A remarkable letter was published on Monday, signed by fifteen
leading representatives of the great industries which would be affected by the passing of the Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Bill. The signatories point out that an eight- hours day from bank to bank would mean an increase of price,—estimated by the coal-owners at two shillings per ton to the consumer at the lowest. No body of men less need legislative protection than the coal-miners. Their wages are high, employment is plentiful, and their working hours are exceptionally short. In health and physique they are declared by the Home Office Report to compare favourably with any other class of workpeople. They also quote the evidence of Mr. John Wilson, M.P., the Radical Member for Mid-Durham, that "from a purely working man's point of view a legal eight-hours day would be one of the greatest evils that ever came into the county of Durham," and note that the Forest of Dean miners are opposed to the Bill. In these circumstances, and in view of the burden to be thrown on the great industries depending for their existence on coal, as well as of the suffering which will be inflicted on the com- munity at large, they appeal to the public through the Press to oppose the passing of the Bill, and call attention to the meeting of coal consumers to be held at the Cannon Street Hotel on Tuesday, March 17th, at 3 p.m.
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