MINERS’ DEMONSTRATION AT SANDHURST.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 120, 27 February 1872, Page 3

MINERS’ DEMONSTRATION AT SANDHURST.

The llcrahrx correspondent writes : “ The meeting which was convened for Saturday evening, at the Lyceum Theatre, for the purpose of forming a working miners’ association, proved a most unqualified success, as far as number of audience and enthusiasm went. The mayor of the city was announced to occupy the chair, hut through indisposition was prevented from attending, and .Air Henry ; Ilattam was appointed in his stead. A letter was read from Mr Alaekny, M.L.A., ; stating that he fully sympathised with j the miners in the steps they were about i take in order to protect their interests, but . thought it would he unwise for him, for ; many reasons to take any active part in 1 the formation of the meditated associa- | lion. lie. however, enclosed a cheque for ' £lO, an announcement that was received with great cheering. Two working miners then proposed and seconded the first resolution, and fully explained the object sought by the formation of a millers’ association, ami also the reason of | the miners for leaving work at the three I claims now at a stand still. It -appears : that the offers made to the men, and rejected by them, were that they should submit to a reduction of os per week, and also work half an hour longer than at present, viz., eight and a half hours, or continue to receive £2 os per week for fifty-four hours’ work. Air Clarke, ALAI 8., spoke to the resolution, and earnestly begged of all present to join the society. They proposed, be said, to raise a fund sufficiently large to secure the workmen their proper and legitimate rights, and

to enable them to withstand tho grasping demands of capitalists, lie t bought it would be advisable to associate tlic new society with the Miners’ Accident Society. Mr "Clark stated that nhe.idy 200 members had joined the association, and they bad received promises of cordial support and assistance from directors and managers of some of tho largest claims in the district. After explaining the advantages that would accrue to miners by their joining the ranks of the association, the speaker resumed his scat amidst prolonged cheering. Other speakers followed, and urged all present to prove their sympathy in the movement by at once enrolling themselves. It was decided that an entrance fee of 2s Gd be charged, and a subscription of 3d per week. A large number of those present at once joined the association, and thero cannot i>o a doubt, from the very enthusiastic manner in which the matter has been taken in hand, that before long a very Urge fund will be accumulated, and the working miners at Sandhurst placed in such a position that nothing but an united action of employers could effect a reduction of wages, or m any way interfere with what are now understo i d to be the miner’s privileges.”