area to be subsequently occupied by packwalls and gateways. The price to be paid for hewing and filling coal into tubs to be 2/– (Two Shillings) per ton when seam is 2' 2" (two feet two inches) thick, and for every completed inch above 2' 2" (two feet two inches) 1d. (one penny) per ton to be deducted from the above named price up to a height of three feet whilst for every completed inc h below 2' 2" (two feet two inches ) 1d. (one penny) per ton shall be added to above named price.
When gateway canch is more than six feet from face at commencement of shift, provided the face is left fairly straight, hewers shall be paid 1d. (one penny) per ton extra for casting, and where any gateway exceeds ten yards in width, the hewers shall be paid 1d. (one penny) per ton extra on the coals beyond the standard width of ten yards, but this extra shall not apply to coals from within the ten yards of stadard width.
Prices and conditions now in force in this seam in regard to helping up, set out, laid out, band and ramble shall apply to Long-wall working.
AND I FURTHER AWARD
That each of the said parties shall bear their own costs of the reference and the costs of this my Award shall be borne and paid equally between them.
As Witness my hand this Fifth day of August, One thousand nine hundred and fourteen.
THOS. LAMBERT.
Signed and Published in the presence of
HERBERT SPENCER,
Clerk with Messrs. Lambert and Lambert,
Solicitors, Gateshead.
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[page 13]
Top Section Shincliffe 3rd West Districts.
WHEREAS on May 27th, 1915, the following case was sent to arbitration by the Auckland District Joint Committee of the Durham Coal Owners' and Miners Associations, viz.,
Bowburn (I) Owners want prices fixed for working top section Longwall in Shincliffe Third West District, in Busty Seam. Sent to Arbitration, but Owners and Workmen are recommended to agree.
And whereas in pursuance thereof R. L. Weeks, Esq., of Willington, Co. Durham, Mining Engineer and Thos. Cann, Esq., of 16, North Road, Durham, Miners' Age t , were appointed Arbitrators on behalf of the Owners and Workmen respectively.
And whereas the said R. L. Weeks and Thos. Cann have finally disagreed and failed to make their award, and they in pursuance of the powers vested in them, and exercisable on such disagreement having duly appointed me to be Umpire in respect to the said matter in dispute as aforesaid.
Now I, Arthur P. Stoker of 3 Saltwell View Gateshead having taken upon myself the burthern of the said umpirage and having heard, examined , and considered the evidence of both the said parties concerning the premises do hereby make and publish my Award as follows that is to say:–
I AWARD
that the prices for working the Top Section, Longwall in Shincliffe Third West District in Busty Seam shall be as follows:–
1. The standard width of gateways shall be twelve yards centre to centre, the roadways shall be as far as is practicable, in the centre of the gateway.
2. All stones, band and dirt met with to be cleared and cast back into the goaf, and to be cast clear of the area subsequently occupied by packwalls and gateways.
3. When the gateway canch is more than six feet from the face at the commencement of the shift, provided that the face is left fairly straight, the hewers shall be paid three halfpence per ton extra for casting, and where any gateway exceeds twelve yards in width the hewers shall be paid three halfpence per ton extra on the coals beyond the standard width of twelve yards, but this extra payment shall not apply to coals from within the twelve yards of standard width.
4. All packs to be kept six feet from the coal face.
5. AII Mothergates driven in fast shall be paid the existing winning yard prices of the Busty Seam.
6. When three or more men are working in a gateway, they shall be paid for working double.
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[page 14]
7. The price to be paid for hewing and filling coal into tubs shall be three shillings (3/–) per ton when the seam is 2' 2" (two feet two inches in height, and for every completed inch above two feet two inches one penny per ton shall be deducted from the above named price up to a height of 2' 8" (two feet eight inches), whilst for every completed inch below two feet two inches one penny per ton shall be added to the above named price.
8. All other customs and practices existing in the Busty Seam shall apply in this seam.
AND I FURTHER AWARD
that each of the said parties shall bear their own costs of the reference and the costs of this my award shall be borne equally between them.
As witness my hand this 30th June 1915.
A. P. STOKER.
Signed in the presence of
WARDLE HESLOP.
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Lads' Conditions.
BOWBURN COLLIERY,
10th November, 1915.
In future the following conditions shall apply to lads employed or about to be employed at this Colliery, viz.,
1. Strangers under 15 years of age commencing to work shall be classified at Bank with those already started according to age. Provided that if there are no lads employed at Bank older than the stranger he (the Stranger) shall be allowed to go into Pit at once.
2. Above 15 years of age they shall be classified with those already in Pit, according to age and shall stand as last with lads of the same age whether engaged in Datal or Piece Work.
3. Lads starting to put and not able to manage shall not have another chance of Putting for four clear quarters. If on a second attempt they again fail a further period of four quarters shall intervene before a third attempt and so on. Parts of a quarter shall be counted as a quarter.
For the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
THOMAS WILKINSON,
R. WILLEY,
R. GRIFFITHS.
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[page 15]
Cassop Agreement, 1916.
BOWBURN COLLIERY,
August 4th, 1916.
At a meeting held this day between the representatives of the Owners and the the representatives of the Workmen it was agreed, viz.,
1. that the award of Arthur P. Stoker of Gateshead relating to the Shincliffe 3rd West District top coal section (Longwall) and dated June 30th, 1915, shall be applied in its entirety to the top coal section in the Whin District.
2. That the price for working low section Cassop 3rd South, Busty Seam, by Longwall shall be as follows, viz : –
Standard width of Gateways to be 12 yards and roadways shall be as far as practicable in the centre of the Gateway. All stones, band and dirt met with to be cleared and cast back into Goaf, but to be cast clear of the area to be subsequently occupied by Packwalls and Roadways.
The price to be paid for Hewing and Filling coal into tubs to be 2/3 (two shillings and threepence) per ton when the seam is 2' 6" (two feet six inches) thick, and for every completed inch above 2' 6" 1d. per ton to be deducted from above-named price, but the price to be paid owing to increased height of seam shall not come below 1/2.5 per ton, whilst for every completed inch below 2' 6" one penny shall be added to the above named price.
When Gateway Canch is more than 6 feet from face at commencement of shift provided face is left fairly straight, hewers shall be paid 1d. (one penny) per ton extra for casting and when any Gateway exceeds 12 yards in width the Hewers shall be paid 1d. (one penny) per ton extra on the coals beyond the standard width of 12 yards, but this extra shall not apply to coals from within the twelve yards. Prices and conditions now in force in this seam in regards to helping up, set out, laid out, band and ramble, and other customs and practices shall apply to Longwall Workings to which this agreement applies.
It was further agree d that where the Seam is under 1' 10" (one foot ten inches) and Hewers are unable to make County Average the same shall be paid.
For the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
THOMAS WILKINSON,
ROBERT GRIFFITH,
SAMUEL LAVERICK
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[page 16]
Cassop Agreements, 1916–17.
BOWBURN COLLIERY,
August 31st, 1917.
At a meeting held to-day between the representatives of the owners and workmen it was agreed that the Agreement dated August 4th, 1916, relating to the Cassop 3rd South District Longwall working shall be applied in its entirety to the low coal in Shincliffe East Cross-cut flat and also to the low coal in Cassop District immediately west of what is known as Whitwell nip out.
This agreement to take effect as and from August 27th, 1917.
For the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G . RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
ROBERT WILLEY,
ROBERT GRIFFITHS,
THOMAS WILKINSON.
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An agreement made this 9th day of April, 1923, and in confirmation of verbal agreement of January 19th, 1923.
Whereas it has been found necessary to increase the output from the Busty Seam pending the opening of the Harvey Seam it is agreed that some twenty hewing pullers now employed in Busty Seam shall be made hewers. This number may be augmented by strangers and the following conditions shall be observed, viz. : –
All persons starting to hew since the first day of January, 1923 shall be drafted into the Harvey Seam as this seam is developed and whereas it is not expected it will be necessary to dispense with the services of any of the men thus started it must be clearly understood that should this be necessary the last started shall be the first to be discharged.
Signed on behalf of the Owners,
P . HARLE,
JNO. G . RAMSAY.
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY.
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[page 17]
Stonemen's Canch Prices.
An agreement made this 23rd day of June, 1924, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen.
BLASTING GATEWAYS & BUILDING PACKWALLS IN LO!\IGWALL.
Canches shall be in top or bottom or both and shall be of such thickness as may be ordered by the Management, and no payment will he made for a greater width or thickness of canch than is ordered by the Management.
Standard width of canch shall be 6 ft. and all canches worked shall be properly squared back and finished in a workmanlike manner to the satisfaction of the Management, and the working places which have been disturbed by stonemen shall be left properly cleaned up and perfectly secure at end of stonemen's shift ready for the fore shift hewers.
Packwalls to be put on one or both sides of Gateways as directed and set back twelve inches from edge of canch.
Packwalls to be of sufficient width to stow all stones equally on each side of Barrow Way and to have a minimum width of 8 ft. overall with cross or transverse walls at intervals not exceeding 8 ft. and left not nearer than 4ft. from coal face.
Packs to consist of front and back walls properly built and faced with largest and best stones, well bedded with narrow ends in and out to make a good bend, and all packs to be stowed tight to roof with debris.
Any timber standing within the area to be occupied by the packs and all breaking off timber shall, when possible, be removed to the satisfaction of the Master Shifter.
Any timber that has been blown out or otherwise disturbed by stonemen during blasting operations shall be replaced and working places left securely and properly timbered and safe for coal hewers and other workmen.
Slonemen must maintain and keep packwalls for distance of 30 yards back from face in good working order and any packs that collapse owing to faulty workmanship shall be rebuilt by stonemen who built the pack in the first instance free of charge.
Canches to be kept straight and driven in whatever direction required.
Stonemen shall kible [sic – i.e. kibble?] if required the resultant debris of any shot to a place of stowage up to a distance of 60 yards such labour being included in inch price.
No stones or other debris to be stowed by sides of barrow way in any gateway without permission of the Management.
Stonemen must remove any debris so that the packwalls whether front, back or transverse shall be built on a clean hard bottom.
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[page 18]
Canches in each gateway shall be maintained within 3 ft. of the coal face at the commencement of the fore shift hewers' shift.
All provisions of the C.M.R.A. Explosives Order etc. shall be observed.
PRICES.
Ripping and packing top and bottom canches 6 ft. wide Post 3d. other than Post 2d. per inch per yard, greater or lesser width pro rata.
Baulks and Girders to be set when required to the satisfaction of the official in charge. Where roof is unlevel, bauks or girders must be levelled up properly so that the weight of roof is distributed over the entire length of baulk or girder.
All props supporting baulks or girders shall be set in line with substantial Head–tree and Sole–tree as directed by the official in charge.
Setting baulks or girders 2d. per foot.
12.5% for reduction of hours to be added to the above prices.
For the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
DAVID LITHGOW,
BERTIE REDFERN,
ROBERT WILLEY.
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Whin 3rd East District Hewers' Prices.
An Agreement made this 9th day of July, 1924, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen.
A. Where Bandstone is less than 14" in thickness a tonnage rate of 1/2.5 shall be paid plus a 1/4d. per ton per inch of Band.
B. Where Band stone is 14" in thickness and up to and including 17" in thickness a tonnage rate of 1/4 shall be paid plus 1/4d. per ton per inch of Band.
In A and B the Bottom Coal and Band may be worked together and the Top Coal must be worked separately but the Top Coal shall not be taken down until the next Jud is Kirved and Spragged.
C. Where Bandstone is 18" in thickness and up to and including 23" a tonnage rate of 1/9 shall be paid.
D. Where Bandstone is 24" and up to and including 29" in thickness a tonnage rate of 2/6 shall be paid.
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[page 19]
In C. and D. the Bottom Coal, Band and Top Coal shall be worked as three separations and in addition to tonnage rates set out above 1/4d. per ton per inch of Band will be added.
E. Where Bandstone is 30" and upwards a tonnage rate of 3/6 shall be paid, the Bottom Coal, Band, and Top Coal to be worked separately.
Nothing shall be paid to Hewers for Bandstone which will be removed by Stonemen or Shifters.
Hewers will drill the necessary holes in both Coal and Band.
For the Owners,
P, HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
ROBERT WILLEY,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
JOSEPH ELLIOTT,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS.
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Whin 3rd East District Hewers' Prices.
An agreement made this 2nd day of June, 1925, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen.
It is agreed :–
1st.–Where the Bandstone is 14" in thickness and up to and including 17" in thickness a tonnage rate of 1/2.5 per ton shall be paid plus a farthing per ton for each inch of Band (a reduction of 1.5d. per ton). The Bottom Coal and Band may be worked and the Top Coal must be worked
2nd.–Where Bandstone is 18" in thickness and up to and including 23" a tonnage rate of 1/6 shall be paid plus a farthing per ton for each inch of Band (a reduction of 3d. per ton).
3rd.–Where Bandstone is 24" in thickness and up to and including 29" in thickness a tonnage rate of 1/8 shall be paid plus a farthing per ton for each inch of Band (a reduction of 10d. per ton).
In both Nos. 2 and 3 clauses the Bottom Coal, Band and Top Coal shall be worked as three separations.
4th.–Where Band is 30" and upwards in thickness a tonnage rate of 2/8 per ton shall be paid. The Bottom Coal, Band and Top Coal to be worked as three separations (a reduction of 10d. per ton).
Nothing shall be paid to the Hewers for Band Stone which will wIll be removed by Stoneman or Shifters.
Hewers will drill the necessary shot-holes in both Coal and Band.
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[page 20]
In clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 the Top Coal of one Jud shall not be taken down until the next Jud is Kirved and Spragged.
For the Owners,
PETER HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
JOHN COATES, LEMUEL WILLIAMS,
ROBERT WILLEY, CUTHBERT MORLEY.
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Hewers' Revised Prices.
Agreement made this 21st day of April, 1927, between the representatives of the Owners and Workmen respectively, whereby it is agreed, viz.,
WHOLE MINE. – In all places where the Band Stone exceeds 6 inches in thickness the Seam shall be worked in three separations, viz., 1st Bottom Coal, 2nd Band Stone and 3rd Top Coal. Further a second Jud of Bottom Coal shall be kirved and spragged before the Band Stone of the preceding Jud is taken down.
BROKEN WORKINGS. – As far as is safe and reasonably practicable where the Seam is crushed and Juds cannot be made in the ordinary way as in the Whole Mine, the Top Coal shall be worked first, then the Bandstone and finally the Bottom Coal.
If more advantageous, where the Band Stone is most crushed, it may be worked first provided that care is taken to properly sprag the Top Coal.
It is further agreed that the Tonnage Rates shall be as follows:–
Croxdale South and West Flats, 1/2.5 per ton.
Croxdale North Flat, 11.5d. per ton. Reduction 1d. per ton.
Whin 3rd East 1st North Flat, 1/8 per ton. Abolition of 2/8 price.
Whin 3rd East Headways Flat, 1/0.5 per ton. Abolition of 1/4 and 1/6 price.
Whin 2nd East, 8d. per ton.
Whitwell Pillars, 8.5d. per ton.
Cassop West Hetton, 1/2.5 per ton.
To the above prices is to be added the Band price of 1/4d. per ton per inch of Band.
This agreement to come into operation on Monday, April 25th, 1927.
For the Owners,
W.R. KIRBY,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
CUTHBERT MORLEY, CHARLES WITHAM,
ROBERT WILLEY, JOHN COATES.
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[page 21]
Alterations in Tonnage Rates.
At a meeting held this 30th day of June, 1928, between the Representatives of the Owners and the Representatives of the Workmen it was agreed that the following alterations in the tonnage rates shall be made and take effect on and from the 9th day of July, 1928.
Croxdale District. – A reduction of 2.5d. (twopence halfpenny) per ton making tonnage rate of 1/- (one shilling) whole and 10d. (ten-pence) broken (Reduction 2.5.)
Shincliffe 3rd East, 1st North District. – A reduction of 3d. (threepence) per ton making tonnage rate 1/5 (one shilling and five pence) whole, and 1/3 (one shilling and threepence) broken on all full seam coal to the North of the 10 ft. Dipper North Hitch.
When the workings come back to the South side of the Hitch above referred to, the Headways Flat tonnage rate of 1/2.5 (One shilling and twopence halfpenny) whole, and 1/0.5 (one shilling and a halfpenny) broken, shall become operative {reduction 3d.).
All other practices and conditions shall remain as before.
For the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JOHN G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY.
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Filling Prices.
At a meeting held this 7th day of July, 1928, between the Representatives of the Owners and the Representatives of the Workmen it was agreed:–
That the price for filling coals into tubs in the Bottom Section of the Busty Seam in the Cassop West Hetton District, 1st West Flat shall be 8d. (eight pence) per ton in the Longwall Workings.
Payments for wet, ramble, helping up, etc., shall be the same as for other parts of the Busty Seam.
For the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JOHN G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen,
ROBERT WILLEY,
JOHN COATES,
CUTHBERT MORLEY.
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[page 22]
Shincliffe Whin 3rd East 1st North District.
At a meeting held this 26th day of December, 1928, between the Representatives of the Owners and the Representatives of the Workmen, it was agreed that the tonnage rates in the above named district shall be reduced 3d. (threepence) per ton, making the whole price 1/2 (one shilling and twopence) and the broken rice 1/- (one shilling) per ton.
All other conditions and practices shall remain as before.
Signed on behalf of the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JOHN G. RAMSAY.
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
ROBERT WILLEY
JOHN COATES,
CUTHBERT MORLEY.
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Prices and Conditions Fixed for Cutting, Drilling, Filling, Loading into Tubs, and Moving Forward Scraper Conveyor.
It was agreed by the Durham Coal Owners’ and Minders’ Associations respectively that the following case as set out in the submission dated 1st November, 1932, and signed on behalf of the Owners and Workmen respectively should be referred to arbitration.
“Bowburn Colliery, Busty Seam.– Owners want prices and conditions fixed for working and loading tubs by scraper loader conveyors, namely, for Cutting, Drilling, Filling, Loading into tubs and moving forward scraper conveyor.”
The undersigned Albert Etherington Paxton of Bearpark Colliery in the County of Durham and William Lawther of Compton House, Station Avenue, Brandon, in the County of Durham, having been appointed Arbitrators on behalf of the Owners and Workmen respectively and having met and enquired into the case hereby award as follows:–
The following classes of labour shall work together as per Clause 17 of the County Agreement dated 30th November, 1926.
Coal Cutting.
1. The shifts shall commence at such times as shall be required by the Management.
2. Three persons shall be employed at each machine during each shift, and when two or more sets work the same machine, the sets shall pool their earnings. Three persons shall be the machine-man, the second-hand and the cleaner-out.
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[page 23]
3. The cutting shall be done in the coal or stone in such a position as directed by the Management, and shall be done in a horizontal and uniform manner, the cut to be made the full depth of the jib, which may be of su h lengths as the Management consider desirable, and care must be taken to avoid leaving on crop coal.
4. The kirvings shall be properly cleared away so s t o allow the cutters and chain the maximum amount of freedom. When cutting in the coal the kirvings shall be left convenient for the fillers, when cutting in stone the kirvings shall be cast back clear of the face and so as not to impede the work of other classes of labour, and clear of the coal to be filled.
5. When required by the Management, faults, hitches, or rolls shall be cut through, and payment shall be made by consideration .
6. Chocks or sprags shall be set by the cuttermen under the jud or kirving at intervals of not more than the maximum distance specified in the Timbering Rules of the Seam.
7. The face shall be made ready by the cuttermen who shall, in addition, set such timber or stays as may be necessary to hold the machine up to the face, also such other timber or other roof supports as may be required for safety or in accordance with the Coal Mines Act and the Timbering Rules of the Seam.
8. The cuttermen shall at the end of the shift leave the machine so as not to impede the work of other classes of labour, and secure from falls or damage by water, and with the jib clear of the cut.
9. The machineman shall be responsible for the proper working of and attention to the machine, and for the due observance or any instructions which may be given by the Management both to himself and to his assistants. Every effort must be made to avoid loss or damage to any part of the machine or tools, and as soon as possible after it is discovered that any such parts are lost or damaged a report shall be made to the Official in charge. Cuttermen shall be responsible for loss or damage to any parts of machine or tools due to negligence.
10. The machineman shall, before commencing work, see that the machine is in efficient working order, and should any defect arise in working he shall remedy same, or send for the official in charge, or send directly for a mechanic. He shall a!so, at the end of his shift, fill up and sign a report giving such information as may be required by the Management.
11. The price shall include the proper examination of and attention to the machine, securing of all bolts and fastenings, proper lubrication of machine, changing picks, turning of machine, proper laying out of face cable to prevent kinks, and all other work necessary and incidental to coal cutting with longwall machines. At the end of the shift or cut the cable to be properly coiled up and left in a safe and dry position.
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[page 24]
12. When no coal cutting is available the cuttermen shall be found other piece work, or failing that, shiftwork. Payment for shift work shall he at the rate of 4s. 2.62d. per shift for the machine-man, 3s. 10.7/8d. per shift for the second hand, and 3s. 3d. per shift for the cleaner out, for the first six consecutive shifts and thereafter at the rate applicable to the class of work to which they are sent.
The above rates shall also be the basis rates for Joint Committee purposes.
13. The prices to be paid for cutting by longwall coal-cutting machines under the foregoing conditions shall be:–
2.5d. (twopence halfpenny) per ton of coal filled when cutting in coal.
3d. (threepence) per ton of coal filled when cutting in stone.
Drilling.
1. Shot holes shall be drilled in either coal or stone in any working place, and in such position and direction as ordered by the Management. Holes to be drilled to proper lengths, as directed, and properly cleaned out ready to receive explosive, and in no case shall holes be drilled to a greater depth than that ordered by the Management.
2. Price includes payment for work of thoroughly scraping out and cleaning holes ready to receive explosive, flitting machine, hose pipes and accessories from place to place, connecting and disconnecting hose pipes to air mains, setting up and taking down machine, and all other work incidental to drilling holes in coal or stone.
3. Drillers shall be responsible for proper care and use of drilling machines in their charge, also drills, hoses, tools, and other gear used by them. Every effort must be made to avoid loss or damage of any part of machine or tools, and as soon as possible after it is discovered that any such parts are lost or damaged, a report shall be made to the official in charge, and the driller concerned shall see that the damaged parts are got to bank, and shall be responsible for loss or damage of any parts of machine or accessories due to negligence.
4. The driller shall see that the machine, hosepipe and other accessories are left in a safe and secure place at end of shift and fill up and sign a report at end of shift stating condition of machine, number of holes drilled, and any other particulars required by the Management.
5. When no drilling is available drillers shall be found other piece work and failing that shiftwork at 4s. 2.62d. per shift for the first six consecutive shifts and thereafter at the rate applicable to the class of work to which they are sent.
6. Basis wage for Joint Committee purposes shall be 4s. 2.62d. per shift.
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[page 25]
7, The prices for drilling holes subject to the foregoing conditions shall be :–
IN COAL.–
By hand: 2.7/8d. (two and seven-eighths pence) per hole of 4' 6".
By Compressed Air: 1.7/8d. (one and seven-eighths pence) per hole of 4' 6".
IN STONE OTHER THAN POST.–
By Hand: 3.3/8d. (three and three-eighths pence) per hole of 4' 6".
By Compressed Air: 2.3/8d. (two and three-eighths pence) per hole of 4' 6".
IN POST STONE.–
By Hand: 3.5/8d, (three and five-eights pence) per hole of 4' 6".
By Compressed Air: 2.5/8d. (two and five-eighths pence) per hole of 4' 6".
Greater or lesser lengths shall be paid for in proportion.
Filling on to Scraper Loader Conveyor And Loading into Tubs.
1. Standard length of a single unit face shall be 80 yards, but the Management may make it more or less at their discretion.
2. The men employed as fillers on scraper loader faces shall be cavilled separately from all other fillers. Should the Management consider it necessary to put on extra hands or reduce the number of men employed at any time to suit the circumstances prevailing, they reserve the right to do so.
3. Fillers shall do everything that can be reasonably expected of them lo ensure regular and efficient working of the mechanical plant and shall keep the rope, rope pulleys, and scraper track as clear of obstruction as possible.
4. In the event of a breakdown to any part of the scraper plant it shall be the duty of all the men on the plant and faces affected to assist in repairs and restoration of normal work and if called upon to assist in such repairs they shall be paid consideration for such work.
5. All coal which may be pushed or thrown beyond the track of the scraper shall be recovered by the men and placed in the scraper track.
6. Fillers shall set all necessary roof and side supports to comply with the timbering rules under the Coal Mines Act and such supports shall be set in rows and in line parallel to the coal face.
7. It shall be the duty of the men to ensure that the face is left properly squared up so that the working of the coal cutter shall not be impeded.
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[page 26]
8. The Management reserve the right to bring in the men at times tother than heir regular shifts to meet any emergency or conditions for the time being peculiar to any face or faces, providing reasonable notice has been given to the workmen concerned, but not to contravene the 7.5 hours Act. The regular shifts shall commence at such times as the Management shall require.
9. Men shall draw their own supplies of explosives from the magazine and carry it to the coal face on which they are employed, explosives being supplied free.
10. All coal shall be loaded clean and free from dirt, stone, clay and other foreign matter as far as practicable.
11. The price to be paid for filling coal on to scraper loader conveyors under the foregoing conditions shall be 5.75d. (five pence three farthings) per ton.
12. It shall be the duties of the fillers to ensure that tokens are hung up in a suitable position before the commencement of the shift.
13. Payment for wet work, helping up, band and ramble, shall be in accordance with award dated 24th November, 1908.
14. Fines for Laid-out shall be half the amount applying to hewers in this seam.
15. No casting shall be payable on scraper faces excepting where the distance exceeds 7 yards, casting beyond 7 yards to be paid for at the rate of 1d. (one penny) per ton.
16. Crop coal up to 3" in thickness shall be taken up without extra payment, crop coal above 3" in thickness shall be paid for by consideration.
17. Putting through rolls, hitches, or other irregularities in the seam shall be paid for by consideration.
18. When employed on datal work the men shall be paid the basis rate for fillers for the first six consecutive shifts, and thereafter at the rate for the class or work to which they are sent. The basis rate for Joint Committee purposes shall be fillers' rate.
19. Two boys, under the age of 18 years, will be provided in each shift and their duties shall be to put the tokens on to the tubs to see to the proper loading of the coal on to the gateway conveyors and into the tubs; the payment for this work shall be at the rate of 1.25d. (one penny farthing) per ton.
20. Should a breakdown occur on the conveyors then these boys shall be found other work for which they shall be paid at the rates provided in the County Agreement according to their ages.
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[page 27]
Moving Forward Scraper Loader Conveyors.
1. The standard length of scraper loader conveyors will be 80 yards, but the Management may make it longer or shorter as they think fit.
2. Four men shall constitute a full set for shifting up a scraper loader conveyor 80 yards in length.
3. If any scraper loader conveyor men are idle, substitutes may be provided by the official in charge, and these men paid for out of the total earnings of the scraper loader shifting set.
4. The scraper loader conveyor men shall be responsible for the whole of the work necessary for moving forward the whole of the scraper loader conveyor equipment in readiness for work. This shall include the drawing and resetting of all necessary chocks and timber and steel supports, pulling up of scraper loader conveyor, drawing and resetting of return and guide wheels, moving up all ropes, scraper box and skeating boards, the latter to be placed in a straight line between the points set out by the Management, and the running of conveyor when coupled up to ensure that it is in working order.
5. Timber and steel supports shall be properly set in a straight line and so as to comply with the requirements of the Coal Mines Act and Regulations and the Timbering Rules in force at the Colliery for the time being. Chocks shall be set behind the scraper at such distances as shall be required by the Management and no timber or steel supports shall be left in the goaf.
6. Tokens will be provided by the Management for identification of coals filled when cleaning up the face, and such coals shall be paid for at the prevailing price for filling on that face.
7. If pullers-up cannot be provided with work covered by this agreement they shall be sent to other work for which they shall be paid 4s. 2.62d. for the first six shifts, and thereafter at the standard rate of wages for the class of work which they are doing.
8. The price to be paid for the duties covered by the foregoing conditions shall be 24s. 0d. per pull of 4' 6". If the scraper loader conveyor is more or less than 80 yards in length, the price shall be in proportion and the number of men employed may be varied by mutual consent.
9. The basis rate for Joint Committee purposes shall be 4s. 2.62d. per shift.
Signed this 1st day of December, 1932.
For the Owners,
A. E. PAXTON.
For the Workmen,
WILL LAWTHER.
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[page 28]
HARVEY SEAM AGREEMENTS.
At a meeting held this 9th day of June, 1925, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen the following agreement was made, viz.:
Hewing and Filling in Longwall Workings either on a Straight or Stepped Face, in the Harvey Seam.
1. The system of working to which the award is intended to apply shall be longwall, either on a straight or stepped face.*
2. The standard width of gateways to be 12 yards, and roadways shall be, so far as is practicable, in the centre of the gateways.
3. Laid Out Fines. – The laid out fines shall be as follows:–
3d. in respect of any tub sent to bank containing 15 lbs. of stone or other foul matter.
4d. in respect of any tub sent to bank containing 25 lbs. of stone or other foul matter.
5d. in respect of any tub sent to bank containing 35 lbs. of stone or other foul matter.
6d. in respect of any tub sent to bank containing 45 lbs. of stone or other foul matter.
and a further fine of one penny in respect of each additional 10 lbs. of stone or other foul matter the tub contains, provided always that the total fines in respect of any tub shall not exceed the full value of such tub.
4. Set Out Fines. – Tubs coming to bank containing 7.5 cwts. of coal or under shall be set out and no payment shall be made to the hewers in respect of such tubs.
5. Helping Up. – Hewers shall help up when required any distance not exceeding thirty yards and they shall be paid for such helping up 6d. (six pence) per shift.
6. Wet Work. – Hewers working wet by reason of top water shall be paid 3d. (threepence) per shift. Consideration shall be paid for bottom water.
7. Ramble. – There shall be paid to hewers in respect to such ramble or following stone which cannot be propped up 1/4d. (one farthing) per ton of coal filled in respect of each completed inch in the thickness of the ramble.
[* I think a stepped face was one which crossed a small fault. – MS.]
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[page 29]
8. Casting. – When the gateway canch is more than 4 feet 6 inches from the face at the commencement of a shift, provided the face is left fairly straight, hewers shall be paid 1d. (one penny) per ton extra for casting, and where any gateway exceeds 12 yards in width the hewers shall be paid 1d. (one penny) per ton extra on the coals got from beyond the standard width of 12 yards, but this extra payment shall not apply to coals from within the 12 yards of the standard width.
9. Hewers shall put when required by the management and they shall be paid in respect of putting their own work only, 1s. 0d. starting money, together with the highest putting price payable in the district. Hewers required to put other than their own coal shall be paid 2s. 6d. (two shillings and six pence) starting money together with the highest putting price payable in the district.
10. All stone, band, foul coal, and dirt met with to he cleared and cast back into the goaf, but to be cast clear of the area to be subsequently occupied by packwalls and gateways.
11. The price to be paid for hewing and filling coal into tubs under the above mentioned conditions shall be 2s. 6d. (two shillings and six pence) per ton for the standard height of 2' 0". For each completed inch of additional height, up to 2' 6", 1d. (one penny) per ton to be deducted from the above named price, and for each completed inch below 2' 0" down to 1' 9", 1d. (one penny) per ton shall be added to the above named price.
Signed on behalf of the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WLLEY,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS.
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At a meeting held this 9th day of June, 1925, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen the following agreement was made, viz.:–
Filling after Mechanical Coal Cutters on Longwall Face in the Harvey Seam.
1. The County Agreements as to filling shall apply whether expressly referred to in this agreement or not.
2. Fillers shall marrow themselves into sets of as many men as may be required by the management and shall distribute themselves on the face as may be directed.
4. Shifts shall commence at such reasonable times, mutually arranged, as will suit the general working of the pit.
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[page 30]
4. The Management shall have the right to put extra men on the face at any time to clear away cut coal in front of the machine or because of regular men being off work.
5. Fillers shall break up coal cut by machines and fill same into tubs clear of stone and other foreign material and properly square up the face for next cut, keeping it perpendicular and as straight as possible. Kirvings shall be filled separately by the fillers for which they shall be paid the prevailing filling price.
6. They shall cast all stones, band or dirt into goaf clear of gateway packs and leave the front of the face perfectly clean for the operation of the machine, and especially at the ends of the face to facilitate turning of the machine.
7. In the absence of the deputy, fillers shall set all timber necessary to comply with the requirements of the Coal Mines Act and Timbering Rules and maintain working places in a safe condition as required by the management.
8. Gateways shall ordinarily be set away 12 yards apart from centre to centre but the distance may be varied by mutual arrangement.
9. Where any portion of the jud is not dislodged by shots or the coal comes down in exceptionally large and unfillable lumps it shall either be got down or at the discretion of a responsible official be broken up by putting in another shot, or if the management decide that it must be hewed down 2s. 3d. per ton shall be paid for it, but this price shall not be paid unless the necessary instructions are given by a responsible official.
10. Payment for wet work and helping up shall be at the same rates as are now paid to hewers working in the Harvey Seam.
11. Payment for casting back ramble shall be at the rate of 1/4d. (one farthing) per completed inch in thickness of ramble per ton of coal filled, this payment only to be made for ramble which falls with the coal or is taken down in the face by order of the management.
12. Fines for set out tubs shall be the same as those which now apply to hewers working in the Harvey Seam.
13. Laid Out. For filling stones and other foreign material with the coal the following fines shall be inflicted:–
For the first 15 lbs. found in any tub there shall be a fine of 3d.,
for 25 lbs found in any tub there shall be a fine of 4d.,
for 35 lbs found in any tub there shall be a fine of 5d.,
and a further fine of 1d. for each additional 10 lbs. of stone up to the full value of the tub.
14. Casting.– Payment shall be made for casting as under: –
When the length of the canch in front of the tub at the commencement of the first shift of fillers on any particular day exceeds 4' 6" a payment of 3d. per shift shall be made for fore-casting. In addition to this payment 1d. per ton shall be paid for side casting for such coals as are to cast a greater distance than six yards from the side of the tub.
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[page 31]
15. Fillers shall be called upon to put when required and paid the same rates as are applicable to hewers in the Harvey Seam.
16. Should there be from any cause no filling available, fillers may be sent to hew, and supplied by the deputy at the commencement of their shift with hewing tokens; all such tokens not used during the shift must be returned to the deputy at the end of the shift.
In the event of there being no hewing available they may be provided with other piece work or otherwise employed at datal work. When employed at datal work they shall be paid fillers rate for the first six consecutive shifts and afterwards at the rate applicable to the class of work to which they are sent.
17. The price to be paid for breaking up and filling into tubs including the 12.5% for the reduction of hours shall be 11d. (eleven pence) per ton.
Signed on behalf the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY .
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS.
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At a meeting held this 9th day of June, 1925, between the representatives of he Owners and the representatives of the Workmen the following agreement was made, viz.: –
Ripping Gateways and Building Packwalls in the Harvey Seam.
1. Canches shall be in top or bottom or both, and shall be of such thickness as may be ordered by the management. No payment shall be made for a greater width or thickness of canch than is ordered by the management.
2. The standard width of canch shall be six feet and all canches worked shall be properly squared back and finished in a workmanlike manner to the satisfaction of the management.
3. The working places which have been disturbed by the stone-men shall be left properly cleaned up and perfectly secure at the end of the stonemen's shift ready for the foreshift hewers.
4. Packwalls to be put on one or both sides of gateways as directed and set back twelve inches from the edge of the canch. Packwalls to be of sufficient width to stow all stones equally on each side of the barrow way and to have a minimum width of 8 ft. overall, with cross or transverse walls at intervals not exceeding 8 ft. and left not nearer than 4 ft. from the coal face.
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[page 32]
5. Packs to consist of front and back walls, properly built and faced with the largest and best stones, well bedded with narrow ends in and out to make a good band, and all packs to be stowed tight to roof with debris.
6. Any timber standing within the area to be occupied by the packs and all breaking off timber shall, when possible, be removed to the satisfaction of the mastershifter.
7. Any timber that has been blown out or otherwise disturbed by the stonemen during blasting operations shall be replaced and working places left securely and properly timbered, and safe for coal hewers and other workmen.
8. The stonemen must maintain and keep packwalls for a distance of 30 yards had from the face in good working order and any packs that collapse owing to faulty workmanship, shall be rebuilt by the stonemen who built the pack in the first instance free of charge.
9. Canches to be kept straight and to be driven in whatever direction required.
10. Stonemen shall kibble, if required, the resultant debris of any shot, to a place of stowage up to a distance of 60 yards, such labour being included in the inch price.
11. No stones or other debris to be stowed by sides of barrow-way in any gateway without permission of the management.
12. The stonemen must remove any debris so that the packwalls, whether front, back, or transverse, shall be built on a hard, clean, bottom.
13. The canches in each gateway shall be maintained within 3 feet of the coal face at the commencement of the foreshift hewers’ or fillers' shift.
14. All the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, Explosives Order, and other Government Regulations shall be observed.
15. Baulks and Girders shall be set when required to the satisfaction of the official in charge. Where the roof is unlevel, baulks or girders must be levelled up properly so that the weight of the roof is distributed over the entire length of the baulk or girder. All props supporting baulks or girders shall be set in line, with substantiaI head tree and sole tree as directed by the official in charge. Setting baulks or girders 2d. (twopence) per foot.
16. The prices to be paid for ripping and packing top and bottom canches 6 feet wide shall be:– .
In post stone, 3d. (threepence) per inch per yard.
In stone other than post, 2d. (twopence) per inch per yard .
Greater or lesser widths shall be paid for pro rata.
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[page 33]
If power drills are provided for the stonemen for drilling shot holes in canches, a reduction of 25 per cent. shall be made in the above prices.
The above prices are to be subject to the addition of the 12.5% for the reduction of hours.
Signed on behalf of the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS,
CUTHBERT MORLEY.
---------
At a meeting held this 9th day of June, 1925, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen the following agreement was made, viz.:–
Coal-Cutting by Machines of Longwall Face in the Harvey Seam.
1. Two men and a youth shall be employed at each coal cutting machine in each shift, their base rates for Joint Committee purposes being 4s. 6d., 4s. 2d., and 2s. 10d. per shift respectively.
2. The machineman shall be responsible for the care and proper working of the machine and his two assistants shall generally assist him in his work and clean away kirvings.
3. All kirvings shall be cleaned away so as not to impede the proper working of the machine. If the cut is in the Seam the kirvings shall be cast back into a convenient position for the fillers to fill. If the kirvings are in stone or other foreign material they shall be cast back into the goaf clear of the packs.
4. The machineman shall see that the face is undercut to the full depth of which the machine is capable and unless otherwise directed by the management shall as far as practicable cut in the bottom of the seam so as to leave no crop coal. In the event of any crop coal being left on, the management may employ suitable workmen lo remove it who shall be paid 3d. per square yard provided the thickness of the crop coal does not exceed 6 inches. Should it exceed 6 inches one penny per square yard shall be added to the price of 3d. in respect of each completed inch by which the thickness of the crop coal exceeds 6 inches. The cost of such removal shall be charged against the machinemen. Every effort must be made to keep the face straight.
5. The machineman shall examine his machine at the commencement of each shift and see that it is in good working order, properly lubricated, and that the trailing cable is in good condition. Should he observe during his shift any defects which he cannot himself put
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[page 34]
right, in the working of the machine, in the trailing cable or other accessories, he shall at once stop the machine and send word to the official in charge, enginewright or electrician.
6. The machineman shall be responsible for changing picks, flitting and turning the machine on face, and all other incidental duties necessary for the proper working of the machine.
7. The machineman shall be responsible for the care of all picks, tools, spare parts, lubricants, etc., with which he may from time to time be supplied. Should any material for which he is responsible be lost through negligence, the value of parts lost shall be charged against the machineman and the amount deducted from his earnings.
8. The machineman shall leave his machine in a safe place at the end of each shift in such position as not to interfere with the work and coil up the trailing cable and also withdraw the jib from under the jud.
9. The machineman shall make a written report at the end of each shift to the Undermanager describing the amount of work done during the shift, repairs if any required to the machine, and such other reasonable information as required by the management.
10. The machineman shall be responsible for setting all timber and sprags in accordance with the requirements of the Coal Mines Act and Timbering Rules, and in the absence of the Deputy shall be responsible generally for the safety of the place in which he is working.
11. Shifts shall commence at such times as shall be mutually arranged to suit the general working of the pit. When two shifts follow one another men shall marrow themselves.
12. The payment for coal cutting under the above conditions shall be as follows –– 3.5d, (threepence half-penny) per square yard. Price to include the 12.5% for reduction of hours. In each case the payment shall be divided as under: –
Three-eighths to each of the two men and two-eighths to the youth.
13. Should no cutting be available, suitable piece work shall if possible be provided for the machinemen and failing such work they shall be employed at datal work and paid the afore-mentioned rates of 4s. 6d. and 4s. 2d. per shift for the first six consecutive shifts and thereafter at the rate applicable to the class of work they are called upon to do.
The youth shall be employed at datal work and paid at the rate of wages applicable to the work to which he is sent.
Signed for the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G . RAMSAY.
Signed for the Workmen,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS.
=======
[page 35]
At a meeting held this 9th day of June, 1925, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen the following agreement was made, viz.: –
Drilling in Coal by Power and Hand Machines in the Harvey Seam.
Drilling with Power Drills.
1. The management may employ drillers to drill shot holes in coal, a special power machine being provided by the Owners for the work.
In the event of their absence from work the management may call upon other workmen to drill the necessary shot holes, paying the prices provided herein.
2. The drillers shall be fully responsible for the care and proper operation of the machines.
3. Shot holes shall be drilled in such position and direction as ordered by the management. All holes shall be left properly scraped out and ready for the insertion of the explosives.
4. In no case shall the back of the hole penetrate beyond the depth of the kirving.
5. The driller shall indicate in a report at the end of each shift the condition of the machine and the number of holes drilled with other reasonable particulars required by the management.
6. The prices fixed for drilling shall include all necessary duties incidental to the work, such as flitting the machine from place to place and coupling up to the air mains.
Drilling with Hand Machines.
1. Shifts shall commence at such reasonable times, mutually arranged, as best suit the circumstances of the working of the seam.
2. Shot holes shall be drilled in such position and direction as may be ordered by the management and in no case shall the back of the hole penetrate beyond the depth of the kirving.
3. All holes shall be left properly scraped out and ready for the insertion of the explosives.
4. The prices fixed for drilling shall include all necessary duties incidental to the work such as taking the machines and drills from place to place.
5. The Owners shall provide the necessary machines, stands and drills.
For drilling holes in coal under the above conditions with power drills the price to be paid shall be 2.25d. (twopence farthing) per hole 4' 6" in length, greater or lesser lengths being paid for pro rata.
For drilling with hand machines the price to be paid shall be 4.5d. (for pence halfpenny) per hole 4' 6" in length, greater or lesser lengths being paid for pro rata. These prices to include the 12.5% for reduction in hours.
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[page 36]
Where there is insufficient work for drillers they shall be given other suitable piece work, or if transferred to data! work they shall be paid at the rate of 4s. 6d. per shift for the first six shifts and afterwards at the rate applicable for the class of work to which they are sent.
The above rate of 4s. 6d. shall be the basis rate for Joint Committee purposes.
Signed on behalf of the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS.
--------
At a meeting held this 9th day of June, 1925, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen the following agreement was made, viz.:–
Coal Cutting with Heading Machines in the Harvey Seam.
1. One man and a youth shall be employed with each machine
2. It shall be the duty of the machineman to do the cutting, and in the absence of the deputy, set any timber or sprags that are necessary to comply with the Timbering Rules in force in the seam, or to maintain the place in a safe working condition.
3. The machineman shall flit the machine from place to place, set up and take down, and couple up to the air mains. He shall be responsible for the proper care of the machine and all parts, and shall be responsible for any loss or damage due to personal negligence.
4. The assistant shall generally assist the machineman. He shall clean out and cast back the kirvings to a convenient place for the fillers and before cutting commences see that the place is properly cleaned of stone and other dirt.
5. The cutting shall be done in such position in the seam as directed by the management.
6. The machineman shall give special attention to any place driven by the lines, with a view to keeping it straight and of the width required.
7. All places to be cut to a depth of 4' 6", unless otherwise required by the management and shall be squared back at the side so as to leave the place square for the next cut.
8. At the end of the shift, unless another machineman is following in to take over the machine, the machineman shall bring the machine back to a place of safety and out of the way of other workmen.
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[page 37]
9. In the event of no cutting being available the machineman shall if possible be found other suitable piece work, or if employed at datal work shall be paid at the rate of 4s. 6d. (four shillings and six pence per shift for the first six shifts (this rate being regarded as the piece rate for Joint Committee purposes) and afterwards at the standard rate of wages attached to the class of work he is sent to. In the same event the boy shall be found suitable data! work and paid for the same at the rate of wages applicable to the class of work.
10. Payment for coal-cutting under the above conditions shall be 7d. (seven pence) per square yard of coal cut. Price to include the 12.5% for reduction in hours. The payment shall be divided in the proportion of two thirds to the machineman and one third to the assistant.
Signed on behalf of the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS,
CUTHBERT MORLEY.
-----
At a meeting held this 9th day of June, 1925, between the representatives of the Owners and the representatives of the Workmen the following agreement was made, viz.:–
1. All underground workmen who have started work at Bowburn Colliery since January 19th, 1923, and who are not already employed in the Harvey Seam shall be drafted into the Harvey Seam as and when required by the management and shall be employed at such work as the management think suitable, having regard to age, experience, etc.
Should any of the Busty Seam Workmen, subject to the approval of management, wish to be transferred to the Harvey Seam, it will be on the understanding that they take rank with the Harvey Seam Workmen and have no further claim on the Busty Seam.
As soon as all those workmen who have started since January, 1923, have been transferred to the Harvey Seam, the Management will be at liberty to start strangers for either seams as circumstances demand it.
This agreement supersedes the agreement dated April 9th, 1923.
Signed on behalf of the Owners,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
Signed on behalf of the Workmen,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY,
CUTHBERT MORLEY,
LEMUEL WILLIAMS.
========
[page 38]
It is hereby agreed between the Owners and Workmen of Bowburn Colliery that the following conditions and prices shall obtain for longwall working in the Harvey Seam : –
1. The Management shall appoint a sufficient number of workmen to work the faces, including all coal cutting, drilling, filling, stonework, putting of tubs to and from the face to the auxiliary haulage or flat, and the setting of timber and other roof supports.
2. The inclusive price to be paid for this work shall be two shillings and six pence base per ton of coal filled but this shall not include the making of cross gate canches which will be undertaken by the Management.
3. The men shall conform to the instructions of the Management as to the method of operating and the general organisation of the faces and give all assistance required for the successful performance of the requisite operations.
4. Shifts shall commence at such times as shall be required by the Management.
5. The wages earned shall be divided amongst those working on the face in proportion to the number of shifts worked, for which each workman will receive a separate pay note.
6. The men employed on this class of work shall continue on the face for as long as the face shall last.
7. Payment for Wet Work, Helping Up and Ramble shall be in accordance with agreement dated June 9th, 1925.
8. Laid out and set out fines shall be in accordance with agreement dated June 9th, 1925.
9. Explosives shall be carried in by the fillers and canchmen.
10. Canches shall be taken in either top or bottom stone and of the width and thickness required by the management, and all stones shall be properly built into pack walls or stowed as required by the management.
11. Customary conditions as to care of machines and their operation, the filling of clean coal and separate filling of curvings when required, observation of timbering rules and maintenance of barrow ways in proper condition shall apply.
Signed this 23rd day of June, 1931,
For and on behalf of the Owners of Bowburn Colliery,
JOHN G. RAMSAY,
P. HARLE,
W. N. GRACE.
For and on behalf of the Workmen of Bowburn Colliery
THOMAS HOWEY,
RICHARD WAKEFIELD,
JOHN COATES,
ROBERT WILLEY.
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[page 39]
80WBURN LODGE, D.M.A.,
June 23rd, 1931.
To Mr. J. Swan,
Dear Sir,
I enclose the agreement that has been drawn up satisfactory.
I remain, Yours,
R. WILLEY, Sec.
Bowburn Lodge, Coxhoe,
-------
DURHAM MINERS' ASSOCIATION.
RED HILL,
DURHAM,
24th June, 1931.
Miners’ Secretary,
Bowburn Lodge,
Dear Sir,
I have your agreement dated 23rd June to hand this morning and upon looking it over we notice that it is a composite agreement and sets out the conditions relating to longwall working in the Harvey Seam. We regret that this agreement is irregular and could not be confirmed by our Association, because we notice in addition to the combined working, such as filling, stonework, drilling and coal cutting it also provides for putting of tubs to and from the face to the auxiliary haulage or flat. We have along [sic] objected to putters being included in the combined work as their work is separate and distinct from that of the face, and have raised this objection with the Owners. As a matter of fact, we would draw your attention to a circular that was issued from the General Secretary's Department on June 24th, 1930, and it referred to "Local Agreements at Collieries" and made reference to the fact of the attempts that are being made to introduce conditions into Agreements that are outside the County Agreements and County practices, and this circular was sent out because an agreement was signed on exactly the same lines as yours, namely, including putting along with other combined work, and we appealed to Lodges "that under no consideration must they sign any Agreement that does not conform to the County Agreements; and to see to it that where the Management is enforcing the conditions laid down in the Agreement of November 30th, 1926, they are not allowed to go outside of such Agreement."
We are, therefore, returning the Agreement, and should be pleased if you would draw your Manager's attention to this matter, as we have raised this matter before the Owners at a previous meeting we had with them and told them we could not be parties to sanctioning such Agreements.
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[page 40]
Failing satisfaction with your Manager, we should be pleased if you would inform us and then we will need to take the matter up either by meeting the Manager locally, or taking the matter before the Owners Association, as under no consideration can we agree to this Agreement as drawn up in its present form, and we should be pleased if when drawing up agreements in future if you would kindly send us a draft before signing so that we may advise you.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) JOHN E. SWAN,
Joint Committee and Executive Committee Secretary
------
HOUSE LIGHTING.
Agreement made this 3rd day of March, 1926, between the representatives of the following unions:–
Bowburn Branch of the Durham Miners' Association
Bowburn Branch of the Durham Mechanics' Association
Bowburn Branch of the Durham Enginemen & Boiler Minders' Association
on behalf of their members occupying colliery houses that their members will individually enter into the attached agreement for house lighting with Dorman, Long and Company, Limited.
Signed on behalf of
Bowburn Branch of the Durham Miners' Association,
JOSEPH ELLIOTT,
ROBERT WILLEY,
CUTHBERT MORLEY.
Bowburn Branch of the Durham Mechanics' Association
F. BOTWRIGHT,
W. STEWART.
Bowburn Branch of the Durham Enginemen and Boiler Minders' Association,
THOMAS P. ROBINSON.
Signed on behalf of
Dorman, Long and Company, Limited,
P. HARLE,
JNO. G. RAMSAY.
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[page 41]
Agreement made this 3rd day of March, 1926, between ……… hereafter called the Consumer and occupying house and Dorman, Long and Company Limited hereinafter called the Company.
1. Subject to the conditions appearing on this card which have been approved by the Bowburn Lodge of the Durham Miners' Association, the Company will allow the use of the electric supply installation and will supply electric current for lighting purposes only at the weekly charge of *** which, together with any arrears of payment is hereby agreed by the consumer shall be collected weekly by the Company as a deduction from wages together with any other charges made in accordance with this Agreement. The above weekly charge may be increased or decreased by the Company on giving one calendar month's notice in writing of their intention to do so by posting the same in the window of the colliery office and by giving written notice to the Secretary of each Association whose members are concerned, but such notice shall not otherwise affect the terms of this Agreement. If payment is not made by deduction from wages as aforesaid, the Company shall be entitled to recover by ordinary legal process.
2. The Company will provide the installation and fittings free of cost to the Consumer in the first instance together with a complete set of lamps as follows:–
***
and in the event of the Consumer quitting the house he shall leave the installation and fittings in good repair and condition together with a complete set of similar lamps or pay to the Company the cost of repairs and the replacement price of any deficiency.
3. AII lamps broken or otherwise becoming unserviceable must be replaced at the Consumer's expense, except that in the replacement of lamps burnt out in use the Company will supply free of cost to the Consumer up to *** 60 Watt and *** 20 Watt Lamps during any twelve months’ period. The Consumer must also pay to the Company the cost of repairing or replacing any part of the installation which may be damaged wilfully or through carelessness or neglect.
4. The Consumer shall not use or permit the use of any sizes of lambs [sic – i.e. lamps] other than those specified in No. 2 above nor the employment of the apparatus or electric power for any purpose other than the lighting of the premises, nor shall lamps other than those supplied by the Company be employed.
5. The Consumer shall use every endeavour to avoid the waste of electric power by the unnecessary use of the light.
6. The Company will make every endeavour to ensure a reasonable supply of electric current, but does not undertake to give an uninterrupted supply of electric current, and the supply will not be available between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. from 1st May to 31st August and 9 a.rn. and 3 p.m. for the remainder of the year. The Company also reserve the right at any time to vary these hours or to interrupt, suspend or discontinue the supply and/or by giving three months’ notice in writing to terminate this Agreement at their discretion, without becoming thereby liable to any obligation or penalty.
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[page 42]
7. The Company shall not be held liable for any personal injury or any damage to property or effects which may be caused by or through the lighting installation or its use or failure.
8. The apparatus in connection with the supply of electricity must not be attended to, adjusted or tampered with in any way except by the Company's authorised servants who must be given access for these purposes or for the purpose of inspection and to make any necessary renewals and repairs at all reasonable times without notice.
9. Should the Consumer fail to pay the charges in force for the time being for electricity supplied to him or should there be any breach or non–observance by the Consumers of any of the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall have the right to discontinue the supply to such customer without notice without prejudice to their rights to recover arrears of payment or damages arising through wilful misuse or neglect. In this connection the Company draw special attention to No. 5 above as waste will result in increased charges under No. 1.
10. This agreement shall remain in force unless previously terminated by the Company as aforesaid for a period of three years after which the Consumers may terminate the same on giving three calendar months' notice in writing. On the determination of the tenancy of the house this agreement shall ipso facto terminate also.
*** According to size of house occupied.
------
CAVILLING RULES.
1.– That the Quarter shall consist of twelve and fourteen weeks alternately, to end with the end of a fortnightly pay, and all cavils to be cavilled for shall be numbered and named on the cavilling sheet.
2.– All Flats to be cavilled separately each Quarter, and are to be cavilled for Sun-way round, and any cavils missed at the Quarterly cavils must be the last cavils in the Flat or Flats that the Management may decide upon to cavil. All Hewers to give their names to the weighman not later than two clear days before the Quarterly cavilling day.
3.– That all Flats shall stand as cavilled for until the next cavilling, and if it has been found necessary to make a Flat, which was originally cavilled at the commencement of the Quarter, into two or more Flats, the cavils shall remain as if no alteration had been made until the end of the Quarter.
4.– All men hewing coals at the end of the Quarter whether under notice or not to have cavils in.
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[page 43]
5.– That each set of hewers to consist of six, and are to be entitled to a cavil, but should any part of a set leave during the Quarter, those left shall claim their rights, cavils and privileges with the other men at the same Flat, but any man who is off sick, or with an accident, is not to lose claim on his cavil through being off work.
6.– Should a set of men be required to remove from one Flat to another, the last cavil to be the first to shift, but should any more men be required at the Flat from which men have been removed under this rule, then those men to be the first to go back. All sets of men being removed from one Flat to another F!at, or from one place to another place shall be given one full days notice before being moved.
7.– That the first set of men out of a cavil to claim the first vacant place, and in the event of there being more than one vacant place they shall have cavils in for which place they shall claim, should there be two or more sets out on the same day they shall have cavils in for all the vacant places, and the place they get by cavil or otherwise shall remain theirs until their own goes again, always providing that cavils which are in on the second or third shift only to stand for that day, when on the following fore-shift, the cavils will go in again and stand good.
8.– If a man or men be off work in the fore-shift and should have had a cavil in for a place that morning, the Deputy shall put in cavils for such men as if they were there, the fore-shift being recognised, in all cases, as the commencement and claim of the cavil.
9.– In whole working the place which is being paid the greater rate of yard work shall be the head of the cavil.
10.– Should a man or men be taken from hewing during the Quarter for any purpose whatever, or should he leave the colliery he is to return to his cavil which he left, should he return during the Quarter.
11.– Any Hewer or Putter having two cavils in, they to claim the first out of the basin, but should a set of men or a Putter be missed out of the cavils, then the cavils shall be redrawn.
12.– Any man or men taking or using gear of any kind, without the sanction of the owner of the same, shall be fined five shillings, and in the case of picks, five shillings for each pick, these fines to be paid to the owner of such gear as remuneration for loss, for first offence, and for the second offence he shall leave the colliery.
13.– Any man or men leaving an unfair place, the person affected to caII the Deputy, and if need be, the two nearest workmen, to value the said place, and such valuation to be kept from the wages of the person or persons who left the unfair place, and paid over to the person or persons affected.
14.– Should any Hewer, set of Hewers, or Putter wish to exchange cavils, no such exchange to take place except with the sanction of the Manager or the Under–Manager.
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[page 44]
15.– That each Pillar in the Broken to constitute a cavil but at the Quarterly Cavils where there is any cavil with less than Half the Capacity of a full Pillar, then this will not be considered a cavil, and any set of Hewers cavilled to this will also have a full Pillar attached to it.
16.– If there should be more than one place going in any one cavil, then the place where the yard work is paid, is to be the head of the cavil, but if two such places should be going then the one nearest the goaf will be the head of the cavil. If there should be no yard work places going then the place going Bordways way will be the head of the cavil. Yard work paid for siding over the loose end is not yard work within the meaning referred to above.
17.– Men working in wide places must be allowed the leading shift of those working in narrow places in fore-shift only. If any men lose their shift through the deputy setting timber, or the stone working, they must be allowed to make it up in the ratio of two to one. This does not apply to those who lose their shift owing to having been otherwise engaged for which they shall receive payment.
18.– In the event of any Broken work commencing in any whole flat, the set of men belonging to the coal in the whole shall claim it in the Broken.
19.– The Putters will be cavilled to Flats and Ponies at the Quarterly Cavilling, but the Overman may change any pony at any time for the better working of the Pit.
20.– In whole working whenever a new Flat is made and Putters have to be moved, the first cavils will have first claim on the new Flat. In Broken working whenever a Flat is shifted the last cavils will have first claim on the new Flat.
21.– Each Putter must bring his own pony out, and see it into its proper stall, but where a Putter has had his pony changed, then he must see the pony he has been working with out-bye and into its proper stall at the stables.
22.– If any Putter is prevented by sickness or accident from following his own occupation and is employed for a time at any other work, he shall claim his own cavil when able to resume his own work. If a Putter Ieaves the Colliery and comes back again during the Quarter he must go to his own Cavil.
23.– If at any time there are more Putters at a Flat than are required the last cavil to be the first to shift to another District but should any more Putters be required to go to any Flat from which a Putter has been removed, then the Putter or Putters who have been removed from such Flat to go back in order of cavil, but nothing in this Rule will be allowed to interfere or impede the working of Rule No. 20.
24.– That all Putters shall be set on to hew or fill in turn, and the Putter who has the greater length of service as a Putter shall be set away first, and so on in rotation according to their length of service.
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[page 45]
25. If any dispute should arise between the Deputies, Hewers or Putters relative to their cavils, they must continue to work their shift out and then appeal to the Overman, Under-Manager or the Manager and he will refer to the cavilling sheet, where he will have all Cavils particularly described. If any of the above be not satisfied with any decisions from the Management they shall apply to the Secretary, who shall bring the matter before the Cavilling Committee.
P. L. RICHARDSON,
for the Owners.
W. KELLY,
for the Workmen
16th October, 1934.
-----
Bowburn Colliery, Harvey Seam, Longwall Working.
It has been mutually agreed between the Management and the Miners’ Lodge that in the transferring of whole or partial sets of workmen from one longwall face to another, the following rules shall apply:–
1.– When a face ceases the whole set of workmen, if possible, shall be transferred to another face. If the whole set is not required then cavils shall be put in for the required number.
2.– If no other longwall face is available but some of the men are required to complete the complement on faces already working, then cavils will be drawn for these vacancies.
3.– The remaining men will be sent to other work, if available, and will afterwards be employed on any of the other faces where vacancies may occur in preference to other men.
4.– If any time only part of a set is required to be removed from any face then the last comer on to such face shall be the first to come off even without a cavil. Wherever possible when cavils are being put in, if convenient for everybody concerned, cavils shall be put in for marrows and not for individuals.
P. L. RICHARDSON, Manager
JOHN G. RAMSAY
For Owners.
W. KELLY
JOHN COATES
For Workmen.
5th May, 1934.
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[page 46]
MEETINGS.
RULES FOR GUIDANCE OF MEMBERS.
1. At the advertised time or as soon after as is practicable, the Chairman shall ask for a motion to open the meeting. The Chairman will read the programme of business to be dealt with.
2. The names of the Officers and Committee will be called fifteen minutes after the advertised time to commence the meeting. Those not present when the roll is called will be considered absent unless the meeting decides otherwise.
3. No person to leave the meeting until it is finished without the consent of the Chairman.
4. All General Meetings to adjourn at 9-30 p.m. unless the meeting decides to extend time to deal with business not reached.
5. The over of a Motion will be allowed five minutes to submit his motion to the meeting, and, if seconded, the seconder will be allowed the same time. If the motion is not seconded no discussion will be allowed.
6. When a motion has been spoken to by the mover and seconder, the Chairman will allow one minute for an amendment. If no amendment is submitted the motion will be put without further discussion.
7. In the event of an amendment being moved to any motion before the meeting the mover will be allowed five minutes to submit amendment, and, if seconded, the seconder to have the same time also, five minutes to be allowed to any person desiring to speak of either motion or amendment. The mover of the amendment can have a second speech of five minutes, after which no one will be allowed to speak except the mover of the motion who can have five minutes to close the discussion. Further amendments can be submitted but no more than two propositions to be before the meeting at one time.
8. The Chairman can close the discussion unless his ruling is appealed against, and a majority uphold the appeal.
9. Members desiring to speak must address the Chair and will only be allowed to speak once on any proposition before the meeting unless he be the mover of the motion or amendment which will close the discussion on the question.
10. A person may rise to a point of order during the discussion but not to enter into detail. An extension of time may be allowed to any speaker by a majority in favour of such concession.
11. In elections of such representatives as are elected at the meeting the Chairman will submit such nominations in such a manner as will get a clear majority for those elected.
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12. Any person submitting business to the meeting that the Chairman may rule out of order shall have a right to appeal against the Chairman’s ruling and if a majority uphold the appeal the ruling shall be set aside.
13. Any person causing an obstruction to the business of the meeting after being called to order by the Chairman will be fined one shilling and, if he further disobeys the Chairman, he shall be ejected from the meeting, if necessary by force.
14. That the attendance of Officers and Committee be laid before each half-yearly meeting, or at any other time necessary.
15. The Chairman must make himself conversant with all standing orders and rule in a firm and unbiased manner.
16. That at all yearly meetings no other business than the nomination of Officers and fixing of salaries and preparing for the Ballot, except the election of persons to positions decided not to ballot for, will be dealt with.
17. When a question has been decided by ballot it cannot be varied other than by ballot.
18. Any person presiding in the absence of the President be paid one shilling.
19. Persons having disputes at the colliery must see the manager before bringing the case to a meeting.
20. Any person running for two positions must take the one where he gets the highest number of votes. Unopposed to always be considered the highest vote.
21. When members of a deputation cannot attend, the Secretary has power to complete the number without any regard to the next highest at the election.
22. Deputations attending at the Colliery Office shall be paid two shillings each for up to two hours, over two hours the payment to be double. Representatives attending to Lodge business when they have to lose shift shall be paid pit average plus four shillings for refreshment plus train fare to and from. If no work is lost then they shall receive five shillings, plus train fare to and from place of meeting.
23. When an inquest is held, if it is expected that anything will be said that would in any way jeopardize the compensation claim, a verbatim report of the proceedings be taken.
24. Any person having a case he desires to be submitted to the meeting, and is unable to attend the meeting himself, he must not place his case in any other person's hands other than the Secretary, or any person acting on behalf of the Secretary. This can be done verbally or in writing.
25. Any member laying a charge against another person must come to the Committee before it is submitted to the full meeting.
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[page 48]
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION.
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION ACT, 1923.
Fatal Accidents.–Under the existing Acts the maximum compensation payable to dependents is £300. Under this Act for an accident resulting in the death of a workman, the employer may be liable for as much as £600, in addition to any weekly compensation paid to the workman in respect of any period of incapacity between the accident and his death.
Non-Fatal Accidents.–The basis of compensation is still dependent upon the average weekly earnings of the injured workman and ranges from one-half to three-quarters of the average weekly earnings according to the amount thereof. The maximum compensation is £1/10/0 per week.
This Act provides for the payment of compensation from the fourth day of incapacity in all cases except that where the incapacity lasts for four weeks or more compensation is also payable for the first three days.
Liability is extended to accidents resulting in death or serious and permanent disablement, even although attributable to a breach of regulations, or to an act done by the workman without instructions from his employer.
Instructions to Members.
Will the members please attend to the following instructions, as it is most important to do so?
Should any member receive any accident whether considered slight or otherwise while following his employment, he must report the same to the first official he meets before leaving the mine, should no official be found, the accident must be reported as soon as he arrives at bank.
All members must report accidents to the Secretary straight away, when their interest shall be attended to.
LIST OF SCHEDULED DISEASES.
Compensation is payable in respect of the following scheduled diseases. Any person contracting any of these diseases set out below must get a certificate from the Certifying Surgeon under the Act. He will charge five shillings for such certificate which will be refunded on application to the Secretary.
Ankylostomiasis (Miners' Worm).–Pallor, breathlessness, anaemia and weakness. Disease caused by minute worm in the intestine. No case yet known in Durham County.
Nystagmus.–Twitching or irregular movement of the eyeballs.
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Glanders.–(Care of an equine animal suffering from Glanders: handling the carcase of such animal). A very fatal disease caused by infection from a horse. Symptoms are very high fever and discharges from the nose, etc., but vary according to the part of the body affected. Disease very uncommon.
Compressed Air Illness or its sequel (Mining).–This disease may occur among workers in high pressure atmosphere. Symptoms include breathlessness, painful giddiness, heart symptoms, bleeding from nose, etc.
Beat Hand (Mining, etc.)–Inflammation with or without suppuration (matter) in palm of hand.
Beat Knee (Mining, etc.)–Same as Housemaid's Knee and is inflammation of the Bursa or cushion of the knee cap.
Beat Elbow (Mining, etc.)–Same as Miners' Elbow and is inflammation of the Bursa or cushion of the elbow.
(Straining of the Wrist Joint and Tendon Sheaths (Mining, Etc.)–
Inflammation or irritation of the membrane lining of the tendons or muscles around the wrist.
LIST OF CERTIFYING SURGEONS FOR DURHAM COUNTY.
Barnard Castle A. H. Sevier, Deepdale View.
Birtley D. Wilson. Birtley,
Bishop Auckland T. A. McCullagh, Bishop Auckland.
Blaydon J. W. H. Morrison, Blaydon-on-Tyne.
Chester- le- Street W. J. Brown, 150, Front Street.
Consett W. Allen, Consett.
Coxhoe W. Oliver, Linden Villa, Coxhoe.
Crook A. Mackay, Crook.
Darlington W. J. Carmicheal, North Gate, Darlington.
Durham J. R. Macdonald, Old Elvet, Durham.
Ebchester W. T. Bolton, Ebchester.
Gateshead Dr. Durant, Crossways, Shipcote, Gateshead.
Haswell W. A. Hewitson, Easington, Castle Eden.
HOSPITAL EXPENSES.
Certain expenses are allowed to members and half-members during their incapacity to work from either sickness or accident, by making application to the Secretary.
CONVALESCENT HOME ALLOWANCE,
Certain allowance of money is allowed to our members or half members if they have to go to a Convalescent Home or the purpose of recovering from either sickness or accident, by making application to the Secretary.
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[page 50]
TILLEY SEAM AGREEMENT.
January 21st, 1935.
Agreement between the Owners and Workmen of Bowburn Colliery for Hewing in Bord and Pillar Workings in the Tilley Seam.
1. The Tilley Seam shall be cavilled by itself.
2. Hewers shall work in sets of sixes, or as required by the Management.
3. Places shall be driven of such width and in such direction as the Management may require.
4. Hewers shall work the seam in such order as the Management may direct, and shall fill coal from any particular part of the seam separately if required, and shall mark the tubs so filled in such manner as may be directed by the Management.
5. Hewers shall separate and cast back all substances other than coal, and shall fill clean coal only.
6. When required by the Management, seggar or fireclay shall be taken up and filled into tub by hand, free from other substances, and payment shall be made at the rate of eightpence per ton of clean seggar or fireclay so filled and sent to bank. If seggar or fireclay is absent, or is not required to be filled and sent to bank, height shall be made in either top or bottom, as directed by the Management, and payment shall be made therefore at the prevailing rates for canchwork in the Busty Seam.
7. Intervening band shall be worked separately and shall be cast back by hewers in such manner as to cause as little inconvenience as possible. Payment shall be made for band (excluding any coal within the band which exceeds nine inches in thickness and can be filled separately) at the rate of one farthing per ton per inch for each complete inch of band; but hewers shall make a pack-wall of band along the side of the place when required by the Management.
8. Ramble or following stone which cannot be kept up shall be cast back and shall be paid for at the rate of one farthing per ton of coal filled and brought to bank in respect of each complete inch of thickness and in proportion to the area of face over which the ramble or following stone cannot be kept up.
9. Laid-out fines shall be in accordance with the Busty Award dated the 24th November, 1908.
10. Tubs sent to bank and containing less than 8 cwts. of coal shall be set out, and no payment shall be made to the hewer in respect of any such tub.
11. Hewers required by the Management to work double in whole places shall be paid sixpence per shift.
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[page 51]
12. Hewers required to cast their coals for a greater distance than five yards, measured from the nearest point of the tub, shall be paid sixpence per shift in respect of such casting.
13. Where it is necessary to drill an additional hole to recover a mis-fire shot, payment shall be made of sixpence per hole.
14. Hewers shall heIp up when required by the Management and shall be paid at the rate of 4.5d. per shift up to 30 yards, and pro-rata for a greater distance.
15. Hewers working wet by reason of top-water shall be paid therefore at the rate of one penny per ton.
16. Hewers shall undertake putting when required to do so by the Management and shall be paid in accordance with the Busty Award dated the 24th November, 1908.
17. In broken workings hewers shall bring the led tubs to the out-bye end of the working place.
18. The price of coal hewed in whole workings shall be at the rate of one shilling and eightpence per ton.
19. Whole price shall be paid for working pillars to form a broken area until an area of 500 square yards of goaf has been formed to constitute a "broken" area, and broken price at the rate of twopence per ton less than the whole price shall be paid for any second working within 50 yards of goaf of not less than 500 square yards area.
20. Hewers shall be paid twopence per ton in addition to the prevailing tonnage rate for scalloping in whole workings in those places in which they are not allowed by the Management to use explosives.
21. Hitches and Rolls shall be paid for by consideration.
22. Yardwork shall be paid for in accordance with the Busty Award dated the 24th November, 1908.
Dated this 21st day of January, 1935.
For the Owners of Bowburn Colliery,
G. GRACE.
P. L. RICHARDSON,
JOHN G. RAMSAY.
For the Workmen of Bowburn Colliery,
W. KELLY,
JOHN COATES,
J. WITHAM,
F. LAWSON.
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[page 52]
DEATH LEVY RULES.
1. It is hereby agreed between the Miners, Mechanics, Enginemen and Officials of the above Collieries, i.e., members of those Associations which are connected with the Durham County Mining Federation Board, that Sixpence per full member, and Threepence per half-member, shall be deducted from their wages; and that on the death of a full member from any cause £35 shall be paid, and £17/10/0 on the death of a half-member.
2. No workman who is not a financial member of one of the above Unions must allow any money to be kept from his wages, or pay any money towards this Fund, as no benefit will be paid in connexion with any workman who has not been a member of one of the above Unions.
3. On the death of a full member who was married and his wife was living with him, the Committee will order that the payment be made to her; if any member was living apart, or single, then the Committee must act on the instruction of the member's will: if there
is no will the Committee must decide what is lo be done with the payment. In all cases the Committee's decision shall be final and binding on all parties, but in all such cases the Committee must see that the funeral expenses are paid.
4. On the death of a half-member, half of the amount of payment paid to a full member will be paid to his parents, foster parents, or legal guardian. If there are no parents or legal guardians the Committee must decide, and see that the funeral expenses are paid.
5. Any member who may be unemployed owing to depression will be allowed to keep his membership with this Fund and shall contribute half fees. If any unemployed member commences temporary employment he must pay full fees during such temporary employment (if such temporary employment should be outside the County of Durham his membership of this fund will cease). These privileges will only be granted if the member in each case keeps his membership good with his Trade Union.
6. All members off work owing to injuries or sickness will be exempt from payment during such period of incapacity to work. Retired members will also be exempt from paying contributions at 65 years of age. These privileges are only given to the above providing they keep their membership good with their Trade Union. No member leaving the mines and taking on other employment or occupation will be allowed to continue with this Fund.
7. Payment to this Fund is voluntary, but all workmen must remember that they can only be allowed to contribute providing they are members of one of the Trade Unions named in Rule I.
8. All applications for benefit on the death of a member or half-member from any of the above Unions must be made by the Secretary of the Union of which the deceased was a member to the Secretary of the Bowburn Miners' Lodge.
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[page 53]
9. The Committee shall consist of representatives as follows: – Bowburn Miners' Lodge, five; Tursdale Miners' Lodge, one; Mechanics' Lodge, one; Enginemen's Lodge, one; and Officials' Lodge, one. They shall meet when necessary, and shall be paid 2/6 each for each meeting they attend. The Committee's decisions in all cases are final and binding on all parties concerned.
10. All previous rules and resolutions made relating to payment on the death of a member or half-member are cancelled from the date of the acceptance and confirmation of these rules at a meeting specially called or summoned for that purpose.
For the Committee,
W KELLY,
Secretary.
August 7th, 1934.
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ALLOWANCE TO BOWBURN MEMBERS AT THE DEATH OF THEIR WIVES, Etc., FROM LOCAL DEATH FUND
1. Married Members ... At the death of a married member's wife, provided they were residing together at the time of death he will be paid the sum of Ten Pounds, but if such member and his wife were living apart, then no allowance will be made.
2. Un-married Members ... Where we have an un-married member residing with and supporting his widowed mother, at her death he will be paid the sum of Ten Pounds. Where there are more than one son residing with and supporting their widowed mother, then the eldest son will be the claimant, but if the eldest son should be unemployed, and the next eldest our member, then we will allow him to be the claimant, but if the eldest son should be working elsewhere and not our member, then no allowance will be made at the death of the mother. Sons who are paying board and lodging will not be allowed to claim from this fund.
3. That all our Bowburn Members who are contributing or retired will be entitled to receive at the death of wife or mother, in keeping with Nos. I and 2 Rules, provided they were residing together, Ten Pounds, but if the husband should die before his wife, then there shall be no claim at the death of wife.
(Signed) W. KELLY,
Secretary.
February18th, 1935.
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[page 54]
HOUSES, RENT and FIRE-COAL.
Agreement adopted in substitution of and modification of the Agreement of June 18th, 1920, embodying alterations since agreed upon (7th December, 1921) : –
1. That all married persons or widowers having families living with them, employed in and about the mine, and directly connected therewith, who are householders, shall be allowed free houses, or the customary allowance for rent in lieu thereof, and fire–coal. The word "householder" shall be defined by the Chairman of the Joint Committee after hearing the statements and arguments put before him by the Owners' and Miners' Representatives.
2. (a) Unmarried workmen, who are putters or who are receiving the adult wage of their class, employed in and about the mine, and directly connected therewith who are householders and wholly or mainly keeping any of the following classes of relatives, namely:–
Grandparent or grandparents;
Parent or parents;
Brothers or sisters, or both;
Foster parent or parents, foster brothers or sisters (or both), provided the claimant commenced to reside with the family prior to reaching the age of ten years;
shall be entitled to rent and coals provided that no member of the family living in the house is working for any other colliery firm unless his working for such other firm is because of his inability to obtain employment with the colliery firm. Any individual now in receipt of rent and coals, though not entitled to it under this Clause, shall not be deprived of the allowance by this Agreement.
(b) Where there is more than one son in a family the claim shall be limited to the eldest son living at home and working at the colliery.
(c) Where the eldest son at home is wholly or mainly keeping his relatives as defined above, and the father has been away from home and not heard of for a period of at least four years, then the said son shall be treated as the householder under this arrangement.
3. That the rent allowance shall be tenpence per shift for all classes of workmen entitled thereto under Clauses I and 2 of this Agreement, the conditions attached to the allowance to remain as under existing Agreements.
4. With regard to the classes of workmen additional to those entitled under Agreements prior to 18th June, 1920, who hereby become entitled to free houses or rent, the Owners reserve the right either to give houses or rent allowance in lieu thereof, and without being bound by any custom or agreement which may exist at any individual colliery as to the allocation of houses.
5. Where the number in any family entitled to free house or rent under this Agreement does not exceed four including one worker, or…
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[page 55]
…does not exceed three including two workers, the quantity of coal to in supplied per annum shall be twelve tons. Where the number in any family entitled to free house or rent under this Agreement exceeds four, including one worker, or exceeds three, including two workers, be fifteen tons. The weight of the loads of coal and the periods of delivery to be settled at each colliery.
For the purpose of this Clause "family" includes grandparents, housekeepers and adopted children, provided the adopted children had commenced to reside with the family prior to reaching the age of ten years.
6. The existing arrangements at the various collieries as to the distance to which coals are to be led for 6d. per fortnight to continue. The Owners, however, agree to coals being led beyond this recognized distance in consideration of additional payment; the increased charge to be proportionate to the increase in distance, but the maximum distance to which coals are to be led shall not exceed three miles.
7. A period of six months shall be allowed for the vacation of a colliery house after the death of the father or his having ceased work and coals shall be continued for that period, provided a definite arrangement is come to with the Colliery company, at the time of the death of the father or his cessation of work, as to the vacation of the house at the end of six months. This only to apply in cases where the eldest son at home would be entitled to rent and coals, and in the event of no arrangement as afore-said being arrived at, the employment of the said son shall cease at the end of the six months referred to. This Clause to apply to cases which have arisen on or after 18th June, 1920.
8. Persons renting rooms in public houses are not entitled, under the conditions of this Agreement, to payment of rent. In consideration, however, of the present exceptional circumstances caused by the shortage of houses, the Owners will agree as a temporary and exceptional measure that for a limited period, this condition shall not apply, provided the persons concerned fulflll all the other conditions of the above Agreement affecting the payment of rent. The question of whether the circumstances remain exceptional shall be reconsidered not later than July 31st, 1923.
9. All existing practices and conditions not inconsistent with any of the arrangements embodied in this Agreement shall continue as at present.
10. This Agreement to come into operation with pays commencing Monday, December 5th, 1921.
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WORKMEN'S FIRE-COAL ALLOWANCE
All workmen at Bowburn Colliery who are entitled to fire-coal allowance will receive, for those who are entitled to 15 tons per year, one load every 21 days during the six Summer months commencing May 1st, and one load every 14 days during the six Winter months commencing November 1st. Those who are entitled to 12 tons per…
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[page 56]
year will receive one load every 21 days from and including the first day of employment with the Company.
The charge for leading the above, which will be deducted from the workmen's wages will be as follows :– Sixpence per fortnight for the first 1.5 miles and pro rata up to 3 miles from any of the Company's Coal Depots in the County to the workman's residence. Over 3 miles from the nearest Depot to the workman's residence then becomes the workman's obligation lo make his own coal leading arrangements.
Depots include those at Bowburn, Browney, Sherburn Hill, Pittington, Sherburn, Mainsforth, Dean and Chapter, Merrington, Westerton, Chilton, Auckland Park, etc.
Any member who is not having his fire-coal allowance supplied to him in keeping with the arrangement should inform the Secretary at once.
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EVENTS and DATES.
1861 July – Mines' Act passed.
1862 January 6 – Hartley Disaster.
1870 December 3 – 1st Annual Meeting, D.M.A.
1871 January 9 – lnundation at Wheatley Hill (5 lives lost)
August 2 – 1st Annual Gala in Wharton Park.
1872 February – Formation of Coal Owners' Association.
February 17 – 1st Meeting of D.M.A. and Owners' Association.
Abolition of yearly bond.
May 17 – Strike al Seaham.
June 15 – 2nd Annual Gala. Racecourse.
July 19 – Formation of Joint Committee.
July 27 – Mines' Bill passed.
1873 May 18 – Death of T. Ramsay.
June 14 – 3rd Annual Gala. Racecourse.
1874 May 8 – One week's strike.
June 11 – Thornley Evictions.
October 13-30 1st Wages Arbitration (9 per cent. reduction).
1875 April 5-23 – 2nd Wages Arbitration (5 per cent. reduction to underground men, 4 per cent. reduction to surface men).
1876 January 18-February 16 – 3rd Wages Arbitration (7 per cent. reduction to underground men, 4 per cent. reduction to surfacemen).
June 3 – Opening of Miners' Hall, Durham.
August 29 – September 25 –4th Wages Arbitration (6 per cent. reduction to underground men, 4 per cent. reduction to surfacemen).
September 11 – Appointment of Mr. Meynell as Chairman of Joint Committee.
1877 May 4 – 1st Sliding Scale arrangement.
April 9-15 – Hours Arbitration.
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[page 57]
1878 October – Formation of Federation Board.
1879 April 5 – General Strike commenced.
May 15 – Pro tem. Wages Arbitration (reduction 8.75 per cent. to underground men, 6 per cent. to surfacemen).
July 22-23 – Wages Arbitration (1.25 per cent. reduction).
October 11 – 2nd Sliding Scale.
1880 Employers' Liability Act.
1881 April 29 – 3rd Sliding Scale.
October 31 – Death of Mr. Macdonald, M.P.
1884 Aug 1 – 4th Sliding Scale.
1885 November – W. Crawford returned member for Mid-Durham.
J. Wilson returned member for Houghton-le-Spring.
1889 July 31 – Termination of Sliding Scale.
1890 January 1 – Ten Hours' Agreement.
July I – Death of Mr. Crawford.
1st International Miners' Conference (at Jolimont, Belgium).
J. Wilson returned member for Mid-Durham.
1891 Strike at Silksworth.
February 19 – Evictions at Silksworth.
1892 March 12 – General Strike commenced.
June 1-3 – Settlement of Strike (10 per cent. reduction).
July – Trial of Castle Eden miners for intimidation during strike.
Miners' Federation joined.
1893 August 22 – Expelled from Miners' Federation.
1895 February 18 – 1st Conciliation Board.
May – Umpire awards reduction of 7.5 per cent. under Conciliation Board.
1896 July 16 – Death of Mr. Patterson.
August 4 – Conciliation Board terminated.
1897 February – Miners' Federation joined.
July 10 – Miners' Federation left.
Strike at Washington.
1898 July 1 – Compensation Act came into force.
1899 June – 2nd Conciliation Board formed.
October – Aged Miners' Home initiated.
1900 September 2 – Death of Mr. Forman.
1901 Coal Tax.
July – Death of Bishop Westcott.
1903 January 31 – Mr. Patterson's statue unveiled.
1904 January 20 – Mr. Johnson returned M.P. for Gateshead.
January 15-July 4 – Suspension of Joint Committee
1906 Compensation Act amended.
1909 February 16 – West Stanley disaster (168 lives lost).
1910 December 29 – Death of Mr. J. Johnson.
1911 January 1 – Eight hours' strike.
1912 March 1 – Minimum wage strike began.
March 26 – Minimum Wage Act passed.
1913 October 14 – Universal Colliery disaster, near Cardiff (425 lives lost).
October 20 – Sir R. Romer's amended award.
1914 August 4 – War with Germany declared.
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[page 58]
1915 March 23 – Death of Dr. John Wilson, M.P., D.C.L., General Secretary, D.M.A.
October 23–Opening or New Hall and Offices.
1917 May 7 – Death of Ald. W. House.
1920 October 18 – November 3rd National Strike on Wages.
1921 April-July – Strike–Pool.
1922 December – W. Whiteley retuned M.P. for Blaydon.
December – J . Batey returned M.P. for Spennymoor.
1924 May 6 – Death of Mr. T. H. Cann.
1926 National Lock-out. General Strike.
1930 August 8 – Death of Mr. W. P. Richardson.
1932 November 22 – Death or Mr. T. Trotter.
1934 September 7 – Death of Mr. J. Robson.
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LIST OF DURHAM MINERS' ANNUAL GALAS.
1871 Saturday, August 2nd, at Wharton Park
1872 Saturday, June 15th, on Racecourse
1873 Saturday, July 14th on Racecourse
1874 Saturday, Aug. 15th on Racecourse
1875 Saturday, July 3rd on Racecourse
1876 Monday, July 3rd on Racecourse
1877 Monday, July 16th on Racecourse
1878 Saturday, July 6th on Racecourse
1879 Saturday, July 5th on Racecourse
1880 Saturday, July 31st on Racecourse
1881 Saturday, July 30th on Racecourse
1882 Saturday, July 1st on Racecourse
1883 Saturday, July 14th on Racecourse
1884 Saturday, July 5th on Racecourse
1885 Saturday, July 25th on Racecourse
1886 Saturday, July 31st on Racecourse
1887 Saturday, July 23rd on Racecourse
1888 Saturday, July 14th on Racecourse
1889 Saturday, July 6th on Racecourse
1890 Saturday, July 12th on Racecourse
1891 Saturday, July 4th on Racecourse
1892 Saturday, July 23rd on Racecourse
1893 Saturday, July 29th on Racecourse
1894 Saturday, July 21st on Racecourse
1895 Saturday, July 27th on Racecourse
1896 Saturday, July 18th on Racecourse
1897 Saturday, July 24th on Racecourse
1898 Saturday, July 16th on Racecourse
1899 Saturday, July 22nd on Racecourse
1900 Saturday, July 28th on Racecourse
1901 Saturday, July 20th on Racecourse
1902 Saturday, July 26th on Racecourse
1903 Saturday, July 18th on Racecourse
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[page 59]
List of Durham Miners' Annual Galas (Continued).
1904 Saturday, July 23rd on Racecourse
1905 Saturday, July 29th on Racecourse
1906 Saturday, July 21st on Racecourse
1907 Saturday, July 27th on Racecourse
1908 Saturday, July 18th on Racecourse
1909 Saturday, July 24th on Racecourse
1910 Saturday, Aug. 13th on Racecourse
1911 Saturday, July 22nd on Racecourse
1912 Saturday, July 27th on Racecourse
1913 Saturday, July 18th on Racecourse
1914 Saturday, July 25th on Racecourse
1916 None held on account of the War
1916 None held on account of the War
1916 None held on account of the War
1916 None held on account of the War
1916 None held on account of the War
1920 July 17th on Racecourse
1921 None held on account of National Lock-out.
1922 None held owing to hard times re unemployment.
1923 Saturday, July 28th on Racecourse
1924 Saturday, July 19th on Racecourse
1925 Saturday, July 25th on Racecourse
1926 None held on account of National Lock-out.
1927 July 17th on Racecourse
1928 Saturday, July 28th on Racecourse.
1929 Saturday, July 27th on Racecourse.
1930 Saturday, July 26th on Racecourse.
1931 Saturday, July 24th on Racecourse.
1932 Saturday, July 23rd on Racecourse.
1933 Saturday, July 22nd on Racecourse.
1934 Saturday, July 28th on Racecourse.
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CHANGES IN DURHAM MINERS' WAGES
From 1872.
Date of change taking effect.
Advance per cent.
Reduction
On
February, 1872
20
July, 1872
15
February, 1873
15
November, 1874
9
April, 1874
10
April, 1875
5
February, 1876
7
September, 1876
6
April, 1877
7.5
May, 1879
8.75
July, 1879
1.25
December, 1880
2.5
2.5
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[page 60]
Date of change taking effect.
Advance per cent.
Reduction
On
April, 1882
3.75
6.25
August, 1882
1.25
5
November, 1882
1.25
6.25
February, 1883
1.25
7.5
August, 1884
1.25
6.25
May, 1885
1.25
5
May, 1868
1.25
3.75
February, 1888
1.25
3.75
May, 1888
1.25
3
August, 1888
1.25
2.5
November, 1888
1.25
3.75
February, 1889
1.25
5
August, 1889
10
15
December, 1889
10
25
March 3-10, 1890
5
30
December 29, 1890
5
35
January 5, 1891
June 1, 1892
10
25
March, 1893
5
20
*October 16, 1893
5
25
May 6-13, 1895
7.5
17.5
October 7-14, 1897
2.5
17.5
August 14-21, 1897
2.5
15
**May 16-23, 1898
2.5
May 16-23, 1898
2.5
22.5
October 31, November 7, 1898
2.5
25
***April 17-24, 1899
2.5
27.5
July 24-31, 1899
2.5
30
November 6-13, 1899
3.75
33.75
February 12-19, 1900
5
38.75
May 14-21, 1900
7.5
46.25
August 13-20, 1900
8.75
55
November 12-19, 1900
10
65
February 11-18, 1901
1.25
63.75
May 13-20, 1901
11.25
52.5
August 12-19, 1901
7.5
45
November 12-19, 1901
5
40
February I 7-24, 1902
1.25
38.75
May 12-19, 1902
2.5
36.25
August 11-18, 1902
2.5
33.75
February 9-16, 1903
1.25
35
May 11-18, 1903
1.25
33.75
August 10-17, 1903
1.25
32.5
February 8-15, 1904
1.25
31.25
May 16-23, 1904
2.5
28.75
November 7-14, 1904
1.25
27.5
February 5-12, 1906
1.25
28.75
August 6-13, 1906
2.5
31.25
November 12-19, 1906
1.25
32.5
February 4-11, 1907
1.25
33.75
======
[page 61]
Date of change taking effect.
Advance per cent.
Reduction
On
****February 4-11, 1907
2.5
36.25
May 6-13, 1907
3.75
40
August 5-12, 1907
7.5
47.5
November 11-18, 1907
6.25
53.75
February 10-17, 1908
1.25
55
May 4-11, 1908
2.5
52.5
August 10-17, 1908
1.25
51.25
November 16-23, 1908
3.75
47.5
February 8-15, 1909
2.5
45
January 10-17, 1910
6.25
38.75
May 23-30, 1910
2.5
41.25
December 26, 1910-
January 2, 1911
2.5
43.75
March 27-April 3, 1911
2.5
41.25
August7-14, 1911
2.5
38.75
May, 1912
3.75
42.5
November 11-18, 1912
3.75
46.25
February, 1913
3.75
50
May, 1913
6.25
56.25
June, 1913
3.75
60
March, 1914
2.5
57.5
September, 1914
3.75
53.75
May 3, 1915
15
68.75
November 8, 1915
6.25
75
February 7, 1916
3.75
78.75
May 8, 1916
10
88.75
August 7, 1916
13.75
102.5
November 6, 1916
5
107.5
September, 1917 – War wage of 1/6 to adult workers and 9d. for boys.
June, 1918 – Second war wage of 1/6 and 9d. as above.
June, 1919 – Sankey wage of 2/-.
March, 1920 – 2s. or 20% (whichever the higher).
November, 1920 – Output bonus of 2/- for November and December.
January, 1921 – Output bonus of 1/6 for January.
February, 1921 – Reduction of 2/- on output.
March, 1921 – Reduction of 1/6 on output.
July, 1921 – Reduction of 2/- after lock–out.
August, 1921 – Reduction of 6d.
September, 1921 – Reduction of 6d.
• Originally given as a temporary advance for six pays, afterwards converted into an ordinary advance.
** Originally given for six pays, afterwards continued for further period of six pays, and again extended until pays ending 15th and 22nd April, 1899; it was then continued as an ordinary advance.
*** Of this advance 1.25 per cent. was given for seven pays, and afterwards merged in the ordinary percentage.
**** Originally a special advance of 2.5 per cent. for 3 months.
=========
[page 62]
Monthly Ascertainment Under Settlement of July, 1921.
Increase
Reduction
Per Cent
October, 1921
29.95
197.45
November, 1921
54.56
142.89
December, 1921
23.16
119.73
January, 1922
25.86
93.87
February, 1922
21.71
72.16
March, 1922
10.45
61.71
April, 1922
16.68
78.39
May, 1922
11.87
90.26
June, 1922
11.87
78.39
July, 1922
12.23
90.62
August, 1922
28.53
62.09
September, 1922
10.46
72.55
October, 1922
15.11
87.66
November, 1922
6.98
94.64
December, 1922
2.37
92.27
Ascertainment, 2 months.
Increase
Reduction
Per Cent
January and February, 1923
4.57
97.02
March and April, 1923
5.34
91.63
May and June, 1923
13.46
105.16
July and August, 1923
18.24
123.40
September anti October, 1923
8.48
131.88
November and December, 1923
7.23
124.65
January and February, 1924
4.25
120.40
March and April, 1924
3.8
116.60
May and June, 1924
5.41
122.01
Ascertainment under National Wages Agreement, 1924.
Increase
Reduction
Per Cent
June, 1924
6.66
128.667
July, 1924
8.55
120.12
August, 1924
6.38
113.74
September, 1924
3.74
110.00
October, 1924, to April, 1926
110.00
(Under Clause 5 of National Wages Agreement, 1st July, 1924).
Wages Agreement of 30th November, 1926.
January, 1927, to February, 1928 21 89.00
March, 1928, to 1935 21 65.00
(Under Sir William Plender’s Award of 9th February, 1928, the minimum percentage addition to basis rates was reduced from 89 to 65, and the subsistence wage from 6/8.5 to 6/6.5.
==========
[page 63]
OFFICERS OF D.M.A. SINCE FORMATION.
Agent.
Year.
1869 J . Richardson, Monkwearmouth.
1870 Munro, Philadelphia.
W. Crawford, Bedlington.
W. H. Patterson, Heworth.
T. Ramsey, Blaydon.
Secretary.
1869 Isaac Perks, Trimdon.
J. Richardson.
1870 A. Cairns, Thornley.
1871 W. Crawford.
1890 Secretary's office divided into Corresponding Secretary and Financial Secretary (which see).
Treasurer.
1869 N. Wilkinson, Trimdon Grange.
1882 J . Wilson.
1890 J. Johnson.
1890 T. H. Cann.
1911 S. Galbraith.
1913 J. Robson.
1915 T. Trotter.
1934 W. Lawther.
President.
1870 W. Crake, Monkwearmouth.
W. Crawford.
1871 J. Forman, Roddymoor.
1900 W. House.
1917 J. Robson.
1935 J. Gilliland.
Vice–President.
1870 W. H. Patterson, Heworth.
First Clerk.
1874 W. Golightly.
=======
[page 64]
Corresponding and General Secretary.
1890 W. H. Patterson.
1896 J. Wilson.
1913 Divided into General Secretary and Corresponding Secretary (which see).
General Secretary.
1913 J. Wilson.
1915 T. H. Cann.
1919 W. P. Richardson.
1931 P. Lee.
Corresponding Secretary.
1913 T. H. Cann.
1915 J. Robson.
(Now changed to Committee Secretary).
1919 W. P. Richardson
1922 P. Lee.
1930 J . E. Swan.
Financial Secretary.
1890 J . Wilson.
1896 J. Johnson.
1911 T. H. Cann.
1913 S. Galbraith.
1915 W. P. Richardson
1917 W. Whiteley.
1919 P. Lee.
1923 J. E. Swan.
1925 J. Gilliland.
1935 E. Moore.
Compensation Secretary.
1898 J. Wilson.
1909 W. House.
1917 J. Robson.
1924 J. E. Swan.
1930 J. Gilliland
=====
[page 65]
Joint Committee Agent.
1899 W. House.
1900 S. Galbraith.
1911 J . Robson.
1913 T. Trotter.
1915 J. Batey.
1922 P. Lee.
1930 J. E. Swan.
When first became Agents.
1896 Thos. H. Cann.
1900 W. House.
1911 J . Robson.
1912 W. Whiteley.
1913 T. Trotter.
1915 J . Batey.
1915 W. P. Richardson.
1919 P. Lee.
1923 J. E. Swan.
1925 J. Gilliland.
1934 W. Lawther.
1935 E. Moore.
Approved Society Agent.
1913-22 W. Whiteley.
1922 W. Walker.
---------
COLLIERY DISASTERS IN THE NORTH.
The following is a list of the principal colliery disasters in the North since 1658, when 20 miners were drowned in Gallow Flat Pit, near Elswick. It will be seen the heaviest death rolls were at Wallsend in 1835, when 102 were killed by an explosion; at Hartley in 1862, when a pumping beam broke and 202 men suffered; and at Seaham Colliery in 1880, and when 168 lives were lost.
KILLED
1658 4 May–Gallow Flat, near Elswick, inundated 20
1701 Penshaw, exploded 70 to 86
1743 18 January–North Biddick, exploded 17
1757 5 June–Ravensworth, exploded 16
1766 18 March–Walker, exploded 10
1766 16 April–South Biddick, exploded 27
========
[page 66]
Colliery Disasters in the North–Continued.
1766 27 March – Fatfield, exploded 39
1778 8 December – Dolly Pit, Chaytor's Haugh, exploded 24
1793 27 December – Hope Pit, Sheriff Hill, exploded 14
1794 9 June – Hackleton Pit, Pictree, exploded 30
1794 11 June – Harraton, exploded 28
1795 22 April – Paradise or West Pit, Benwell, exploded 11
1799 11 October – Lumley, exploded 39
1805 25 September – Wallsend, exploded 13
1805 21 October – Hebburn, exploded 35
1805 28 November – Oxclose, exploded 38
1809 28 March – Killingworth, exploded 10
1809 14 September – Killingworth, exploded 12
1812 25 May – Felling, exploded 19
1812 10 October – Herrington Mill Pit, Penshaw, exploded 25
1813 28 September – Hall Pit, Fatfield, exploded 32
1813 24 December – Felling, exploded 22
1814 12 August – Hebburn, exploded 11
1815 3 May – Heaton Main, inundated 70
1815 2 June – Success Pit, Newbottle, exploded 57
1815 22 June – Sheriff Hill, exploded 11
1815 31 July – Newbottle, bursting of boiler 18
1817 30 June – Row Pit, Harraton, exploded 38
1817 18 December – Plain Pit, Rainton, exploded 27
1818 19 July – Sheriff Hill, exploded 35
1819 9 October – George Pit, Lumley, exploded 13
1821 23 October – Wallsend (Russel’s), exploded 52
1823 8 November – Plain Pit, Rainton, exploded 59
1824 22 October– Dolly Pit, Newbottle, exploded 11
1824 10 November – George Pit, Lumley, exploded 14
1824 3 July – Judith Pit, FatfieId,, exploded 11
1825 17 January – Jarrow, exploded 34
1826 30 March – Towneley, exploded 39
1828 30 November – Washington (1 Pit), exploded 14
1830 8 August – Jarrow, exploded 42
1832 15 June – Newbottle, boiler explosion 12
1833 9 May – SpringwelI, exploded 47
1835 18 June – Wallsend, exploded 102
1838 29 January – Hetton, exploded 24
1839 23 June – St. Hilda, South Shields, exploded 51
1841 28 September – Haswell, exploded 95
1845 21 August – Jarrow, exploded 39
1848 17 August – Newton, Seaham 14
1850 5 June – Usworth, exploded 13
1850 11 November – Houghton, exploded 25
1851 12 August – Washington Colliery, exploded 35
1851 31 October – West Moor, exploded 11
1858 1 October – Page Bank 10
1860 9 March – Burradon, exploded 74
1860 20 December – Hetton, boiler explosion 22
1862 16 January – Hartley, pumping beam broke 202
=========
[page 67]
Colliery Disasters in the North–Continued.
1862 20 November – Walker, exploded 16
1863 6 May – Coxlodge, exploded 19
1866 21 October – Old Pelton, exploded 24
1869 25 May – Monkwearmouth 7
1871 25 October – Seaham 30
1878 8 July – Craghead, exploded 4
1880 8 September – Seaham Colliery, exploded 168
1882 13 February – Trimdon Colliery, exploded 74
1882 13 April – West Stanley, exploded 13
1882 18 April – Tudhoe, exploded 38
1885 2 March – Usworth, exploded 41
1885 3 June – Houghton-le-Spring 12
1886 2 December – Elemore 28
1887 8 June – Walker 8
1889 2 November – Hebburn 6
1895 18 December – Eppleton 8
1896 13 April – Brancepeth A Pit 20
1897 6 May – East Helton 10
1890 15 August – Brandon C Pit 6
1902 20 May – Deaf llill 1
1903 16 November – Sacriston, Inundation 3
1906 14 October – Wingate Grange, explosion 24
1906 18 December – Urpeth, explosion 4
1908 20 February – Washington Glebe 17
1909 16 February – West Stanley 168
1910 11 May – Wellington Pit, Whitehaven 136
1910 21 December – Pretoria Pit 344
1912 6 January – Hunwick, exploded 1
1914 28 April – Felling, inundated 1
1916 August– Woodhorn, explosion 13
1922 5 September – Whitehaven, Haigh Pit 39
1923 24 February – Medomsley, Cage Disaster 8
1925 14 September – Marley Hill, explosion 2
1927 7 November – Eden, explosion 3
1929 17 May – South Garesfield, shot fumes 3
1930 2 March – Bishop Middleham, explosion 1
1930 6 March – Fanny Pit, inundation of water 3
1930 2 March – Bishop Middleham, exploded 1
1930 4 April – New Herrington, explosion 2
1930 21 November – Brandon, explosion 1
1932 9 February – Handen Hold, taking out stool, and whole
pillar fell 3
1932 14 November – Ushaw Moor, explosion 2
1934 29 March – South Medomsley, explosion 3
1934 September – Gresford, North Wales 265
======
[page 68]
The following Problems will be found very useful for finding out the different percentages upon the, different base wages – that is, for finding out how much per cent. it will take to raise a base wage from a lower to a higher, or reduce it from a higher to a lower standard.
They will also show how to find out when the per cent. is on the gross earnings. or what the base wage would be before any per cent. had been added.
PROBLEMS. [pp. 68-69] [not transcribed]
1. The average wage ………
TABLES, etc. [pp. 70-74] [not transcribed]
1.–MONEY.
…………
======
INDEX.
PAGE
Busty Seam Agreements–
Band Stone Prices 10
Cassop Agreement, 1916 15
Cassop Agreements, 1916-17 16
Cutting, Drilling, Filling, Loading into Tubs and Moving
Forward Scraper Conveyor, Prices and Conditions for –
Coal Cutting 22
Drilling 24
Filling on to Scraper Loader Conveyor and Loading into Tubs 25
Moving forward Scraper Loader Conveyors 27
Filling Prices 21
Hewers' Revised Prices (21st April, 1927) 20
John Plummer's Award 7
Broken Prices 8
Coal Drawing Hours 9
Putting Prices 9
Stonemen's and Shifters' Short Shifts 9
Lads' Conditions 14
Shincliffe 3rd West Top Section Award, 1915 10
Shincliffe Whin 3rd East 1st North District 22
Stonemen's Canch Prices 17
Tonnage Rates, Alterations in 21
Top Section Shincliffe 3rd West Districts 11
Whin 3rd East District Hewers' Prices 18
Whin 3rd East District Hewers' Prices (2nd June, 1925) 19
Whitwell Low Section–Thomas Lambert's Award 11
Cavilling Rules 42
Death Fund, Bowburn Members' 53
Death Levy Rules 52
Disasters, Colliery, in the North 65
Events and Dates 56
Fatal Accidents, Bowburn Colliery 4
Fire-coal Allowance ... 55
======
[page 76]
PAGE
Galas, List of Durham Miners' Annual 58
Harvey Seam Agreements–
Coal Cutting by Machines of Longwall Face 33
Composite Agreement–Longwall Working 38
Drilling in Coal by Power and Hand Machines 35
Filling after Mechanical Coal Cutters on Longwall Face 29
Heading Machines, Coal Cutting with 36
Hewing and Filling in Longwall Workings either on Straight
or Stepped Faces 28
Ripping Gateways anti Building Packwalls 31
Transfer of Men from one Longwall Face to another 45
History, Bowburn Colliery 4
House Lighting 40
Houses, Rent anti Fire-coal 54
Introduction 3
Meetings, Rules for Guidance of Members 46
Officers of D.M.A. since formation 63
Percentages, Problems on 68
Starting and Transfer of Men 16, 37
Synopsis of Prices anti Conditions 5
Tables, Money, Weights and Measures 70
Tilley Seam Agreement 50
Wages, Changes in Durham Miners’, from 1872 59
Workmen's Compensation
Certifying Surgeons for Durham County 49
Convalescent Home Allowance 49
Fatal Accidents 48
Hospital Expenses 49
Instructions to Members 48
Non-Fatal Accidents 48
Scheduled Diseases, List of 48
========
[End]
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