In November 1892, it was announced that coal mining in Blantyre would continue for another 50 years, with companies planning to establish new shafts and operations. This development promises significant employment opportunities for a thousand miners and a boost to local construction, countering fears of a coal shortage in the district.
In November 1892, High Blantyre and Auchentibber faced a devastating outbreak of enteric fever and measles, affecting numerous households. Dr. McLintock attributed the illness to poor sanitation and overcrowding. The situation highlighted the vulnerability of mining communities, emphasizing how quickly diseases could spread and overwhelm families during that period.
The annual general meeting of the Blantyre and Udston Accident Funds took place on November 30, 1892, chaired by Colonel James Reid. The fifteenth report revealed that 71 recipients received aid, while five had deceased. A total of £39,977 had been spent since the Blantyre Pit Disaster, with £27,559 remaining.
In December 1892, mining in Blantyre faced turmoil as collieries attempted wage cuts of 12.5%, leading to protests from miners. While Merry & Cunningham’s Auchenraith Colliery announced regular hours and Saturday work for lost wages, Dixon’s pits experienced unrest from dismissed long-serving employees, amidst ongoing economic depression concerns.
On March 7, 1893, 13-year-old Edward Liddell began his first day at Auchinraith Colliery, working as a coal picker. Tragically, his left leg became trapped in pulleys, resulting in the loss of his foot. The incident raises questions regarding the responsibility of Messrs Merry & Cunningham for workplace safety.
By March 1893, Blantyre miners were getting annoyed, more so than usual. For some months previous, there was a growing rumour at Dixon’s Pits that the miners were deliberately being underpaid. It affected over 600 men employed at Dixon’s four Blantyre pits and so a meeting was help in High Blantyre’s Masonic building, where it […]
In May 1893, William Baird & Co began sinking the Priory Pit in Blantyre. However, after only 25 feet, the shaft collapsed due to water and sand pressure. The initial efforts were deemed futile, leading to the decision to construct a new shaft 20 feet away, using iron caissons for safety.