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Monthly Circular.
No. 229.	January.	1915.
TO THE MEMBERS.

GENTLEMEN,

We are entering upon another year, but one which to us is fraught with very great importance, as the war has continued five months, and there is still no sign of the end. There cannot be the least doubt, in any of our minds, what the consequences will be. If there is justice in the universe, and we can assure ourselves there is, then the cause of the Allies is bound to be successful, for such a state of disorder and destruction can only have one termination, but it will however, be no child's play. While it is well to have optimism, it must not be a blind one, lest our past successes should lead us to overlook any element, which would be required to bring about the final settlement, which all of us greatly desire. It is to say the least, very sorrowful to see some men who have more regard to personal prestige and popularity, than they have for the regard and safety of their country, taking the opposite view. We, however, in Durham, have shown ourselves worthy of the situation, and it will take more than mere empty vapour and boasting on the part of irresponsible people to lead us from our allegiance. We have seen an exhibition already this month, where certain men with great desire and little ability have tried to imitate the pronouncements of Dr. Leibnecht, who is a man of much disinterestedness and great intelligence. I am sorry that the authorities paid any attention and played into the hands of a few men who live on boasting in these times. The Government might be assured that the country is with them, and solid loyalty will bring about a successful issue. The difference between Dr. Leibnecht and some of our would-be imitators, is as the difference between courage and audacity. A courageous man faces circumstances, while the audacious seeks to hide behind a set of circumstances. Two things I hope will he remembered, that these expressions against recruiting can not be attributed to the whole of the working classes, for I am confident, and proud of it, that a large number of the members of the Independent Labour Party have readily and voluntarily joined the army ; and secondly. we may fully assure ourselves that recruiting will go on until the war is finished, and brought to a successful issue. I appeal in confidence to the young men of' Durham and I know they will rise to the occasion.

Review of 1914.

It is usual in this number to give you a review of our associated work, setting forth our membership, and the financial position, and the work of our various Committees :—

The above table shows the membership for the last six years. In order to make the thing complete, I on December 5th, sent out a return, asking each Lodge to send in a return of the number of members on or before December 19th. This note has been written on the 8th of January, and as yet some Lodges have not sent in their return.

It is irksome to be continually making this reminder, for all returns make it quite clear when they should be sent into the Office.

There is usually a fortnight given, and certainly in making out a return of the membership that is a sufficient length of time.

If there is an Association anywhere in the country which needs to have expedition, and certainty in controlling its affairs, it is ours, and I hope this reminder will be sufficient.

The Financial Position.

Sick Fund.

The Outlay.

Income.

You will please observe that the contributions have been divided between the General and the Sick Fund. The Sick Fund was separated in March, and since that time has shown its own Contributions and Outlay. For reasons which I regret, I must ask you to examine both Income and Outlay, without any suggestions from myself. I hope that ere long I shall be able to say something about these matters, as it is customary to do so.

Joint Committee, 1914.

Urgency Committee, 1914.

Meetings of Executive Committee, &c.

Compensation Cases, &c.

The Wages Changes.

The following are the wage variations for the year:

Pits Lying Idle illegally.

The following table is put in for the purpose of showing as to what extent this system is carried out, and with a view if we possibly can, to abolish it altogether. With such an organisation like ours, it is not in the least necessary, and I sincerely hope that during the next year we may have every thing done in order, and so act in accordance with the constitution.

Collieries lying illegally

Compensation Committee.

This meeting was held in Newcastle, on Monday, January 11th, there being 21 cases in all on the agenda, 2 being fatal, and 19 non-fatal, and they were dealt with in the following manner :—

Fatal Cases

Fatal Cases

Lodge	Name	Age	Occupation
Shotton	Thomas, Dilke	53	Brick Burner
Wearmouth	Edward, Maher	17	Driver

Non-fatal Cases

Non-fatal Cases

Lodge	Name	Age	Occupation
Eldon	B., Bainbridge	36	Hewer
Twizell	John, Bainbridge
Ouston E	Richard, Boyston	44	Shifter
Ouston E	Dennis, Comerford	32	Hewer
South Pelaw	Thomas, Hall	21
Westerton	B., Harbisher	19	Incline Braker
Heworth	Joseph, Hogg	61	Shifter
Chilton	Ernest, Jackson		Pony Putter
Silksworth	Nichol, Mason	26	Labourer
Houghton	John, McLaren	46	Hewer
Ryhope	W., Miller	21	Driver
Hebburn	Thomas, Mouter	22	Hand Putter
Heworth	Edward, Reynolds	22	Coal Putter
Sleekburn	R., Ringer	15	Landing Lad
Dawdon	James, Robson	60	Stoneman
Felling	J. W., Scott	34	Hewer
Houghton	Henry, Wilson	37	Hewer
Ouston	Giles, Wood		Shifter
Chopwell	W. N., Woodhall	24	Hewer

Durham, 1915. John Wilson.

 

Source:

NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/1/6/40, D.M.A. Minutes, Circulars etc. for 1915 (two volumes: covers Jan-Jun, Jul-Dec)