[English] HAPPY MINERS. PITS WHERE EMPLOYERS AND MEN ARE FRIENDS.

HAPPY MINERS.

PITS WHERE EMPLOYERS AND MEN ARE FRIENDS.

WELFARE WORK DEFEATS COMMUNISM.

MANSFIELD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

More than 10,000 men are bound by ties of loyalty and friendship, as well as by common interests, to the Bolsover Colliery Company, Limited, who own five of the biggest and most up-to-date pits in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coalfield.

Communists have often tried to create trouble and unrest among the men, but have been compelled to admit defeat. Mr. J. P. Houfton, a director of the company, said:

Our aim has been to create a happy family of all the men we employ by making their lives brighter and more interesting. Meetings are held periodically between representatives of employers and employed to discuss mutual problems, and the men contribute suggestions for increasing output and reducing costs in the certain knowledge that they will ultimately react to their own advantage.

Training Miners For Official Posts.

One of the first steps taken by the company in their welfare work was to institute classes where the men off duty could receive training enabling them to become officials. The result is seen to-day. The agent responsible for the mining work at all the collieries once worked as a pony driver underground, and the manager of one pit began as an office boy. Many under-managers, deputies and other officials also gained their positions through attending the classes.

Country House For Scouts.

Five years ago the company bought Edwinstowe Hall, a country house with delightful grounds, on the borders of Sherwood Forest, as a centre for their welfare activities. Here each week-end troops of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, made up of the sons and daughters of miners, are entertained. Near each pit sports grounds are provided.

Source:

1. Page 10, "Hong Kong Daily Press", Thursday, 15th December, 16th Year of the Republic of China

   • 22nd Day, 11th Lunar Month, Ding-mao Year

   • Thursday, 15th December, 1927 Common Era