Mexborough and Swinton Times, December 5, 1902

Important Injunction against The Yorkshire Miners Association.

“Strike Pay” Temporarily Stopped.

Quite a new development in connection with the struggle occurred on Wednesday, when the threatened action to stop the Yorkshire Miners’ Association from continuing to pay funds to the men now on strike was put in force.  The initiative has been taken on the information of a miner named Howden, who is described as now residing in London; and last Friday notices were served on Messrs. B. Pickard (general secretary), E. Cowey (president), F. Hall (treasurer of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association), and the treasurer of the local branch, on the ground, it is stated, that the asserted payment is contrary to the rules of the association.

The application was made to Mr. Justice Darling, in Chambers, at London; and the injunction was granted, which restrains the officials from paying any further funds until the action, which is fixed for hearing in London next Wednesday.  This means that the usual payment of funds to the men now numbering about 2,000, which would have taken place to-day (Friday) will have to be upheld until the action is decided.  And so, with one “staggering stroke,” the men are heavily handicapped in the fight, for with the withdrawal of the helpful weapon of strike pay as a means of self-defence they receive a “set-back” of serious import; and, if the struggle continues, privation and hunger may have to be endured – not only by determined men, but by helpless women and children.  Already, winter has laid its icy hand upon us, and when its hardships have to be faced on practically empty stomachs, then it is that the men will feel the pinch and this – not counting on possible evictions in a few weeks and the added antagonism of

Exposure and Want.

But we dare not picture such a deplorable state of things, and sincerely hope that to-day’s meeting between masters and men may stay the progress of further conflict – conflict which not only cripples trade, but after brings in its train attendant miseries, too terrible to dwell upon – and bring about a solution of the difficulties between them.  It is best for both sides that a settlement should be arrived at, but to achieve it both sides must take up

A Conciliatory Attitude,

and each be prepared to strain a point to meet the wishes of the other.  We would even, if the meeting cannot agree, urge the men to go back to work, and trust in

Mr. Chambers to Fulfil a Promise

he has several times expressed: –

“That if the men are disposed to resume work they are at liberty to do so.  If afterwards any matters arise which cause dissatisfaction, I will try to remove them; failing that the men can appeal to the Joint Committees appointed by the South Yorkshire Coalowners’ Association and the Yorkshire Miners’ Association for the purpose of meeting disputes which cannot be settled between the managers and men at the various collieries.”

Anxious Hearts

will await the decision of to-day’s meeting, and we trust that the sunshine of settlement may break the gloom and darkness of the long-drawn out conflict, so that Christmas bells may ring merrily on the ears of a peaceful and happy community.  Endurance on both sides has reached its limits, the happiness and prosperity of the district is at stake, and it is imperative in this crisis that the strong should be gentle and the weak reasonable.

As before stated, the effects of the struggle have been far-reaching and the “bairns” even come under its spell, for we find the schools, with 1,400 children on the registers, had an average attendance previous to the strike of 1,000, which has now sunk to 800, a number that will still diminish should the conflict not end.  It is to be sincerely hoped that ere another sun has set the “curtain will fall” on a determined and protracted struggle, and that an amicably and conciliatory agreement will be attained.