MINERS’ ACCIDENT RELIEF FUND.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 182, 9 May 1872, Page 3

MINERS’ ACCIDENT RELIEF FUND.

To the Editor of the Thames Gu.utDr.vx. Sir, —“An Odd Fellow,” writing in a local paper on the Miners’ Accident Relief Fund, says that what at first, sight seemed a very good thing is now becoming to assume quite a different aspect, and lie first thought it would bo a very good thing for those who could not or would not join other societies; and because of this “ Odd Fellow ” was informed that the manager of a certain claim gave the men to understand that he wanted all tho names of the men that refused to join. What is there in this information that should so prejudice an “Odd Fellow” against what any sensible man must see is a good cause, and in which “ Odd Fellow ’’himself believed, before he was informed this, that, and the other, —something without proof or confirmation, which is simply nothing. There is certainly something more that has prejudiced “ Odd Fellow’s ” mind against the Thames Miners’ and Mining Employers’ Accident Relief Fund, when he wishes from his heart the complete failure of the society, and while wishing this, casts a slur on the committee. It docs not seem that the committee desire any private benefit, when almost the first £25 received is banded over to the Thames Hospital. I believe it is the desire of the committee, and also every right-thinking man, that this society should succeed, and become a social benefit to the Thames mining community. “Odd Fellow ” surely did not read the rules of this society before he commenced to condemn it, when lie says that provision made for any one that should bo incapacitated for work would not pay a doctor’s bill, without medicines. Rule (i of tho society states : “ In case of a subscriber being injured, so that lie is incapacitated from further working, lie shall receive regular pay of 155 s per week for a period of 12 months, after which shall receive a lump sum of £SO, when be shall have no further claim on the fund.” “ Odd Fellow ” goes from rule G to rule 3, which is—“ That all persons whose subscriptions shall be in arrears for one month shall forfeit all claims for relief from this fund.” This rule, like rule G, speaks for itself, and on which “ Odd Fellow ” puts his own version, in his odd style. What would a society be without rules, and have them strictly conformed to ?—I am, &c., May Bth.