Extracts from
The
Wellington Journal
and
1912
relating to Broseley and District
Broseley
Local History Society
2004
27th January 1912
A
shocking burning fatality occurred on Thursday evening at Broseley. Agnes May
Hanley, aged two years and nine months, the daughter of Harry Hanley, a moulder
in the Coalbrookdale Works, was placed in the charge of a neighbour, Louisa
Williams, whilst the mother was at work in the pipe manufactory. About five o’clock
Mrs. Williams went out of her house and locked the door, leaving three children
inside, including Agnes, but when she returned in five minutes she saw through
the window the child Agnes in flames. She failed to unlock the door, and two
men with Harry Southern broke open the door, and brought the children out of
the house. Agnes was brought beyond recognition and expired shortly afterwards.
The boots of a 10 months-old baby were also burnt, but the daughter of Mrs.
Williams fortunately escaped injury.
The
inquest will be held today (Saturday).
3rd February 1912
THE
FUNERAL of Mr. J. C. Lister (only surviving son of the late Mr. J. C. W.
Lister) took place on Monday, the service being held at All Saints’ Church, the
rector (the Rev. A. C. Howell) conducting. Miss Hilda Watkis, L.R.A.M., played
Chopin’s and Beethoven’s “Funeral Marches,” and the hymn sung was “Jesu, lover
of my soul” (Mr. Lister’s favourite). The burial service was at the cemetery.
The mourners were Messrs. James Lister of
VICTORIA
INSTITUTE.— The annual meeting of members was held on Tuesday, Alderman Prestage
presiding. The accounts presented by the secretary were passed, showing a
balance in hand of £2 7s. 10d. The Trustees re-elected, as their representatives
on the Managing Committee, Messrs. J. Nicklin (chairman), H. E. Clark, W.
Francis, and A. Scott; while Messrs. H. H. Wase, A. Smith, and W. Edge were
re-elected as representatives of the members. Votes of thanks were passed to
Alderman Prestage for presiding, and to the honorary secretary (Mr. T. Jones)
for the manner in which he had carried out his duties.
3rd February 1912
NEW BROSELEY INDUSTRY,
PROPOSED BACON FACTORY.
A
well-attended meeting was held on Wednesday at
Captain
the Hon. George Forester presided, and said that it was very unfortunate that
Mr. Corner, the expert, had been taken ill, and was unable to attend. Mr.
Shuker and others ought to be congratulated on trying to do something to bring
some employment into the district. (Applause.) They all agreed that it was very
badly wanted, and no one would be more pleased than himself to see his native
town in a flourishing condition once more, and for that reason he told Mr.
Shuker that he would he pleased to preside that day. (Applause.) He thought that
Mr. Shuker, the organiser of the meeting, would be able to give them some
details as to what be proposed to do, and how be considered that a bacon
factory would pay and give employment, as these were the reasons for the
proposal to start a factory. Revival of rural home productions should be encouraged
by co-operative enterprise. They all knew that the two political parties were
quite agreed that to revive these things they must get more people back to the
land. He promised to do his best to help on the movement in any way he could.
(Applause.) With reference to the feeding of pigs, cottagers said that pigs
sold cheap, but to purchase the bacon it was a different tale. (Laughter.) With
reference to the methods to be adopted, they wanted small shareholders to bring
to the small investors, in order to give everyone an interest in the factory,
and if they did that he was certain it was the best way of making the thing
prosper. (Applause.)
Mr. S.
H. Shuker (secretary) then addressed the meeting prior to which he read a
telegram from Mr. Corner (expert) from London, stating that he much regretted being
too unwell to attend the meeting. He also read a letter from Sir C. S. Henry,
M.P., stating that when the matter assumed a concrete form he would be prepared
to give it his consideration. Mr. Beville Stanier, M.P., wrote stating that a
previous engagement at Shrewsbury prevented him from attending the meeting at
Broseley, but he hoped they would be able to start a bacon factory, for he was
sure it would, be of an immense amount of good to the farmers and also to the
consumers of bacon.— Mr. Thomas Parker, of Coalbrookdale, also wished the
venture a success.— Mr. Shuker went on to say that the reason for starting this
industry was the decline of other industries in the neighbour-hood, and also
the amount of unemployment. He was of opinion that there was no more important
question before the British public than that of the food supply of
Captain
Forester then proposed “That this meeting approves of a scheme for starting a
bacon factory for Broseley, and that a general committee be formed to obtain
the exact amount of support from farmers, small holders, and cottagers.”— Mr.
Harry Onions seconded the proposition, which Mr. A. W. Bishop supported, and it
was carried.
In
reply to Mr. T. Griffiths, Mr. Shuker said that the factory world employ about
32 hands.— Mr. Griffiths thought that that would not go very far to abolish
unemployment in Broseley. He asked if it was possible to raise 10,000 hogs to
run a factory.- Mr. Bishop said that it meant 200 pigs a. week.-Mr. Shuker
replied that it was in the power of the people to do so.
A
General Committee of 30 was found, who afterwards met, and appointed Mr. Shuker
as secretary.
3rd February 1912
CHILD BURNT TO DEATH.
A BROSELEY FATALITY.
On
Saturday at Broseley Mr. Coroner F. H. Potts held an inquiry into the death of
Agnes May Hanley, two years and nine months old, who died from burns received
the previous Thursday.
Harry
Hanley, father of deceased, stated that he lived at Legge’s Hill. The last time
he saw the child alive was early on Thursday, when he went to his employment.
She was in bed. The other child was ten months old. They were both in charge of
Louisa Williams, a neighbour, who looked after them every day whilst he and his
wife were at work. Witness returned from work at 4-30 p.m., and just after he
arrived a woman named Griffiths ran into his house and told him that he had
better go down to his children because one was on fire. He went at once with
his wife, and found deceased lying on the floor of the kitchen in Louisa
Williams’s house, still on fire. Two men, named Speke and Griffiths, were
attending to deceased. Dr. J. G. Boon was sent for, and promptly came, and the
child’s injuries were attended to. The children had been looked after by Miss
Williams for two months for 2s. 6d. a week. There was a fireguard in the house.
Louisa
Williams, single woman, Legge’s Hill, said that
The
Coroner— You are paid to look after these children, and you left them alone. Is
that a right thing to do?
Witness—
I am sorry I have ever had any-thing to do with the children.
The
Coroner— That is not the question, You had no right to have left them.
In
reply to the foreman, witness said that she had not been out before that day,
and she took the beer home.
William
Boden,
Mary
Pope, Legge’s Hill, widow, grandmother to deceased, said that she was called to
the house by Boden. She carried the child home, where it died the same evening.
Dr. J.
G. Boon, Broseley, stated that death was due to shock caused by the burns.
The
Coroner said that it was not a proper thing to do to leave young children in
the house by themselves where there was fire. Miss Williams should certainly
have got someone to keep an eye on them when she went out. There was no doubt
in his mind that this was an accident, contributed to to some extent by the
children being left alone in the house, He did not think there was any evidence
to say that there was a case of manslaughter.
The
verdict of the jury was that deceased died from burns accidentally received.
The
Coroner cautioned the witness Williams to be more careful in the future how she
looked after any children committed to her care.
17th February 1912
LICENSING SESSIONS.—TUESDAY.
Before
Councillor J. H. A. Whitley (Mayor), Captain the Hon. Geo. Forester, Alderman
D. L. Prestage: Dr. G. D. Collins, Alderman J. Davies, Messrs. B. Maddox and W.
Roberts.
LICENSING
BUSINESS.— Mr. A. H. Thorn-Pudsey (magistrates’ clerk) read the annual report
of Superintendent Tait, which stated that during the year two licensed persons
had been proceeded against under the Food and Drugs Act, one was dismissed, and
one ordered to pay costs. With these exceptions the whole of the houses had
been conducted without complaint. The
STEALING BACON.— Louisa Williams, single woman, Broseley, was charged with stealing 2lb. of
bacon, value 1s. 6d., belonging to the Iron-Bridge and Coalbrookdale
Co-operative Society.- Walter Legge, manager of the branch shop at Broseley,
said that he missed a piece of bacon in the shop, and he went outside and asked
Williams if she had any bacon in her possession that she had not paid for…
17th February 1912
DETERMINED ATTITUDE.
Under
the auspices of the Shropshire Miners’, Engineers’, and Furnacemen’s Federation,
a mass meeting was held in the Oakengates Primitive Methodist Schoolroom on
Thursday’ evening. The official notice convening the meeting stated that the
business would be: “To make arrangements for giving notices on February 17th,
re minimum wage; to make any other arrangements in the event of a strike being
declared.” Copies of the following notice were distributed, and it was stated
that each miner in the Shropshire Federation would receive one for the purpose
of filling up and to hand in to-day (Saturday):— “I hereby tender 14 days’
notice to cease work, re minimum wage.” Mr. A. Hoggins (president of the
association) presided, and was supported by Mr. W. Latham (secretary) and Mr.
C. Matthews (treasurer).
The
Chairman said the notice convening the meeting fully explained its objects.
They had recently taken a ballot on the question it referred to, and he thought
they all knew exactly how they regarded it. He would now appeal to everyone who
voted in the ballot for a minimum wage to tender their notices on Saturday as a
further step towards the realisation of their wishes. They would admit that
they had been passing through a trying time, and had had a very complex question
to deal with. It was practically impossible to have a uniform wage throughout
the country owing to certain local circumstances being against it, but through
their leaders and the Miners Federation they were seeking to do their utmost to
obtain for them an irreducible minimum in every locality. The Shropshire
Federation, by an overwhelming majority, had already decided upon a minimum so
far as they were concerned. There must, at the present moment, be a great
burden on the minds of the men who had the welfare of the thousands of miners
at heart, and also sympathetic consideration for those who were dependent upon
the coal trade to continue their industries; because there could not be the
slightest doubt that the national strike would be a very serious thing for the
country if one had to take place. It would be so comprehensive that hardly
any-one in the land would not, in some measure, feel its effects. But the
miners had come to a point at which they could not draw back, and they must
boldly face the battle if one were forced upon them. They were an army of men
moving to effect industrial emancipation, and they would not cry “halt!” till
they got it. The local leaders had not been without care or thought in this
matter; and in urging the men to send in their notices on Saturday they had not
lost sight of the fact that something else would then have to be done. The
leaders did not ask the men to follow them blindly, and they would see that
some provision was made for them when the crucial moment came. He hoped they
would all nerve themselves for the conflict, and that when they met again it
would be to celebrate the achievement of a victory they had always had in view,
and a triumph in the purpose they had ever set before them. (Applause.)
Mr.
Latham then addressed the meeting. He said the man who was against the Miners’
Federation was against himself. They had never heard him say—nor had the possibility
ever appealed to him—that they were going to settle this great dispute without
a strike. The most optimistic among them were now also convinced that if it
were going to be settled at all it would have to be done with a strike, and to
his own mind settlements without a strike were hardly worth the paper they were
written on. (Hear, hear.) Everybody had been trying to avoid “a national
disaster.” Some said it would be “murderous,” an “appalling calamity.” In that
particular sense a good many had been murdered since he was a child—by bad ventilation,
insufficient timber, and the want of some protection that might have saved the
human race; and a good many had been murdered by being underfed, and men and
women had died broken hearted because the battle of life had been too hard.
(Hear, hear.) He was convinced that the miners were not getting their quid pro
quo—they were not getting sufficient out of their labour to keep body and soul
together. (Applause.) If the miners’ leaders were hob-nobbing with colliery
officials, then he could understand that the men would have some cause to fear;
but in this instance their leaders were actuated by a deep-rooted conviction
that the demand made for under-ground workers was a just and righteous one,
and, if the men would hold on like grim death, a battle would be fought in this
country which would end in making the century bright with the glory of
conquest. (Applause.) How did they stand that day? He had just come from the “seat
of war,” where it had been his honour and privilege to represent his own
county. Every stone had been turned to effect a settlement, but Northumberland
and
In some
cases a little had been taken off what the men originally demanded, but what
was to be given for
24th February 1912
DEATH
OF MR. W. POTTS.— On Friday last week Mr. William Potts (third and youngest son
of the late Mr. George Potts, solicitor, by his first marriage, and brother of
Mr. Edward Bagnall Potts, Bank House, who died in the month of October last),
passed away at his apartments High Street. The deceased gentleman, who was 69
years of age, had suffered from blindness for many years. He possessed a kind
and sympathetic nature, and was esteemed by all classes of society. The remains
of the deceased gentleman were quietly laid to rest the cemetery on Tuesday.
The service in the church (Mr. Milnes, lay reader, reader the lesson), and at
the grave-side was conducted by the Rev. A. C. Howell (rector). Mr. Milnes
played with feeling, “O Rest in the Lord,” as the cortege entered the church,
and a funeral march on leaving. In accordance with the wish of deceased the
funeral was of a simple and unostentatious character. As an evidence of respect
blinds were drawn and shops shuttered at nearly every place on route to the
place of interment. The mourners were Mr. F. H. Potts (brother), Dr. Collins
(brother—in—law), Mr. George Potts, and Mr. Robert Potts (nephews). Others
present included:— Mr. J. A. Downes, Alderman D, L. Prestage. Dr. Edwards,
Messrs. William Price, Ernest Price, P. H. Martin, John Pountney, and William
Francis. The Rev. R. de Ricci (rector of Jackfield) and the Rev. W. A. Terry
(vicar of Benthall) and Miss Allen (Benthall) were present at the church.
Beautiful wreaths were contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Allan McGregor, “Purnwurtsley,
Oxon,” “Bank House”. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Heywood (Tickwood Hall, Much Wenlock),
and Mrs. Price and Sons.
2nd March 1912
INDUSTRY AT A STANDSTILL
The
strike of miners is now general through-out the Kingdom, among the last to come
out being the colliers employed by the Lilleshall Company in the Mid-Shropshire
Coalfield, whose notices expire at noon to-day (Saturday).
The
controversy with regard to the minimum wage took a new turn on Thursday owing
to a speech which Mr. Asquith addressed to the miners’ delegates at a meeting
at the Foreign Office. The Prime Minister announced to the miners that in the
opinion of the Government a case has been made out for ensuring to the
underground workers, with adequate safe-guards, a reasonable minimum wage. They
do not intend that the resistance of a minority of employers shall definitely
delay the attainment of this object. If it cannot be secured by agreement, it
will be secured by the Government “by every means which is necessary for its
effective attainment.” At the same time the Prime Minister urged the miners, if
the principle of the minimum wage were recognised; to allow a reasonable
latitude of discussion in regard to particular rates— that is to say, not to
adhere strictly to the schedule of minimum rates already put forward by them.
If the Government were to make themselves responsible in this matter, he said,
they must be allowed to discuss with the representatives of both sides the
question whether as regards any particular figure applied to any particular
area it was a reasonable figure.
There
have been numerous conferences during the week between the Government, coalowners,
and men, with a view to arriving at a settlement in the dispute, but last night
Mr. Asquith found it necessary to state in the House of Commons that the
conferences between the various parties had been broken off. He will make a
fuller statement on Monday.
The
Home Secretary, in reply to Mr. Kier Hardie in the House of Commons on Thursday,
said that troops would be sent to any place only on a requisition of the magistrates,
and every care would be taken that troops would net be sent until their
presence was absolutely necessary.
An
erroneous impression appears to have got about in some quarters to the effect that
the Territorial Force can be called upon for strike duty. This is not the case;
the Territorials cannot be utilised for such a purpose.
POSITION
IN
On
Thursday evening a mass meeting of miners was held in the Primitive Methodist
Schoolroom, Oakengates, under the auspices of the Shropshire Miners’, Surfacemen’s,
and Enginemen’s Federation. There was a very good attendance, the meeting being
called to consider the present situation. The chair was occupied by Mr. Charles
Matthews (treasurer), who referred to the great issues that were before the
country, and the efforts that were being made to secure the minimum wage for
miners in the country, to get which they would have to fight hard. They had a
just cause, and he hoped they would have success in their efforts to gain the
best advantages. — Mr. Alfred Hoggins (President of the Federation) apologised
for the absence of Mr. William Latham (agent), who was away in
This
decision will affect between 2,000 and 3,000 men in the county.
Several
industries in the immediate neighbourhood of Iron-Bridge will be closed during
the strike. Relief committees have been formed to alleviate the distress, which
is expected to be very acute.
The
MAYOR
OF
In view
of the strike, the Mayor of Shrewsbury (Major Wingfield) advises all consumers
of coal in the borough, whether for business or household purposes, to be as
economical as practicable. As there will probably be a rush for coal when the
strike ends, it may not be obtainable for many days after, and it is therefore
advisable to begin to economise at once. In this connection he also invites the
co-operation of all consumers of water and light to avoid waste of water, gas,
and electric light, and to be as economical with them as possible, and so
assist the Corporation and the Shrewsbury Gas Company to maintain their
supplies. Though, as he says, there is no immediate necessity to curtail any of
the supplies, a little saving, if generally adopted by all at once, may be
worth much in a month’s time.
Advice
of this character is equally applicable to all towns in the county, and coal
consumers in general should take to heart the words of the Mayor of Shrewsbury.
OVER A MILLION IDLE.
Yesterday
over a million colliery workmen were idle in
Northumberland
and
Lancashire
and
and
North Wales 15,161
__________
1,031,967
9th March 1912
SUFFERING AMONG THE POOR.
A week
has now passed since the coal strike became general, and there is no indication
of any appreciable progress towards peace. The miners’ executive and a committee
of the coal-owners have had numerous conferences with the Government, with, unfortunately,
no result. The majority of the owners agreed to the Government proposals, but
the men have definitely refused to entertain their suggestions.
A
general rise in the price of bread has been decided upon. Reports from various
parts of the country indicate that distress among the poor is increasing, and
there is a further large addition to the number of workers thrown out of
employment in other trades than the coal industry
THE POSITION LOCALLY.
Paralysing
as the general effects of the strike have been throughout the country, it would
still be too early to write of its more serious economic detriment to the
Apart
from the restricted train service and the local limitations, it cannot be said
that much inconvenience has yet been caused to the general public in
The
conduct of the
Passing
through the whole area affected by the strike between, Madeley Wood and
Owing
to shortage of fuel several furnaces at the Midland Carriage Works,
At
Oakengates the Snedshill Ironworks and Priorslee Steelworks have been closed
all the week, and both the furnaces at Priorslee are damped down. Some 600 or
700 men are thus affected in the iron and steel departments, and many in other
departments are also thrown out of work. At the New Yard Engineering Works at
A mass
meeting of miners was held in the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Oakengates,
on Monday, when Mr. A. Hoggins presided over a crowded attendance of miners
engaged in the Lilleshall Collieries and members of the Shropshire Federation.
A lengthy address was delivered by Mr. W. Latham (agent and secretary), who
passed in review the course of events up to the present crisis and gave a resume
of the proceedings and negotiations in London, already reported in the public
press, and urged the men to be loyal and true. It was decided to remain firm to
the rates of wages already agreed upon by the federation for the district, and
it was decided to transfer the money belonging to the union front the Post
Office to Lloyds Bank for the better convenience of carrying out their strike
pay.
The Royal
Oak Assembly Room, Madeley, was on Monday crowded with miners to hear addresses
from Mr. A. Hoggins (president of the Shropshire Miners’ Federation) and Mr. W.
Latham (miners’ agent). Mr. T. Tranter presided, and Mr. W. Instone (secretary)
also occupied a seat at the table. In the course of their addresses the
speakers explained that what they were asking for was 7s. a day for skilled
workmen, for all over 21 years of age, and for lads over 14.— Mr. Latham proposed
‘‘That this meeting approve of the conduct of the Miners’ Conference last week,
and pledges itself to stand by the resolution not to resume work unless the
minimum wage as laid down by the federation be conceded to the workers of the
Madeley Wood Colliery Company.— The motion was unanimously carried.
Another
meeting of miners was held at Madeley last night, addressed by Messrs. W.
Latham and Hoggins. Mr. Latham spoke in favour of the men keeping the furnaces
going, but the meeting decided not to go to work unless the proprietors
guaranteed the minimum.
The
Madeley Wood Co. yesterday gave the furnacemen fourteen days’ notice.
On
Tuesday a meeting, of local colliers belonging to the Miners’ Federation was
held at Hanwood, where they were addressed by Mr. W. Latham, the miners’ agent
for
On
Monday a meeting of the Joint Conciliation Board of the G.W. and L. and N.W.
Railway Companies was held at
Operations
at the brick and tile works in the Iron-Bridge district are practically suspended,
in fact a manager informed a JOURNAL representative that no more bricks will be
made till after the settlement of the strike. The Iron-Bridge Gas Company have
sufficient coal in stock to last six weeks, and there is also no likelihood of
a shortage of water, the Harrington Joint Water Committee having wisely
prepared for the strike.
In the
course of an address to a large company of confirmation candidates assembled in
St. Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, the Bishop of Lichfield, referring
to the labour unrest, said that he did not know where the blame lay, he did not
pronounce who was to blame, but they could not help feeling at a time like this
that if all our people were Christians a section would not use the weapons they
were now using to injure their fellow creatures in order to secure things for
themselves which doubtless they believed to be right and just.
10th March 1912
OLD BAPTIST
CHURCH.— At a meeting of the Church on Monday the Pastor (Mr. J. Gilpin)
tendered his resignation of the pastorate, which was accepted.
DISTRICT
COUNCIL, Wednesday.— Present:—Alderman D. L. Prestage (chairman), Councillors
J. Nicklin, T. I. Griffiths, and A. A. Exley, with Messrs. Potts (clerk), G. Stevenson
(surveyor), H. Herbert (sanitary inspector), E. Oakes (collector), and E. Abberley
(water inspector).—The Collector re-ported that there was an adverse balance
in, the two accounts of £40.— Mr. Oakes stated that the rate was coming in very
slowly— there appeared to be no money in the place. — There was a record list
of rate-defaulters, which the meeting decided to deal with at the next meeting—
The Collector added that the sum of £310 was yet to be collected.— The surveyor
presented his books, showing that his expenditure for the month amounted to
£50.— On the motion of Mr. Nicklin, it was decided to purchase a snowplough for
the town. The proposer pointed out the remarkable work that Lord Forester’s
plough had executed in removing the snow in the town. — Mr. E. Abberley
informed the meeting that all the water mains in the district were in good
working order, but he reported that all the water pipes at the isolation
hospital were frozen up. He was instructed to look into this matter.— Mr. Herbert
said that there was only one case of scarlet fever notified to him since the
last meeting. There had been one fatal case of phthisis.— The Clerk presented
his estimate of expenditure for the next 12 months, which the meeting
considered. The amount to be raised by a rate was £1,459, and it was decided,
on the motion of the Chairman, supported by Mr. Exley, to levy a general
district rate of 3s. in the pound, an increase of 2d.
A
SUPPER in connection with the United Football Club was held on Tuesday at the
Fox Room, when Dr. J. G. Boon presided. After the repast the usual toasts were
honoured, and these who took part in the “smoker” which followed were Messrs.
L. Dixon, W. Oakley, H. Southern, J. Quinn, H. Aston. F. Glover, E. S. White,
G. Gough, J. Edwards, W. Wilde, S. Tonkiss, and J. Evans.
DEATH
OF MR. T. JONES.- On Friday last week Mr. Thomas Jones suddenly passed away, in
his 58th year, at his residence, Wesley House,
16th March 1912
MEN
ANXIOUS TO RETURN TO WORK.
There
are indications of a restive spirit among the coal strikers, more especially
among the non-unionists, in some districts. In Scotland particularly the men
outside the union ranks are showing anxiety to return to the collieries, and at
two pits in Lanarkshire work was resumed on Thursday. A small pit near
The
Miners’ Federation announced on Thursday night that they had submitted to the
joint conference being held between Ministers, coal-owners, and miners,
resolutions accepting Mr. Asquith’s proposal for local negotiations on certain
points in the presence of “a neutral person” after the questions relating to the
schedule rates for coal-getters and the minimum rates for day men and boys had
been settled. It is believed that the conference may last several days yet.
OUTLOOK IN
There
is no perceptible change in the attitude of the
Some
men are working at the Kemberton Pits but simply for the purpose of getting
clod-coal to keep certain furnaces alive, and this has been sanctioned by the
local union. It is gratifying to find that the behaviour of the strikers
remains admirably peaceful.
Considerable
inconvenience has been experienced at
On
Wednesday a numerously-attended mass meeting of the Lilleshall Company’s miners
was held at Oakengates. Mr. C. Matthews (district treasurer) presided. He said
that they had done their first round, and had started upon the second, which
they looked like finishing, as he could not see that there was any alteration
in the position of affairs. He hoped that they would continue to be as
peaceable as hitherto. He criticised the appointment of special constables for
the district. Mr. A. Hoggins (president of the Shropshire Miners’ Federation)
gave a general survey of the situation. He said that the strike should not be
settled by Act of Parliament. He did not believe in compulsory arbitration, for
it would do away with their right to strike, and they would rather have a
peaceful settlement. A telegram was received from the agent (Mr. Wm. Latham),
who was in
A largely-attended
mass meeting of miners was held on Thursday at Madeley, which was presided over
by Mr. T. Tranter. Mr. A. Hoggins (president of the Shropshire Miners’
Association) addressed the meeting, and said that he hoped the negotiations in
A
further restricted train service at ordinary fares was brought into operation
on the Great Western Railway yesterday. The company also announce by
advertisement that their goods train service will be curtailed, and they will
be unable to accept certain classes of goods specified in the advertisement
until further notice.
16th March 1912
PETTY SESSIONS.—TUESDAY.
Before Mr. J. H. A. Whitley
(mayor). Lord Forester, Captain G. Forester, Dr. G. D. Collins Messrs. W. J.
Legge, J. Davies, B. Maddox, and W. Roberts.
TOWN
COUNCILLOR FINED.— George Keay, licensed victualler, Broseley, and a member of
the Wenlock Town Council, was charged with omitting to cause three of his
horses to be sufficiently fed. Mr. H. R. Phillips (Shifnal) prosecuted, and Mr.
H. W. Hughes (
23rd March 1912
TOWN COUNCIL.—
WEDNESDAY. Present:— Councillor J. H. A. Whitley (mayor). Lord Forester, Aldermen
A. B. Dyas, W. J. Legge, D. L. Prestage, G. Lloyd, J. Davies, and T. Cooke,
Councillors W. Bishop, C. Edwards, G. Forester, W. G. Dyas. T. I. Griffiths, A.
A. Exley, W. J. Milner, T. Morris, G. D. Collins, R. Clarke, J. Nicklin, J.
Roberts, and Mr. P. H, Potts (town clerk).
THE
BROSELEY ROAD.— Alderman Dyas asked the clerk if he had heard anything
respecting the Iron-Bridge and Broseley roads_ — The Clerk said that he had
asked for a grant of £75 per mile to keep these roads in good repair, and the
county clerk had replied that he would duly submit their application to the
Roads and Bridges Committee.— Alderman Prestage said that the roads were in a
very bad state.
23rd March 1912
COAL
STRIKE. — In accordance with the recommendation of the Archbishop of Canterbury
and York, and by the expressed wish of the Bishop of Hereford, services of “humble
prayer and intercession” were held at both the morning and afternoon services.
These were conducted, and special sermons were preached by the Vicar (Rev. W..
A. Terry).
23rd March 1912
PARISH
CHURCH.- A handsome brass plate has been erected in the church to the memory of
Miss Hilda Devereux Hansen by her sister (Miss C. Hansen) and a few who were
very fond of her. The deceased lady, who died in May last, and lies buried in
the churchyard near her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Thursfield, late of
the Grange, Much Wenlock, was much beloved in the locality for her many good
works, and her loss has been keenly felt. The inscription of the brass tablet
is as follows:—“To the most loving memory of Lil, Hilda Devereux Hanson, who
fell asleep May 21st, 1911. She lived to help others, and was beloved by all
who knew her. Erected by a few who loved her very dearly. Many waters cannot
quench love, neither can the floods drown it.’”
23rd March 1912
P.S.A.—
The usual meeting was hold on Sunday in the Congregational Chapel. Mr. J. E.
Hartshorne (president) occupied the chair, and carried out the devotional part
of the service. There was a fairly good attendance. The Rev. I. Brentnall.
(Dawley) delivered an able address on “True Patriotism”, Miss Taylor
(Iron-Bridge) gave a fine exposition of the solos, “The Heavenly Song” and “Our
Blest Redeemer”. Mr. J. A. Hartshorne presided at the organ. A collection was
taken in aid of the National Brotherhood funds.
MEN’S
OWN.— On Sunday afternoon a service for men only was held in the
A CALL
TO PRAYER.— This was the heading of a notice, issued by the Rev. A. C. Howell
(rector) in reference to a service of intercession held in the
A
VESTRY
MEETING.— A general meeting of ratepayers was held in the Town Hall on Thursday
evening for the purpose of appointing churchwardens and auditors (in connection
with the Church and Town Hall accounts) and nominating overseers for the
ensuing year. The Rev. A. C. Howell (rector) occupied the chair. The Rector
again chose Dr. Collins as his warden, and on the proposition of Mr. A. E. Wiggins,
seconded by Mr. Arthur Smith, Mr. J. A. Downes were re-elected people’s warden.
Messrs. A. Scott and H. E. Clark were re-appointed as auditors. The following
were nominated as overseers, out of which number the magistrates will select
two to serve the office:— Messrs. E. S. White (Broseley). W. Meredith (Jackfield).
A. M. Williams (Broseley). W. H. Smith (Jackfield), W. Kenyon, (Broseley), and
W, E. Price (Jackfield). Rector proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the
churchwardens for the excellent services rendered by them during the past year,
which was seconded by Mr. H. E. Clark and carried nem. con. A vote of thanks
proposed by Mr. H. E. Clark, and seconded by Mr. A. E. Wiggins, was also given
to the churchwardens for the great improvement made in the churchyard by their
instructions and supervision. Mr. H. E. Clark proposed a vote of thanks to the
choirmaster (Mr. W. H. Griffiths) and choir for the services rendered by them
during the past year, which was seconded by Mr. E. Oakes, and carried
unanimously. A cordial vote of thanks passed to the auditors and overseers. The
Rector, in referring to the finances of the church, said that they were more
than paying their ordinary expenses, but there were certain matters requiring attention
which he considered should have been done years ago, but they required money.
He also spoke in favour of a more expeditious mode of delivering the mails to
Broseley and an earlier despatch, more particularly on Sundays, the present
method, he said, necessitating so much Sunday labour at the Post Office and
preventing the officials attending the church services. The matter was
discussed by Dr. Collins, Mr. H. E. Clark, and others, and the Rector was
instructed to write the usual authorities with a view of obtaining an earlier
despatch on Sundays.
23rd March 1912
MINIMUM
WAGE BILL INTRODUCED. The joint conferences between the coalowners and the
miners having failed to arrive at a settlement of the coal dispute. Mr. Asquith
last weekend promised to bring in a Minimum Wage Bill, and this he did on
Tuesday, the Bill passing its second reading on Thursday, as reported in the
proceedings of Parliament in another column.
The
Parliamentary Correspondent of “The Times”, commenting on the situation says:
The passage of the Bill is regarded as a fore-gone conclusion, but the Cabinet
have definitely resolved not to accept the amendments sought by the Miners’
Federation. They are determined to remain firm in this attitude, and this being
so it remains doubtful how far the miners will accept the measure, when passed,
as a settlement. Owing to the number of amendments which have been put down it
is thought likely that the Lords will not have the bill before them till
Monday. In Ministerial circles on Thursday evening, in view of the Cabinet’s
refusal to accept the miners’ amendments, the view was taken that while in some
districts a number of the men would probably begin to return to the pits as
soon as the Bill is passed a general resumption of work was not to be expected
until Easter.
It is
three weeks since the colliers laid down their tools, and consequently the
strike is having a very serious effect throughout the country as not only are
the miners at play, but many thousands of workers in other industries are
temporarily thrown out of employment through lack of coal, and the distress,
especially in the poorer quarters of the large towns, is very acute.
A
meeting of local miners was held at Oakengates on Monday. Mr. Alfred Hoggins
presided, and said that although victory seemed before them it would have been
more satisfactory to have secured it by other means than by Act of Parliament.
Both coalowners and men stood firm to their own views on the principle of the
recognition of the minimum wage, hence it had been found necessary for the
Government to step in. — Mr. William Latham (local agent) gave an exhaustive
review of the situation, and a report of the recent conferences and negotiations
that had taken place in London on the minimum wage question. He strongly resented
the charge that had been made against them that it was a selfish strike. He
asked, were not the coalowners selfish? The miners, in their desire to secure
justice, had shown that they were not selfish; if they had been those miners in
the English federated area (where the principle of the minimum wage had been
conceded) might have said that they would go to work and leave Wales and Scotland
to look after themselves, but they went in for a national settlement of the
question, and they had the sympathy of other trades unions with them, as was evidenced
by a letter (which he read to the meeting) conveying a resolution passed at a
meeting of the Wellington Branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway
Servants, containing a resolution expressing the congratulations of the meeting
to the miners on the stand they had taken for the minimum wage, wishing them
every success in their efforts, and calling upon railway men to assist them in
their endeavours to establish the principle of a minimum wage. Mr. Latham also
spoke on the details of the minimum wage for the Shropshire coalfields,
particulars of which have already been published.— Reference was made to the
few men working at Madeley colliery in order to keep the Bliss’s Hill furnaces
going, and it was stated that an assurance had been given that no coal should
be raised at all for selling purposes. A resolution of confidence in the
federation leaders was passed, and Mr. Latham was thanked for his report.
In
order to restrict as far as possible the dislocation of traffic caused by the
strike, some of the large railway companies have been securing supplies of fuel
from provincial coal merchants, and substantial orders have been placed by one
company with Mr. Alfred Morris,
During
the present week the position in
The
conditions at Shrewsbury arising out of the coat strike have not up to the
present reached that stage which would warrant the Mayor of the Borough (Mayor
C.R.B. Wing-field) calling together his special committee to provide relief for
the poorer classes. There is still a fair stock of coal at the yards of the
coal merchants, but prices are prohibitive so far as many among the working
classes are concerned, and assistance in this direction has been forthcoming
from the Mayor and other local residents, who have generously sent into the
town large quantities of wood for free distribution. The Mayor himself has
forwarded nine loads, Mr. Sparrow (Albrighton Hall) two loads, Mr. C. E.
Jenkins (Cruckton) five loads, and Mr. H. F. Rogers (Oakley Manor) has placed
at the disposal of those who are in want of fuel two large piles of wood at
In many
districts no concerns have been harder hit than gasworks. At Madeley the inhabitants
have had to resort to primitive means of illumination, owing to the shortness
of coal at the gasworks, and smaller Gas Companies have been faced with a similar
difficulty. The gas consumers of
A
meeting of members of the Wellington Branch of the Amalgamated Society of
Rail-way Servants was held on Sunday, when the following resolution was
carried:— “That this meeting congratulates the miners in making such a stand
for the minimum wage, wishes them every success in their efforts, and calls
upon railwaymen to assist them in their en-deal ours to establish the
principle.” The resolution was read at a subsequent meeting of miners at
Oakengates, and was received with cheers.
If the
Madeley Wood Company blow out the Blists Hill Furnaces, as it is rumoured they
intend to do, many in the Madeley district will regret the coal strike, as it
is estimated that 250 hands will be thrown out of employment.
The
closing of ten brickworks in the Iron-Bridge district has added 500 people more
to the unemployed army, and many families are now feeling the effects of the
strike very acutely.
During
the existence of the strike only a few hands will be kept going at the
Jack-field Encaustic Tile Works, and it is very much feared that good orders
will be lost to the district. There is not the slightest doubt that there are
families who will be unable to recover themselves.
During
the week the pit-mounds in the Madeley district have been occupied with men,
women, and children, who toiled hard for the “slack”, which some years go
was discarded, and many are picking up a
good week’s wage by their sales, which are proving a god-send to the people.
SHOP LOOTING NEAR WREXHAM.
The
first story of shop-looting owing to the strike in the North Wales Coalfields
comes from Rhos, near Wrexham. The food carried off included 150lb. of sugar, a
large number of eggs, a quantity of bacon, flour, &c. There had been no
arrests up to the hour of going to press.
30th March 1912
THE
SCHOOL.— The children attending the Broseley Wood Infants’ School received the
prizes given by the Local Education Authority for regular attendance on
Thursday afternoon, ending the year ending December 31st last, the attendance
was very good, the high percentage of 93 for the whole year being attained.
Mrs. Prestage, who was accompanied by Alderman D. L. Prestage, and Miss
Collins, distributed the prizes, and afterwards addressed the children upon the
importance of regular attendance and punctuality, her remarks being listened to
with great attention. The children expressed their thanks by hearty clapping,
and the proceedings ended with the National Anthem. The first 13 children named
below made perfect attendances, and the other over, 95 per cent.:— Tom Watkins,
Harry Watkins, Ralph Green, Willie Thomas, Frank Minton, Harold Anthony, Cecil
Legge, Harold Brown, John Jones, Nellie Gittings, Linda Tench, Edith Griffiths,
Gladys Hall, John Parry, Edward Shaw, Bertie Rowe, Leonard Walmsley, James
Lister, Ben Thompson, Leonard Hill, Ronald Malyneaux, Ben Kitson, Percy Gough,
Thom Morris, Geo. Edwards, Tom Smith, Albert Owen, Reggie Davis, James Hall,
John Hatton, Arthur Gittings, Geoffrey Garbett, Frank Kitson, Leonard Tart,
Arthur Templar, Hattie Tonkiss, May Hewson, Doris Garbett, Esther Perks, Jennie
Davis, Nancy Dewstone, Annie Taylor, Lily Evans, Kelly Shaw, Gladys Dudley,
Drusilla Potts, Evelyn Edwards, Fanny Garbett, Lucy Roden.
P.S.A.—
The usual meeting was held on Sunday in the Congregational Chapel. The Rev. W.
S. Hall (vice-president) occupied the chair, and carried out the devotional
part of the service. Mr. Doodson (Coalbrookdale) gave an interesting address,
and special hymns were sung, Mr. J. A. Hartshorne presiding at the organ.
CONFIRMATION.—
Bishop Mather, on behalf of the Bishop of Hereford, administered the rite of
confirmation in the
THE
CHURCH SCHOOLS.— The prizes for attendance given by the Wenlock Education
Committee were distributed at these schools on Friday last week by Mrs. D. L
Prestage. Miss Downes, Miss Collins, Alderman Prestage (chairman of the School
Attendance Committee), and Messrs. J. A. Downes, G. D. Collins, and W. Francis
(school managers) were also present. Before the prizes were distributed, an
explanation was given of the system adopted in allotting the prizes, and
emphasis was laid on the fact that the double qualification of regularity and
punctuality was necessary to secure a prize. Evidence of regularity was shown
by the fact that nearly half the boys obtained a prize, although the percentage
required was 98, while the percentage of punctuality for the whole school for
the past year was 99.7. Among the prize-winners the following boys were neither
late nor absent:— Wm. Garbett (five years), Arthur Tonkis and Arthur Wilde (4
years), Percy Dixon, Herbert Bangham, Thos. Goodall, Jas. Hall, and Wm. Hayward
(3 years), Chas. Preece, Wm. Owen, Hector Smith, Wm. Jones, John Roberts, Cyril
Ball, Cecil Wilde, Cyril Morris, Arthur Meredith, Thos. Roberts, and Sidney
Smith (2 years), George Wase, Richard Rivers, Ed. Gainham, Baden Britton,
Harold Bowen, Chas. Shuker, Cecil Gittens, John Felton, Sidney Hill, Wilshaw
Weekes, Leonard Felton, John Watson, Percy Evans, Abram Britton, Wm. Meredith,
and Leslie Gallier (1 year). In the girl’s department 22 prizes were awarded
for model attendance, and 42 for regularity. The girls who made perfect
attendance were: Nellie Bentley and Elsie May Legge (6 years), Alice Lears (4
years), Louie Price, Nellie Davis, Nellie Fry, and Winnie Gittings (3 years),
Agnes Gough, Louie Garbett, Gwendoine Gittings, Annie Wilkes, Doris Minton,
Nancy Butler. and Olive Davis (two years), Emily Gough, Edna Felton, Effie Garbett,
Bessie Preece, Alice Humphries, Emily Whalley. Annie Lears, and Dorothy Green
(1 year). In the Infants’ School perfect attendances were made by John Evans (3
years), Annie George and Jessie Harris (2 years), Donald Rowe, Wm. Barber, Wm.
Pearce, Edith Gough, Sarah Preece, Lottie Gittings, Brenda Colley, Sarah J.
Harris, Annie Gallier, Nellie Hall, Alice Gittings, and Selina Harris (one
year).
PETTY SESSIONS- TUESDAY.
Before Councillor J. H A. Whitley
(Mayor), Captain Geo. Forester, Dr. G. D. Collings, Aldermen A. B. Dyas and D.
L. Prestage, and Mr. E. W. Shorting.
SLEEPING
OUT.— Reuben Davies, drover, Broseley, was charged by Police-constable Reeves
with sleeping out, and was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment.— Francis
Smith, an old Broseley offender, was charged by the same officer with sleeping
out, and was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour
30th March 1912
CONSIDERATE
EMPLOYERS.-With characteristic thoughtfulness for the well-being of their
employees, Messrs. Maw and Co. are making advances in money to the married
workpeople (male and female) during the coal strike, the amount to be repaid by
easy instalments on resumption of work
The
passing of the Miners’ Minimum Wage Bill by Parliament is the first definite step
in the direction of hastening the end of the great coal strike, which has
thrown practically the whole of the industries of the country into a state of
chaos, and inflicted untold misery in the homes of thousands of the poorer
classes.
The
coalowners’ representatives in London met on Wednesday, and recommended the
owners generally, in spite of their objection to the measure, to make every
endeavour to give effect to its provisions; whilst the same day the conference
of the Miners’ Federation resolved after a sharp division of opinion to take an
immediate ballot of the miners as to whether they were in favour of resuming
work pending a settlement of the minimum rates of wages in the various grades
by the district boards to be appointed under the Act.
A Press
Association telegram last night states that Mr. Ashton, the miner’s general
secretary, advises the men to vote for the resumption of work.
In the
most favourable circumstances it is expected that the general strike must continue
until Easter, although individual pits may be reopened in the meantime. If when
the ballot returns are received on Wednesday next week it is found that a
majority of the men are in favour of resuming work, it will not be possible to
get them back into the pits until the following week. If, on the other hand,
the majority should vote against returning to work until the local minimum
rates are fixed, there is a prospect that the struggle may be prolonged for
four or five weeks.
In
certain parts of
Last
weekend several hundreds of colliers resumed operations at the Brynkinallt
Mines at Chirk, the bulk of the coal raised being acquired by the Great Western
Railway Co. The proprietors of the colliery have not joined the coalowners’
federation, but most of the men are members of the North Wales Miners’
Association. The wages paid to the colliers before the strike were at the minimum
rate claimed for the district in the schedule, and the men are now being paid
at the same rate. So content were the men with their lot that they joined the
strike most reluctantly. They were among the last of the colliers to leave the
pits, just as they have now been among the first to return. About 400 of the
strikers who still remain out marched on Wednesday to the colliery to ask the
reason why the pits were opened. They were well armed with a variety of
cudgels, including rails lifted from fences and branches of trees, and made a
formidable and menacing spectacle. The nine policemen who remained at the colliery
through the night had been reinforced by 40 constables who were posted in the
pit-yard. A deputation of the strikers were received by Mr. Craig, the head of
the firm, who made it clear to them that, as long as the men wanted to work, he
must keep the pit open. He said he certainly would not stop the pit so long as
men chose to come. The deputation returned to the waiting crowd, and repeated
what Mr. Craig had said to them. The spokesman said that Mr. Craig had made it
clear to them that he had not persuaded his men to return to work, but that
they came back of their own accord. There were repeated calls for the local delegate
of the Brynkinallt employees to the North Wales Miners’ Association, but on
being assured that he was not about the strikers returned to Cefn.
On
Wednesday night a detachment of Infantry detrained at Preesgweene, a station
within a distance of two miles from the Brynkinallt Colliery. The guard
consisted of half a company of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, under the
command of Captain Atcheson, which was despatched from
Orders
were issued for the 3rd Suffolk Regiment to leave Aldershot on Wednesday night
for
The
first of the ballots to be taken among the miners on the question whether there
shall be an immediate resumption of work was held on Thursday at Chirk. About
350 men voted, and the majority was in the proportion of nearly five to two in
favour of a return to work.
Although
a number of owners had announced that their pits would be re-opened on Thursday
there was a very poor response on the part of the colliers, and it is doubtful
whether more than a few hundred additional men returned to work. As a body the
men seem decided to remain on strike until the result of the ballot is known
and the Federation has sanctioned a return to work.
During
the week there have been serious riots in the Cannock Chase coalfield, and
considerable wanton damage has been done by the strikers to colliery property.
At a meeting of Wellington Board of Guardians, on Thursday, the chairman (Mr. E. Holmes) stated that acting upon the instructions of the Board, and a suggestion made by the Local Government Board Inspector for the district, the master of the workhouse had secured a quantity of wood so that any applicants for relief, who were willing to work, might he given temporary employment in cutting up the wood, and receiving payments for it. Since then a copy of the following resolution had been received from the Oakengates Urban Council:— “That this Council urges upon the Wellington, Shifnal, and Newport Boards of Guardians to hold a meeting with all possible speed to consider the great distress in this urban district, owing to the miners’ strike, and suggests that they hold such meeting in this immediate industrial centre, to avoid the necessitous poor travelling to either Wellington, Shifnal, or Newport.” He (the Chairman of the Board), thought that that would be a very difficult matter to carry out, but as the resolution had been passed, and sent on to them for their consideration, it was their duty to express some opinion upon it. He had also received a letter from a clergyman on the same subject, and he wrote and told that gentlemen what they had done with the consent of the Local Government Board, and also that if any genuine applications for work came to them they world try to find some employment for them. He, however, believed, that no application had yet been received.— Mr. Frost (master): Not one.— Mr. T. Taylor said that neither the urban nor the rural members of the Board needed to be reminded of their duties by a resolution of the kind sent to them from Oakengates; and he thought that the Oakengates Urban Council should be informed that the Wellington Guardians were quite capable of attending to their own business. (Hear, hear).— Mr R. Cadman said that he did not think that resolution represented the feeling of the whole of the members of the Oakengates Council.— Mr Mann