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The Coa! Trade.

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The Coa! Trade. -+. A 25 PER CENT. REDUCTION IN MINERS' WAGES. Action of the Miners' Federation, At a largely-attended meeting of represenlativ joalowners from the districts embraced isi the Minors' Imitation, held at the Westminster Palace Hotel, on Friday afternoon, the com- mittee whietk had been appointed at a previous meeting for the purpose of meeting the represen- tatives of the Miners' Federation reported the Jesuit of the conference with the numerous iiiners' le preventatives held eadleriu the Mr A. M. Chambers, South Yorkshire, occupied Jhe chair, and the following resolutions were anatiiniously parsed :— (1) That the condition of the coal trade ADd that notice terminating contracts be Riven n view to obtain such reduction. (2) That he committee appointed to meet the ■flinws' representatives having reported the result ( their conference, it is resolved that, to enable jhe men's representatives to obtain instructions "pml the application of the employers for reduc- ilon in wages of 25 per cent, and the offer to refer the dispute to arbitration, the notices terminating Contracts be not given before the 8th July, but that they be priven on that date to terminate not later than the 28th July. (3) That the committee appointed be em- powersd to meet the men's representatives at any iime, if necessary, without calling a further meeting of the coaivwners. The following were amongst those present :— On behalf of the men—Yorkshire, Mr Pickard, M.P.. and Mr (ieorge Cowie; Lancashire Cheshire, and North Wales, Mr Wood?, MP., Mr Robert Isherwood, and Mr Thomas. Ashton (secretary of the Federation); Derbyshire, Mr W. E. Harvey Nottinghamshire, Mr W. Bailey Midland*, Mr E. Edwards, Mr B. Dean, iud Mr E. H. Whifcehouae Leicestershire, h Thomas Chambers; South Wales and Mon- fnontbshire. Mr W. Brace London, Mr-James O'Connor (National Amalgamated Coal Porters' Union.) Amongst those presenb connected with the owners were Mr A. M. Chambers, of the York- shire Association; Mr I\ H. Ellis, secretary of the Minim; Federation of Great Uritain; Mr Parker Rhodes, the secretary of the Yorkshire Coalowners' Association and Mr Hewlett. Wigan. The meeting was the largest that has been held tihcn March, 1890. when the 10 par cent, increase was given. There will probably be a further meeting on the 9th of next month in Bir- mingham. s The Conference with the Miners' Representatives. Earlier-in the day the representatives of the coalowners had a conference of some duration with representatives of the Miners' Federation of frreat Britain. The following communication was afterwards made to the Pres3 :— A meeting took place at Westminster Palace Hotel to-day between a representative committee of colliery owners in the district embraced in the Miners' Federation and tho executive committee the latter body, to consider the application for a reduction of 25 per cent, in wastes required by the coalowners. It was thought advisable that proceedings should be private in order to facilitate free discussion, bub a short- hand note was taken m order that those taking part might refer to it hereafter, if necessary. 011 the motion of Mr Pickard, Mr A. M. Chambers was requested to take the chair. Mr CHAMBBKS, on behalf of the coal owners, stated the case which they had to submit for the Whsideration of the miners' executive. That case consisted of arguments based on the decline of prices and on a comparison of existing prices with those ruling at the time an advance of wages was given, add Mr Chambers quoted figures in inpport of his contention. Mr PICKARD dealt with the fllStter on behalf of he men, and said they had come on the invita- tion of the employers to heat what they had to My, that they were not prepared to deal with the juestion that day, and that, therefore, they did not propose either to admit or controvert the 'statements put forward on behalf of the coal- awnera that their lodges would bava to be con- Milted, and their council convened in due course. 1'here would also have to be a general conference ti the Miners' Federation in London or else- where, and this wwald.take -ahoiit a month. He auggested, therefore, that the meeting should be Adjourned for that period. After a short consultation, Mr CHAMBERS, on behalf of the coalowners, said that they were prepared to refer the question to arbitration, and asked whether the miners would at their next meeting be prepared to say whether they would consent to a settlement by that means. Mr PICKARD said that the miners did not got IUY of the advance by arbitration. Mr CHAMBERS said he quite appreciated the necessity for the miners' representatives obtain- ing instructions from their men, but said he saw no reason why that should not be done con- currently with the running of the notices to terminate contracts. He said that his committee proposed to report to the general meeting of coal- •Dwfiers that afternoon the result of their confer- ence, and to recommend that the notices be not jfiven before the end of next week and terminate the 25th of July. That would give ample time for further negotiations with the miners' committee, which they would be quite ready to uter into when they were fnlly instructed. A Manchester correspondent telegraphs that active steps are being taken throughout districts embraced by the Miners' Federation of Great Britain to obtain a final decision of miners on the proposed reduction of 25 per cent, in the wag. Meetings will be first held in each colliery, and afterwards a general district meeting will elect delegates. At the meeting of he Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation delegates wiU then be elected to a special con- ference of the whole Federation to be hold at Bir- mingham. The secretary of the Miners'Federation has received the resolutions of the last coal- percent. to be necessary, and resol ved that notices be given accordingly, but not until July 8th, expiring July 28th. This will allow time for the miners to hold their meetings and the final conference at Birmingham. The executive of the Miners' Federation will probably meet the coalowners oil July 21st, and will then indicate their final decision. De'egates representing the whole of the collieries in Derbyshire met on Monday at Chesterfield to discuss the proposed reduction of 25 per nt. in tonnage rates. About 25,000 miners ate affected in this county. The deliberations were private, but the Press representatives were afterwards informed that after hearing the state- ment of Mr Harvey, the miners'agent, it was unanimously decided to take a ballot of the ilien to ascertain whether they would accept or resist the employers' offer. SLIDING-SCALE OOMMITTEE. Meeting of Workmen's Representatives. On Saturday a meeting of the work- men's representatives on the Sliding- scale Committee was held at the Ahgel Hotel, Cardiff, under the presidency of Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon). Other members in attendance wera Mr David IoraD, Mr T. Daronwy Isaac. Mr Alfred Onion. Mr Thomas Richards, Mr David Beynon, Mr P. D. Rees, Mr T. Davies, Mr M. A. James, and Mr Lewis Miles, the secretary. The meeting was called mainly for the purpose of considering the financial position and with a view to brinsc about an improvement in that position it was resolved to issue a circular reminding the colliery workmen of the resolution which was passed in conference last January that a levy of 6d per head be paid for sliding-scale purposes, and also recalling the resolution adopted on the 4th of Mawh last that all funds for shding-scale objects should be amalgamated. The Federation Crusade. At < lfleeting of the workmen's representatives on the sliding-scale committee, held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday, Mr W. Abraham, M.P., in the chair, it was determined to convene meetings in all the places where Mr W. Btncennd Mr Ben Davies, the agents of the Miners' Federation in South Wales, had lately been carrying on their propaganda. Withdrawol of Notices at Rudry Colliery. The colliers employed tt the Rudry Pit with- drew their notices, which expired on Friday last, on a condition agreed to with the management, that the double shift in at this colliery will be abandoned for the itfture, and to commence forthwith to work single shifts in stalls. The questions of the introduction of safety lamps, and fne automatic Billy Fair Play system of weighing CTal, were left in abeyance the present. Colliers' Meeting at Ebbw Vale. Jk. crowded meeting d. colliers took place oil Waun-y-pound Mountain on Monday, under the presidency of Mr W. Vyse.—The main question brought forward for consideration was the threat- ened stoppage of the colliers' train.—Mr ThomAs Bichard", miners' agent, as one of the deputation who had waited upon Mr Tallis, colliery manager, gave a detailed report of the interview. Mr Tallis had stated that the primary object for the stoppage of the train was for the purpose of curtailing expenses, amounting to about £300 a year. He also pointed out to the Ebbw Vale coiiiers that it would be to their advantage if tho train from Beau- fort and Brynmawr was discontinued, tlxereby keeping those men out of the district. Thp manager further explained thab by the saving of about £300 he would an opportunity of paying some extra remuneration to men who were em- ployed in poor places. He had, however, deoided to leave it to the men themselves—to decide whab course they would adopt. This referred more particularly to the L. and N.W. train.—-It was proposed, seconded, and carried unanimously, that the train on the I" and N.W. Railway be acmthnwd as nsrual, aod the following times were [ lixtid for the guidance of the G.W.Tl. train from V;i!e to Vawr :—Leaving Ebbw Vale in the morning at 5.58 instead of 6.5 and starting from the Marine Colliery, (Jraig, at 530 p.m. instead of 5.29 p.m. On M«>ndavs it leave at 2.30 and Saturdays | at 2.45. Meeiing at Mountain Ash. At a meeting of the Messrs Nixon's employees, j held on Mubon's Day, at the Allen's Arms, Mr Henry Jones in the chair, it was resolved that 6<1 each man and boy be contributed towards the "support of those thrown out of employment at Clydach Yale Colliery. Federation Demonstration at Abertiliery. The annual demonstration of the Monmouth- shire and South Wales Miners' Association (a branch of the Mi tiers' Federation of Great Britain) was held at the Recreation Grounds, I Abertiliery, on Monday. There was n. large attendance, representative of the district, and Councillor S. N. Jones presided, being accom- panied to the platform by Messrs W. Bruce, Isew- jx>rt; Ben I).ies, Rhondda W. Bailey, Not- tingham S. Mills (district secretary), Abet bees W. Treharne, W. Cowdery, W. Hurley, T. Price, &c. The Chairman, having welcomed the visitors, the meeting being the first of the kind held at Abertiliery, Mr W. HURLEY proposed That this mass meeting of the workmen of the Western Valloys antI Hurrounding district view with great diss¡1.j;sfactio!, the influx of unskilled labour into the mines, which lias noc "Illy assisteti to pro- duce more eM1, hnt tends to endanger life amongst the unskilled men, but is also a source of danger to the great body of tniners, ,I:d urges that steps be taken by the offiemhrof the association to remedy the evil. Mr THOMAS PRiCE seconded, and the resolution was carried amid applause. Mr JAMES GULLICK, OlVm, then moved:— That this mass meeting is absolutely in favour of the Miners' Eight Bill, the amended Em- ployers' Liability Bill, the abolition of mining royalties and way leaves, the payment of members of Parlia- ment, and the amendments to the Mines Regulation Act as recomiliended by the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, and that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Right Hon. W, K. Gladstone, Mr T. P. Price, M.P., Mr C. M. Watmington, Q.C., M.P., the bOil. members (or North and West Monmouthshire. Mr JACOB WILLIAMS, Blaiua, seconded, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. Mr W. C. CownKfiY, Cwmtillery; proposed the third resolution, viz. :— That this mass meeting views with dissatisfaction the miserable failure of the Slidiog-scale duting the past 18 years, and desires at the earliest possible date to free" the workmen of Monmouthshire ami South Wales from the shackles which bind them to a. prin- ciple which has given them 47% per cent, reduction during the past 18 months, while the M.F.G.U., by the power of that organisation, has maintained intact all the advances they have pained since 18SS and that thi. meetillllereJ.¡y pledges itself tQ ue every legiti- mate means to support and indues the miners 01' Sout II Wales and to join the :.i.I".G, B,. the only organisation which, by it-, Rigantic strength and national character, can maintain a lid,, rate of Hvges for the miners of this country. Mr MACKAY, of Abercarn, briefly seconded, and Mr W. BRACE, who was loudly applauded on rising to support, said he rejoiced to know that that inorniTig they stood nearer a successful issuit than ever they did before. He aw by that morn- ing's Press that the workmen's representatives on the sliding-.Tcale oommittee had informed the pubho what they intended to do, and on Satur- day, under the presidency of Mr W. Abraham, hid passed a resolution that agents should go round t.he places where Messrs 15race and Davies had been carrying on their propaganda. He would inform the other side that they Would not be there by themselves, for the time had passed when they would allow men to violate the ruls of Trade Unionism as laid down by the Miners' Federation of Great Britain. The Federation WM now recognised as a power to be reckoned with in South Wales and Mon- mouthshire, and the members were determined not to allow their wages to be reduced by con- tract any longer. (Applause.) He ventured to assert that could they organise Sou'.ii Wales suc- cessfully, before 12 months-If not prevented by the contemplated attack of the South Wales leaders—they Would get back some of the reduc- tions which had been taken from them. (Ap- plause.) Since the Northumberland men had amalgamated with the M.F.G.B., the South Wales leaders had no desire of am alga mating, as resolved by theiii, to join thair so-called "natural allies." Their desire was to break up the org;tni- satiou to which the Northumberland men had amalgamated. He should be glad to meet the leaders when they came round, and should they come to the conference at Cardiff "on the 24th inst., he would be prepared to debate the point. But they knew better, and would only try to break up the lodges of the M.F.C.B. Were the South Wales leaders wise, they would either carty oil the agitation by letter or fro around in non armour, because he (Mr Brace) was sure the men who had received so mauj reductions would not listen quietly. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the reduction of 25 per cent. asked by the owners in the Midlands, they were mistaken if they thought they would have it, and if the South Wales leaders would not fight the question lionoiirably as between the two principles, they might at least stand aside until this difficulty. oft the wage question had been cleared out of the way—(hear, hear)—for the Miners' Federation pf Great Britain had dona so against the scale, everi when ft per cent. The time had arrived when they should refuse any further reduction in wages, and if the employers were wise they would nob try to impose any more. A conference would be csilled on July 24th of the whole collieries of Wales and Monmouthshire to protest, against any more reductions in wages, and he was convinced that were a powerful protest made they would not be asked to accept a reduction in wages at the next audit. If the men of the Midlands had to accept the reduction Mked it would be owing to the action of districts outside. Mr BEN. 3 DAVIES also supported, and WM fol- lowed by Mr W. BAILEY, of Nottingham, who said there was a crises pending. The employers during the past twc!ve months had found there was a power in the organisation of the Miners' Federa- tion of Great Britain, and had been seeking to get a sufficient number of tho owners to make an attack upon it. But it was also a fact that pro. gress had beeumade not only amongst the men, but colliery owners had also come to believe that low wages do not mean high proiits, and many of the latter rejoiced in the efforts of the workmen. The Federation would try its strength in the Midlands before they would Jay I, Ye" to the request of the employers. Their position had been strengthened recently by the amalgamation of the two northern counties, where the men had become wiser thah their leaders, and joined the Miners' Federation of Great Britain. He went on to show that in numbers and the output of coal the federated districts were stronger than those outside, and would he aided in the Struggle on the wage question, which would affect all, by the Coal porters' and Seamen's and Firemen's Union. The resolution, was then put to the meeting, and corried, and the usual votes of thanks brought the proceedings to a close. Meeting of Colliers at Treharris. Mr William Evans, miners' agent, addressed a mass meeting of colliers at Treharris on Saturday morning with respect to the change in the pro- prietary of the Deep Navigation oollieries and the differences that had occurred between the men and the masters with regard to terms. It was decided that » deputation wait upon the new ngent, Mr Wm. Jenkin", and arrange matters. Mr Evans, in the course of an ¡ eloquent appeal, urged the men to be united, and referred to the excellent feeling existing between the Treharris workmen and the Cambrian Association. The Clydach "Vale colliers, Who were now out of employment, deserved their sympathy, and he hoped the Treharris workmen would act up to their usual standard. Referring to the supposed advance of the Federationists, Mr Evans advisbd the to stand linn and united. A determined attack was baing made on their ranks, but although the enemies of the scale had taken the best possible opportunity for making their attack, the scale would certainly suivive. If the Federationists I were so very formidable and' successful, surely the masters would not venture to I offer them a 25 per cent. reduction in their stronghold in the Midlands, and when they have an assured trade of their own, as their leaders s»y, Messrs T. Andrews and J. Thomas, who bad been appointed to inspect the accounts of the cheekweighers and colliers' management funds, reported to havin, found the books in an excel. lent condttion, and the accounts perfectly satis- factorVi and reflected great credit on the secre- tivvy, Mr John Edwards, checkweigher. Mr D. Jones was appointed treasurer for the forth. coming year. Aberdare nd Merthyr Miners' Association. A representative meeting of the Aberdare and Merthyr miners was held at the Green Dragon In", Aberdare, on Monday. Mr Jacob Treharne, Trecynon, presided, and Mr W. Phelps was in the vice-chair. Mr D. Morgan, agent, and Mr D. Parker were also present.— There were an excellent attendance of delegates, representing between 7,000 and 8,000 members. The miners of Blaenant Colliery were relieved as members of the association. It was arranged that they should push the new organisation among their members, but that they are not to give up the old before securing a reason- able number tinder the banners of the new. It Was unanimously resolved to cl. another conference of the Union and non- union men to consider some mode of dealing with the eight hours from bank to bank question. A report was given of the resolution passed by the executive committee re the conduct. of the men in the Gellideg seam at Llettyshenkin Colliery, which instructed them .to ask for 2s 3d per ton, and the meeting confirmed the action of the executive unani- mously, and decided that if the men refuse to submit to this decision they are not to be con- sidered members of the association after next month, and are instructed to give notice on the 1st of August if they can't get the 2s 3d per ton. It was resolved— (1) That we give £10 towards the re-investigation of the cause of the Park Slip explosion." (2) "That we disapprove of sub. mitting to any reduction in the 7ft. seam at Werfa Colliery, inasmuch as this would lead to a similar reduction in other collieries." The next question on the agenda was tho advisability of taking proceedings against the employers if they stopped the collieries to celebrate the marriage of the Duke of York next Thursday, and the following resolution was passed(3) That this meeting protests against the collieries being stopped on Thursday next, to celebrate the marriage of the Duke of York; and if any of them are idle, the men are to attend a meei- ing to be held at the Market-hall, Aberdare, ( at 10.20 la.trI., to Oonsider what action fthall be on the stupe day."(4-} this meeting of delegates, representing the miuer3 of the district, highly appreciates the action of our two repre- sentatives of Labour ori the Aberdare School highly appreciates the action of our two repre- sentatives of Labour on the Aberdare School Board, viz., Messrs D. Morgan and P. D. Rees, for their courageous and determined effort in support of freedom, equality, and common seiise, and against Toryism, liunkeyism, andhypoctitical fads in society, for voting as they did in the Aberdare School Board in the last two meetings in con nation with the celebration of the Royal marriage of the Duke of York; and while approving m the strongest terms of the action of Messrs Morgan and Eees, the meeting condemns in the most severe terms the dirty action of the chairman for insiUtincr our representative, Mr D. Morgan, and I is astonished at the inconsistency of special men and other members of the board." Mass Meeting at Treorky. At the Pentwyn Field, Treoiky, a mass mee. ing of hauliers took place ou Monday, at 11 o'clock, to consider the present position, when representatives from the following collieries were present :—Cwmdstre, Treharris, Ynysvbwl, Gclli, Bwllf(1, Bodniigallt, Aborgorchy, Watts- town, National Colliery, Ocean (Ogmorej, Albion, Tynvbedw, Cwmpaik, Ynysyfeioi Fern- hiJl, Wyndham {OginoreJ, Pent re, Ton, Great Western, Cymmer (Porth). The following resolu- tions were passed and adopted unanimously :— That every of workmen (who are not hauliers) I be asked to inve the meeting, except those gentlemen who have been invited to atteilt). j That we dù not admit the Press mto t11e meeting, in order to ensure free di*cU8.«ion and liberty of speech I but that til'1 PiesK be given a report of the proceedings afier the metillg terminates. That we deem it advisable to join the Miners' Federation d Great. Britain, being the only a:;soCÍI1.tiol1 that can aid u, in time of need, and worthy of our support. 1 nat we appoint a committee, consisting of two hauliers from each colliery, in order that the above resolution shall be pushed forward aUd carried into I effect successfully. The meeting was well attended, and terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman. The committee met at tho song-room, Griffin Hotel, at 3 p.m. The proceedings were private. Cambrian Association of Miners. The workmen of the Gelli Colliery, Ystrad, have decided by a majority of about 450 to join the Miners' Federation of Great Britain. The miners employed at tlie Pentre Celliety have also held a meeting to consider the question of Federation v, Sliding-scale, and it wUs resolved by a majority of 230 not to sever their connection with the association for at least three months, and to further consider the question at the end of that period. It was also agreed to invite Mr Brace to address the workmen.

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