The Sun.
London, England, 1868-02-21 00:00:00

THE MINERS' LOCK-OUT

The lock-out among the Church Gresley miners, of
whose position we have indicated the attitude from time
to time, seems to have been the precursor of sewrill agita-
tions of a similar character in different parts of the mining
districts of the country. For instance, about 500 colliers
are on strike in the Poynton district, resisting an attempt
of the employers to enforce a reduction of one penny in
the shilling. In various other parts of Lancashire
the coal proprietors have resolved to reduce the wages
of the colliers in consequence of the depression which
at present prevails in the trade. The proposal to work
collieries under the double shift system has been
encountered by a most determined opposition in South
Yorkshire as well as in other parts of the colliery country.
At a meeting of the National Miners' Association held
last week at Manchester it was unanimously resolved :
" That this meeting of the Miners' National Association
Council have heard with deep regret the proposal that
seems to be gaining ground in certain districts of working
fiery pits by double shifts. This council, meeting as a body
of practical men, consider that with the principle adopted
there would be a greater loss of life than now. The council
further thinks that, as the principle will so far include night
work, it will therefore tend to debase the miners physically
and socially, as well as create more danger. The association
therefore calls upon all miners to resist the adoption of
the system wherever it may be adopted." At Ashton-
under-Lyne it appears that the masters have resolved on
reducing wages 2d. in the shilling, to work the men ten
hours a day, and not to employ union men. A meeting of
delegates from the various lodges was held last week, and
it was almost unanimously.resolved to accept the reduction,
but to refuse to work ten hours per day, or to give up the
union. The chairman put it to the meeting to decide as to
agreeing to the determination of the delegates on the
second and third questions ; but he disputed the right of
those present to discuss the question decided by the dele-
gates. Ultimately a resolution was carried to resist
the working ten hours per day, and to maintain the
union. The collieries of Glamorgamshire have resolved on
accepting the reduction of 15 per cent. in the rate of
wages. In the Rhondda Valley, where three-quarters of
a million tons of coal are annually raised, the men at first
objected to so large a reduction as 3s. in the pound, and
contended that the circumstances of the trade did not
warrant such a heavy decrease, which would bring
wages down to a lower point than had ever
been known in the district. Upon reconsideration,
however, they have determined
ace to submit, on condition
that when an advance takes pl in the price of coal a
proportionate rise should be made in wages. In Mon-
mouthshire matters have not been arranged in so satisfactory
a manner, and the majority of the collieries have been at
a standstill since the termination of the notice. The reso-
lution of the house-coal men not to accept the master's
terms has been so far adhered to. Unanimity does not
seem to prevail among the steam coal hands, for at Risca
and Tredegar they arc employed, while at Abercarne and
Abertillery they have declined to work. Those who are
termed stationary hands, such as firemen and enginemen,
have also struck at the two last-named collieries, and the
employers have been obliged to bring workmen from other
localities to keep the machinery and pits in order. Thisc,, i
has created some ill-feelin and increased precautions have
been taken by
police authorities,thorities, so as to prevent any
breach of the
peace.the
Such are the agitations now pro-
in the coal country.

TII E POOR POSTM XN.— A correspondent sends
the following :—" If the writers of letters knew the trouble
that they give these worthy labourers, they would be more
careful in addressing their correspondents. The following
is a verbatim copy of an address on a letter sent through
the Leeds Post Office this week :--` Mary Hibson,
Crompton.' After passing into the hands of several
letter-carriers, and none of them being able to give a clue
to the place intended, a wide-awake clerk wrote on it
' Try Armley,' which was done, when it turned out to be
for Miss Maria Ibberson, Crompton-street, Arraley.'”.