Sheffield Independent – Friday 26 May 1893

Local Collieries and the Hull Trade

Effects of the Dockers’ Dispute – Coalowners’ and Miners’ Losses

Yesterday, after anxiously waiting for over a fortnight, subscribers to the Hull official return were placed in possession of figures which show the extent to which the protracted dispute at Hull has affected the coal trade of South Yorkshire.

The dispute has reduced away thousands of tons of coal, involving in losses colliery owners and miners alike. But a greater and more serious injury must arise from the long continuance of the strike, for to keep the collieries idle entails a serious loss, and making allowances for the men’s pay it is estimated that during the dispute owners alone have lost about £13,500.

The dispute occurred at an unfortunate period of the year, for the export coal trade was just beginning its expansion. Hull is the nearest outlet, usually making the annual quarter of the year, that is from the middle of March until June, the busiest time.

The quantity shipped in April 1893 was 27,248 tons, against 41,608 tons in April 1892, leaving a deficiency of 14,360 tons for the month. Coastwise shipments also show a falling off.

In the four months ended April 1893, coastwise shipments were 65,994 tons, against 71,854 tons in 1892.

Last month shipments from Hull amounted to 31,299 tons, while for the previous year the total shipments were 40,404 tons, making a falling off of 9,105 tons.

Coal shipped to Hull from South Yorkshire Collieries

(April 1893 compared with April 1892)