Ralph GOUNDRY 1843 – 1923 – Genealogical Records

Sources

Genealogy Event 1
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: ABT NOV 1843
Event Place: Old Coundon, Co. Durham

Genealogy Event 2
Event Type: Baptism
Event Date: 31 DEC 1843
Event Place: Coundon, Co. Durham
Record Source: and at Spennymoor Methodist Chapel the same day

Genealogy Event 3
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 30 MAR 1851
Event Place: Coundon, Co. Durham
Record Source: living with three siblings and their parents - he was also recorded at his grandparents' house in Coundon
Age:
7y

Genealogy Event 4
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 7 APR 1861
Event Place: Wharton Street, Coundon, Co. Durham
Record Source: living with nine siblings and their parents - he was a Coal Miner
Age:
17y

Genealogy Event 5
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 28 APR 1870
Record Source: the General Post Office, Sydney had unclaimed letters addressed to Ralph GOUNDRY at Newcastle

Genealogy Event 6
Event Type: Residence
Event Date: 1871
Event Place: Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Record Source: when his daughter Elizabeth was born - the mother was named as Ellen GOUNDRY

Genealogy Event 7
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 1 MAR 1873
Record Source: there was unclaimed mail for him addressed to Charters Towers, Queensland, New South Wales

Genealogy Event 8
Event Type: Residence
Event Date: BET 1874 AND 1891
Event Place: Northumberland, New South Wales, Australia

Genealogy Event 9
Event Type: Residence
Event Date: 1875
Event Place: Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
Record Source: when his daughter Frances was born - the mother was named as Ellen GOUNDRY

Genealogy Event 10
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: JUL 1876
Record Source: at a public meeting at Lambton he opposed a motion against spending £800 on a Public School there

Genealogy Event 11
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 3 FEB 1877
Record Source: at Waratah, New South Wales his wife Ellen GOUNDRY was committed for trial at Maitland on a charge of deserting her two children at Lambton

Genealogy Event 12
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 31 MAR 1877
Record Source: a newspaper stated that breeding greyhounds had become very popular and Ralph GOUNDRY of Lambton offered to back his slut "Luna" to run any greyhound in the colony twelve months old, at one hare, on any course, from £100 to £200 a side

Genealogy Event 13
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 15 JUN 1878
Record Source: a match between GOUNDRY's "Luna" and SCOTT's black dog took place at the Northumberland Hotel, Lambton - the stakes were £20 a-side, the dog which killed the first nine rabbits out of seventeen was to be the winner - the result was "Luna" nine rabbits to the dog's seven.

Genealogy Event 14
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 2 DEC 1882
Record Source: he was one of several hundred signatories to a letter to a newspaper stating that if A.A.P. TIGHE, Esq. was a candidate in a forthcoming election they would support him

Genealogy Event 15
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 16 JAN 1883
Record Source: at the Police Court, his daughter Frances GOUNDRY, "a girl of about eight years, on remand for her protection, was discharged; her father having undertaken to at once look after her, and have her removed from a house of ill-fame, kept by a man named Sidney CASEY, in Dawson Street, where she had been engaged. Her father stated that "he was completely unaware of the class of characters who frequented the house, and that he was under the impression that she was being properly looked after".

Genealogy Event 16
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 24 OCT 1883
Record Source: a meeting of the Lambton Miners agreed that "in future when a fatal accident occurs, the men, instead of ceasing work, remain in and give the widow of the deceased half of their earnings for that day" was defeated. The Miners' delegate tendered his resignation and Mr. R. GOUNDRY was appointed to replace him.

Genealogy Event 17
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 16 JAN 1884
Record Source: the New South Wales Police Gazette advertised "Missing since the 4th instant from an Institution at Manly, known as the "Good Samaritan Convent" - Lizzie GOUNDRY. About 12 years of age, fair complexion, hazel eyes, sandy hair cut short, long features; dressed in a black and white dress, and elastic-side boots".

Genealogy Event 18
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 8 MAR 1884
Record Source: as a member of the Sports Committee he signed the programme for the amusements at the Miners' Demonstration to be held on the Wallsend Athletic Club Ground.

Genealogy Event 19
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 15 MAR 1884
Record Source: at a meeting of the Hunter River District Convention of the International Order of Good Templars (a Temperance Organisation) Brother Ralph GOUNDRY was recommended as a District Deputy for the next year

Genealogy Event 20
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 21 JUN 1884
Record Source: Ralph GOUNDRY represented the miners of Lambton Colliery at a conference between the masters and miners with a view to forming Conciliation Boards for the amicable settlement of collieries disputes

Genealogy Event 21
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: JUL 1884
Record Source: he seconded a vote of thanks to the speaker at a lecture given to the Rosebud Lodge of Good Templars at Lambton.

Genealogy Event 22
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 1 AUG 1884
Record Source: he addressed a meeting of the Blue Ribbon Army, another Temperance Society, at the Baptist Chapel, Elder Street

Genealogy Event 23
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 2 OCT 1884
Record Source: a Miners' delegate meeting agreed that "the District Officers and Messrs. J. SUMMERS and R. GOUNDRY be a Sub-committee to draw up rules for the guidance of the Board of Conciliation in conjunction with representatives from the proprietors"

Genealogy Event 24
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 4 OCT 1884
Record Source: he was appointed to the Banquet Committee for the forthcoming Eight-hours Demonstration of the trades in the city and district.

Genealogy Event 25
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 16 OCT 1884
Record Source: he was a marshall at the annual celebration of the inauguration of the eight-hours system of labour in the Hunter River District, held at Newcastle Racecourse - "Along the route the various trades were emblematically represented by conveyances containing specimens of the several handicrafts concerned. Boats, forges in blast, boilermaking and riveting, picks, mauls, mining insignia, engineering examples, machinery, and carriage works - each and all found their representation and representatives in the vast crowd".

Genealogy Event 26
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 9 JAN 1885
Record Source: a meeting of the miners' delegates elected R. GOUNDRY onto a Committee to arrange the Miners' Annual Demonstration

Genealogy Event 27
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 7 FEB 1885
Record Source: as a member of the Sports Committee he signed an advertisement for competitors for the Sports at Lambton, part of the Miners' Demonstration to be held on March 5th

Genealogy Event 28
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 11 MAY 1885
Record Source: he chaired a tea meeting and concert of the Hope of Lambton, I.O.G.T., "whilst a goodly mustering of his large family of fellow brothers and sisters, all in full regalia, were seated round him on the platform".

Genealogy Event 29
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 26 AUG 1885
Record Source: a meeting of the Lambton Miners proposed that they should receive similar wages to those at Wallsend.

Genealogy Event 30
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 19 SEP 1885
Record Source: at a miners' meeting to decide whether the members of the H.R. Coal Miners' Protective Association should accept the proposal of the coal proprietors, Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY of the Lambton mine said "this was the first time he had had the honour to address a public meeting of that character, and he therefore hoped they would excuse any shortcomings into which he might fall"

Genealogy Event 31
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 1 OCT 1885
Record Source: a meeting of Lambton Colliery employees was told that some of them had given notice that they did not intend to pay to Dr. LEACOCK any more, and had signed a paper requesting that money should not be stopped in the office and they should be allowed to pay whichever Doctor they liked. Mr. GOUNDRY said some men at first denied signing the paper at street corners but later admitted they had - he challenged any man whose name was on the paper to say it was a forgery. The action had all been above board and meetings calling for those who wished to select their own Doctor had been advertised. Dr. LEACOCK said, in reply to Mr. GOUNDRY, "as to not having made a name for himself in three years - well, the best proof of his having made a name was that he was still there." Two days previously a deputation including Mr. GOUNDRY, had gone to his surgery and handed him a paper in an envelope. The Doctor declined to enter into conversation with them as he had no witnesses, only his assistant, who would be considered a biased one. The paper was signed by a number of employees who stated that they no longer required him as their Doctor, gave him a month's notice, and offered £14, which they considered equivalent to a month's pay. He refused the money and told the deputation to leave his premises.

Genealogy Event 32
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 2 OCT 1885
Record Source: Ralph was elected to the Executive.

Genealogy Event 33
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 3 OCT 1885
Record Source: at a meeting of the Lambton miners it was proposed that Mr. JONES, the Check-weighman, and Mr. GOUNDRY, the Delegate, form the deputation to meet Mr. SHANNON, the Company's Managing Director. Mr. JONES was willing to go, but doubted whether he would be received as the management had always refused to meet him on deputations. It was agreed that "the deputation should consist of those who had previously met him - Messrs. KERR, HAMILTON and GOUNDRY

Genealogy Event 34
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 20 OCT 1885
Record Source: Mr. R. GOUNDRY told a meeting of Lambton miners that they had had a long discussion with Mr. SHANNON, Managing Director of the company in Sydney about the rates of pay for certain types of work - the miners claimed the same as the Company paid at its Wallsend Colliery but the Company said that if that happened all of the other Collieries would demand the same rates, which were not affordable at those places.

Genealogy Event 35
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 16 NOV 1885
Record Source: a Public Meeting was held to present Mr. Jacob JONES with "an illuminated testimonial, together with a purse of sovereigns, previous to his departure for fresh fields and pastures new." The testimonial was signed by the Committee, including its Secretary, R. GOUNDRY.

Genealogy Event 36
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 1 DEC 1885
Record Source: a motion to consider the formation of a Trades and Labour Council for the Hunter River district, supported by Mr. R. GOUNDRY and others, was carried unanimously.

Genealogy Event 37
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 4 DEC 1885
Record Source: a letter to a newspaper, signed by R. GOUNDRY, A.G. HAMILTON and R. MOONEY, the members of the deputation from Lambton, said they had met the Superintendent of the Lambton Company and requested that the miners get get the same sliding scale as those at Wallsend. Management had said that the Lambton men had higher wages than Wallsend but did not explain how. They claimed the men were making 15s. or 16s. a day, but they were actually making nothing near that, and management refused to go to arbitration. The letter tried to explain the technicalities of the claim to the public.

Genealogy Event 38
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 8 JAN 1886
Record Source: he was appointed as one of the executives of the Newcastle Miners' Association for the ensuing quarter.

Genealogy Event 39
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 13 JAN 1886
Record Source: the Secretary told a meeting of the Lambton miners that a deputation, including Mr. R. GOUNDRY, had met the Manager of Lambton Colliery with a view to trying to bring about a settlement. The miners' request that reporters be allowed into the meeting had been rejected by the Manager. Both sides made their case strongly and the Manager had offered to make some concessions which the deputation would lay before the meeting.

Genealogy Event 40
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 15 JAN 1886
Record Source: Mr. R. GOUNDRY was in a deputation from the Hunter River Miners' Association which met the Minister of Mines. They said there had been many complaints about bad ventilation in some of the mines and there had recently been a strike because of this. Ventilation as a whole was scandalous, and in some places there were more workers and horses than stipulated in an Act. The Minister asked the deputation to put their case in writing, and he would see that the regulations were carried out.

Genealogy Event 41
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 21 JAN 1886
Record Source: a meeting of Lambton miners agreed that a letter from the Manager of the colliery would not be considered as "the purport of the letter was that such concessions as the Manager had to offer were now withdrawn, and everything was as before the strike. Mr. GOUNDRY said that the case against the Manager was so strong that he was afraid to go for arbitration - "if not why did the Manager not accept the offer made by a deputation to send a man on each side to examine the coal seam ?" He also said that the Manager had told him the Company was considering importing men from home to fill the position of the men on strike, to which the deputation replied that it would cost the Lambton Company more to import 400 men than to pay the price asked by the men on strike for working jerry. Mr. GOUNDRY thought it was the duty of Mr SHANNON, the General Superintendent in Sydney, to come and investigate the case personally. All that the concessions would cost the company would be £30 a fortnight. However, as the Manager had withdrawn all offers, all that the men could do was to show him that they were determined to fight for Wallsend prices. He said public feeling was in favour of the men and against the Manager for treating the men so badly after working there so many years. It was resolved that members of the Lambton Lodge would visit all the Miners' Lodges in the union to explain the position with a view to getting extra support.

Genealogy Event 42
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 27 JAN 1886
Record Source: a meeting of the Lambton miners unanimously elected Mr. GOUNDRY as District Chairman. The meeting was told that a local employer had declined to employ union men and a meeting of the Coal Trimmers' Association had been held to consider the situation. The Secretary said a deputation of Coal Trimmers had requested that the Manager of Messrs. DALGETY and Co. give the union men a fair share of the coal trimming on the vessels consigned to him. He said he would not do this as due to the late action of the Coal Trimmers with regard to the strike he had been forced to employ fresh hands and he would not sacrifice them now. The Miners' General Secretary said that if the case was as had been represented that evening he had no doubt the Trades and Labour Council would assist them in obtaining their rights.

Genealogy Event 43
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 19 FEB 1886
Record Source: Ralph GOUNDRY wrote to a newspaper denying that he had told Mr. SHANNON that the strike would not last a week. He said it would never have taken place if the Company had acted in the same manner as all the other companies in the district who for years had paid for alleged deficiencies while the Lambton Company had paid nothing. He also contradicted Mr. CROUDACE's statement "that I told him the Lambton Miners were willing to go to arbitration but the district would not allow them. . . . In reference to Mr. SHANNON stating the district had coerced the Lambton Miners, I will give you the result of the ballot at Lambton. For strike, 223; against, 73; majority for strike, 150".

Genealogy Event 44
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 3 JUN 1886
Record Source: it was reported that a meeting had been arranged in Newcastle between the Associated Colliery proprietors and delegates from the Labour Conference with a view to bringing the strike to an end - Mr. GOUNDRY was to represent the Lambton miners

Genealogy Event 45
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 15 FEB 1887
Record Source: about 2,500 people attended a meeting to nominate candidates to represent Northumberland. One of the nominations, for John OSBORNE, was made by H. RUSHTON and R. GOUNDRY - Mr. OSBORNE, who received continued cheering, proclaimed himself devoted to the Radical cause and an out-and-out opponent of Sir Henry PARKES. If returned he would sit on the Opposition benches - no cross benches for him and in season and out he would oppose Sir Henry PARKES. He denied the Premier's power to put the finances of the country to rights, because he never had the ability to look after his own. The proceedings closed with cheers for the Queen.

Genealogy Event 46
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 16 JUL 1887
Record Source: a miners' meeting at Wallsend was described as "hardly a grand success as barely 1,000 men put in an appearance" because "the subject to be discussed is practically limited to a comparatively small portion of the mining community." The meeting was to take into consideration the tribute system, which had been in operation in the New Lambton pit for some time past. A letter from the Associated Masters was read saying that they did not think the matter of sufficient importance for a conference as had been proposed by the men. Mr. GOUNDRY successfully moved a resolution "that the tribute system is detrimental to the best interests of the miners and of sufficient importance to warrant a conference meeting with the associated Masters or their Executive"

Genealogy Event 47
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 22 AUG 1887
Record Source: over 4,000 attended the Miners' Aggregate Meeting at which a letter from the Secretary of the Masters' Association was read out stating that they did not consider the tributing system a matter within their province to discuss and that "it is useless therefore, to repeat your request for a meeting with the Executive Committee on this subject." A motion was unanimously carried that "in the opinion of this meeting the continual victimising of members of the Miners' Association by the Associated Masters is unwarranted and tyrannical". It was said that a number of miners had been discharged illegally. Mr. R. GOUNDRY of Lambton said he was sorry to see the district in such a state, and that the proprietors had lately accumulated vast wealth and did not care whether the miners struck or not.

Genealogy Event 48
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 25 NOV 1887
Record Source: a meeting of miners' delegates at Newcastle accepted a letter of resignation from the Miners' Chairman and Ralph GOUNDRY was elected for the remainder of the term.

Genealogy Event 49
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 25 FEB 1888
Record Source: the western district miners held their annual Eight-hour Demonstration on the Lithgow Racecourse, 300 miners marched in procession to the ground where speeches were delivered from the grandstand. A resolution was passed to make eight hours a legal day's work, it was supported by Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY, the President of the Hunter River Miners' Association. He was a principal speaker at a banquet that night

Genealogy Event 50
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 11 MAR 1888
Record Source: between 4,000 and 5,000 attended the Miners' Demonstration at Lambton Park, the Chairman was Mr. R. GOUNDRY, President of the Hunter River Miners' Mutual Protective Association.

Genealogy Event 51
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 16 JUN 1888
Record Source: at a meeting of the Hunter River Miners' Association "there were about 2,000 present including a fair sprinkling of females. Two or three brass bands played before the meeting opened. The chair was taken by Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY, president of the Hunter River Miners' Association"

Genealogy Event 52
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 25 JUN 1888
Record Source: Mr. James FLETCHER, M.L.A., met a deputation from the South Waratah miners with Mr R. GOUNDRY and Mr James CURLEY (District Chairman and General Secretary) regarding the dispute between them and the Company - the men said they were prepared to accept fair remuneration for work and had no intention of taking advantage of their late employers.

Genealogy Event 53
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 5 JUL 1888
Record Source: a meeting of the miners' delegates and district officers resolved that the agreement for arbitration for the South Waratah miners be accepted, subject to the rise and fall of the district rates, and that the district officers and a deputation from the Waratah lodge would represent the miners at the South Waratah arbitration. It was also agreed that the South Waratah miners be recommended to resume work the following Monday, pending the arbitration award. R. GOUNDRY was to be sent to the Illawarra district to act with the Maritimo Federation in recognising the Southern district

Genealogy Event 54
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 18 JUL 1888
Record Source: at a miners' meeting at Newcastle it was resolved that the General Secretary should inform the Waratah Company that the Board objected to Henry STOKES and Hugh WALKER as arbitrators as it alleged they were both directly interested in the coal trade. It was also resolved "that the Waratah miners be withdrawn until the company fulfilled the conditions of agreement for arbitration; and that this board send a delegate to the Illawarra district to aid in organising the miners. It was also resolved that the "reasons assigned bv the Manager of the Greta Colliery for working the night shift are not satisfactory to this board".

Genealogy Event 55
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 30 JUL 1888
Record Source: about 2,000 men present at a miners' conference held at Lambton were told by Mr. R. GOUNDRY, the miners' Chairman, that the meeting's purpose was to decide what action to take regarding the proposed agreement with the masters. Two resolutions were carried - "That the agreement submitted to the colliery proprietors on Saturday, 21st July provides a means for the settlement of existing disputes and others that may arise and that we urge upon the associated proprietors the immediate adoption of the same." and "That the Hunter River miners give 14 days' notice to cease work until an agreement with the Associated Masters is entered into, and that the notices be tendered after the receipt of the agreement, should it be considered unsatisfactory".

Genealogy Event 56
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 12 AUG 1888
Record Source: a newspaper reported that "A crisis has been reached in the dispute between the Newcastle miners and the colliery proprietors, and 14 days' notice of a general strike will be given by the miners on 13 August. At a conference on 11 August between representatives of the Newcastle Coal Owners' Mutual Protective Association and delegates from the Hunter River Coal Miners' Association, Mr. GREGSON, for the owners, asked for the result of the miners' ballot on the question of a general strike but Mr. CURLEY said he was not in a position to say. The Chairman: "Then we can only assume from what we have seen in the Press that the ballot is in favour of a general strike, and that being the case it puts an end to any negotiations for an agreement, as it is quite impossible, with the threat of a general strike, that we can negotiate for an agreement." Mr. R. GOUNDRY, Chairman of the Hunter River miners, said "On behalf of the miners, we are prepared now to discuss the matter of the agreement. It is nothing but right that your proposals should be submitted to us today, so that we might consider them side by side with the agreement we have submitted. All we want is an agreement honourable to all parties, so that disputes shall be amicably settled without, as at present, the whole district being thrown into a state of turmoil." Mr. GOUNDRY said he would like to know if the proprietors were prepared to submit their proposals. Mr. GREGSON: "No, we are not prepared to do anything of the kind. If you wanted an agreement why did you not wait for our proposals. You have attompted to coerce us and we will do nothing at the present time." Mr. CURLEY: "You are coercing us." Mr. GREGSON: "It is the result of your own action." Mr. CURLEY: "When the miners ask for more than the 4s-2d. rate for certain seams with obstructions in them you say you are not prepared to offer any more. If this is not coercion I don't know what coercion is." After further discussion Mr. GOUNDRY said: "It is only throwing the whole district into a state of topsy-turvy to let this dispute go any further. Let us bury the hatchet and go to business at once." Mr. GREGSON: "You should have thought of that before. If that is your sincere intention you could have had it." Mr. GOUNDRY: "What do you wish us to do ?" Mr. GREGSON: "It is very little use your asking what I would propose because we are threatened with a strike. That being the case the thing is done." Mr. GOUNDRY: "So far as the ballot goes we know nothing at all about it at the present time. The ballot can be withdrawn and an agreement entered into." Mr. GREGSON: "Very well, then, withdraw it." Mr. GOUNDRY: "A day must come when we shall have to meet on amicable terms, and why not let us do so now ?" Mr. GREGSON: "Withdraw the ballot and the coercion." The meeting then abruptly terminated. After the conference the delegates held a long sitting - the results of the ballot were: Total for the strike, 3005; against, 893; majority in favour: 2112. The newspaper said "The turn affairs have now taken in connection with the mining dispute has caused a most profound sensation in the Newcastle district, and business people there and in Sydney have taken a most gloomy view of the situation. Great anxiety is now being manifested as to the attitude the Seamen's Union will assume. The seamen are under a pledge to support the miners in any trouble that might arise between them and the employers".

Genealogy Event 57
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 24 AUG 1888
Record Source: a newspaper reported that as long as there had appeared to be the slightest prospect of a settlement a large section of the people had held a strong belief that the threatened strike of the miners, with its attendant serious consequences, would be averted. The excitement caused by the suspension of negotiations a fortnight previously had gradually died away and a peaceful result had been confidently awaited. The unsatisfactory result of the conciliation committee the previous day had, however, given way to a feeling of intense anxiety and people now realised the extent of the calamity about to fall upon them. It anticipated that the strike would last at least three months, during that time there would be a total cessation of the trade of the port and a large number of men "will have to be supported in idleness".

Genealogy Event 58
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 29 AUG 1888
Record Source: a newspaper reported that "The Great Northern mine requires opening up, there being only 85 men employed there now whereas if the work is allowed to proceed over 200 additional men will be added. The miners estimate that with 300 men they could raise 100 tons a day, and easily fulfil Mr. SPEIGHT's order of 100,000 tons in 12 Months".

Genealogy Event 59
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 7 SEP 1888
Record Source: a newspaper commented that the main topic was the meeting the following day between the masters' and miners' delegates which it hoped would have a satisfactory conclusion. It said people seemed to have lost sight of the possibility of difficulties cropping up, and almost considered the strike as being settled, but it was not a foregone conclusion and it would take very little to break up the proceedings, widening the existing breach." The masters did not object to the Press being present and it was probable that the conference would be an open and unconditional one." It reported "very great excitement in the city this afternoon when news reached the police station that the miners were rioting at Tighe's Hill, in the vicinity of the Wickham and Bullock Island Collieries, three miles away and rumours were rife that the miners had attempted to destroy the buildings".

Genealogy Event 60
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 8 SEP 1888
Record Source: the conference between representatives of the masters and the miners considered the the draft agreements submitted by each side to agree which one should terminate the strike. The miners' representatives included Mr. GOUNDRY who told Mr. GREGSON for the masters that they objected to having the Press present when negotiations were about to commence. Mr. GREGSON said they wanted "everything to be in the light of day" and they wanted the Press to be represented "If you have no objection, we will allow them to remain, now that they are here." Mr GOUNDRY replied that they did object. Mr. GREGSON then asked if the miners had any objection to a reporter being present officially on behalf of the masters, and Mr GOUNDRY announced that this also was objected to - the reporters then withdrew. After sitting for about an hour the conference adjourned until the next day. It was agreed that no information regarding the discussion should be given by either side but the agreements which were submitted were handed to the press for publication. The newspaper commented that there were many very difficult points to be got over before an agreement could be arrived at. It said the composition of the subcommittee from the Miners' Board was not regarded as being favourable to peace as all the moderate men except the Chairman were excluded from it whilst some of the most notorious agitators were included. The refusal of the miners to allow the Press to be present was also regarded unfavourably - it said the miners obviously wanted the objection to the Press to come from the masters, as they made no sign until, after considerable trouble, seats had been found for all the reporters in the small room. Then, when business was actually about to commence, the objection was made. It said that, having a night to consider the proposals made on either side, the members of the conference will probably have made up their minds in the morning whether there is any prospect of an agreement.

Genealogy Event 61
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 18 SEP 1888
Record Source: a newspaper reported that the latest news from the Southern collieries was that the management of the Mount Kembla colliery had offered an increase of 12½ per cent on the present hewing prices, which would probably be accepted by the Miners and avert a strike. A special meeting of the Federated Seamen's Union had voted £500 in aid of the Newcastle Miners - this vote was in anticipation of the levy, which it understood was not yet definitely fixed. It was reported that a serious riot had occurred at Newcastle - "the Miners had gained such a complete victory over the Police and the men whom they sought to prevent from working that it is unlikely that any further attempt will be made to carry on work during the term of the strike. The riot arose out of the employment of half-a-dozen non-union men to load 200 tons of small coal at the New Lambton pit, Adamstown. The men were sent out by train very quietly this morning, with a guard of thirty Police, and reached the mine before any serious demonstration could be made by the Miners. They had worked away quietly up to 11 am. when about 600 miners assembled a short distance away. After listening to an address by Mr. GOUNDRY, Chairman of the Miners' delegates, the miners marched up to the Police lines, and a man named FRITH demanded that a deputation should be allowed to wait on the men. Sub-inspector LYNCH, who was in charge of the Police declined and after some argument and abuse FRITH said if the men continued to work, the Miners would rush them - the Police Officer was "laughed to scorn when he said he would defend the men to the last." The miners gradually gathered along the railway line and tried to get past the Police, but were unsuccessful until the men adjourned for lunch. When work resumed the miners closed around the men and, despite the efforts of the Police, completely hemmed them in. The situation was looking very serious when the last truck was filled and work stopped. The miners made renewed efforts to get at the non-union men, and sticks and stones were thrown, but eventually the men were safely housed in the Blacksmith's shop. The miners remained at the door of the shop, but no attempt was made to interfere with them until the train arrived to take the labourers and the Police back to Newcastle. Sub-inspector LYNCH then tried to clear a road for the labourers to reach the carriage, but when the labourers appeared the miners gave a great yell and made a rush to get at them. The Police were ordered to draw their bayonets and this exasperated the mob to such an extent that the Sub-inspector decided to retire again to the forge. He now saw that any attempt lo take the men away would have serious consequences, and he proceeded to the Manager's office to telephone to Newcastle. The miners guessed his intention, and went for axes to chop down the telephone poles. The Sub-inspector managed to telephone the Police at Newcastle. Soon afterwards twenty-eight well-armed men of the Permanent Artillery set off, taking a Nordenfeldt gun. Meanwhile the miners had agreed to let the men depart quietly if they promised not to come to work again. They told the Police that if a deputation was allowed to wait on the men and obtain this assurance no further difficulty would occur, but if denied an interview they would take other steps. The Police advised the labourers to agree not to come back to work. This was acted upon, and the surrender of Police and the men undoubtedly averted terrible consequences as the Miners were in an infuriated state and apparently ripe for anything, while the Police were only imperfectly equipped, and the military could not have arrived till the worst was over. The miners regarded the thing as a great triumph, and yelled with delight".

Genealogy Event 62
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 19 SEP 1888
Record Source: a newspaper reported that heavy rain at Newcastle had prevented a demonstration which the miners had planned for that morning. Miners in the vicinity of the Newcastle Colliery had arranged to burn the efiigies of a number of the masters and mining Managers and then march into Newcastle with a donkey and goat, representing the Soudan? trophies. All the preparations had been made when Mr. MELVILLE, M.L.A. and Mr. GOUNDRY "went among the miners early this morning and used considerable influence to prevent disorder. In the morning 20 more police arrived from Sydney".

Genealogy Event 63
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 13 OCT 1888
Record Source: a newspaper reported that miners at the Stockton colliery would resume work the next day, much to their satisfaction as they were thoroughly sick of the strike and their only regret was that they ever left their work - they had lost six weeks' earnings and were to return to work on exactly the same terms as when they had left. They would also have to work under whatever conditions were decided by their masters. Earlier in the day it had been felt that the effect of the district vote would be to call an aggregate meeting which would probably defeat the intentions of the Stockton Company and its miners, but this was dispelled later when it became known that the district miners would not consent to an aggregate meeting. Everything was now ready for working the mine - the horses had been lowered into the workings, the pit pumped out, and the miners who were to work the day shift ballotted for places. The Company was looking for men to work the second shift and a large number of applications had already been received. It was proposed to put nearly 600 men into the mine and thus double the output, it was said that a contract with the Melbourne Gas Company was for the supply of 600,000 tons in three years, a very large undertaking. The following week the masters were to hold a meeting at which the mediation committee would place an agreement before them which they hoped would be acceptable to both parties. It was said that the sitting of the delegate board the previous day had broken up in confusion with the chairman, Mr. GOUNDRY, abruptly leaving his post. Superintendent MEARS of the police force who had been in charge of the police in Newcastle since the redisposition of the troops and the police at West Wallsend was relieved by Sub-inspector DUFFY of Maitland. Inspector BRENNAN of Sydney had retumed there together with a good many constables who were especially camped at Greta. The manager of the West Wallsend Company had secured the services of 40 additional miners, mostly Italians and Germans. One hundred more would be engaged immediately and comfortable quarters were being provided for them. The police magistrate of the district and Inspectors BRENNAN and LYNCH had been constantly on duty since the work was resumed.

Genealogy Event 64
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 20 OCT 1888
Record Source: the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle, published in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England reported that "A great strike has been proceeding in the coal field of New South Wales ever since the 27th of August. Unfortunately it has been accompanied in its later stages by scenes of violence. . . . the leading characters in the movement on the part of the men hail from the North of England. Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY, the district Chairman of the Miners' Association, was born in 1847 at Coundon in the county of Durham whence he emigrated to Australia in 1868. "While firmly championing the cause of the miners, Mr. GOUNDRY has," says the Sydney Evening News, "exhibited a spirit of courtesy and conciliation towards the opposite side which has shown that he fully appreciates the duties and responsibilities of his position". Mr. James CURLEY, the general secretary of the miners, is also a native of the county of Durham, having been born at Shotley Bridge 42 years ago".

Genealogy Event 65
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 31 OCT 1888
Record Source: the conference of associated colliery masters and miners' delegates resumed after adjourning for a week to give the delegates time to consider the effects of the scale proposed by the masters for payment for refuse in coal seams, and "the delegates appeared armed with a number of objections to the scale . . . . the discussion was largely of a technical detailed character and therefore unintelligible to anyone but experts." In reply to Mr. GOUNDRY, it was said that the rate for the first 3ins. could not be increased from ¾d. to 1d. Mr. GOUNDRY then said this would have to go before the district as the delegates could not approve it

Genealogy Event 66
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 3 NOV 1888
Record Source: at a meeting at Newcastle, Mr. GOUNDRY remarked that each side should sink all differences and not allow anything that had transpired during the strike to interfere with the harmonious working of the mines. He hoped the masters would allow the men to return to work just as they were before the strike. Mr. GREGSON intimated that so far as the miners, mechanics, and general hands were concerned, no difficulty would occur, but in the case of officers who had failed to stand by the management, he could not promise they would ever be permitted to resume work.

Genealogy Event 67
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 13 NOV 1888
Record Source: the representatives of the Associated Colliery Masters and the Miners' Association met to sign the agreement which had been approved by both parties. A delegate from the Minmi Colliery said that although he was present it was only to make known that the Minmi miners would not go to work under the present provisions of the agreement and mentioned discrepancies which he considered caused too great a reduction. Mr. GOUNDRY, Chairman of the miners' union, introduced the question of the masters using their influence to prevent non-union men trimming coal supplied by union members. Several of the delegates, including the miners' Secretary, strongly supported this request, but the masters said they could not interfere in as it was no business of theirs what the buyers of their coal did with it after it left their wagons. The general opinion of the Managers was that all the pits would be at work the following Monday, but not before.

Genealogy Event 68
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 3 JAN 1889
Record Source: the Newcastle Miners Delegates' Board accepted the resignation of Ralph GOUNDRY, the District Chairman, who had played such an important part in the recent strike.

Genealogy Event 69
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 9 JAN 1889
Record Source: at the monthly meeting of the Lambton miners the minute accepting Mr. GOUNDRY's resignation as District Chairman was adopted without any comment

Genealogy Event 70
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 28 JAN 1889
Record Source: a newspaper reported that Mr. James WRIGHT "who will seek the suffrages of the Northumberland electors in the freetrade interest, who arrived yesterday, would speak at Wallsend tomorrow". It was generally thought that although he was well known in connection with the Federated Seamen's Union his chances of being elected were remote. Messrs. James CURLEY and R. GOUNDRY had both been asked to stand for Northumberland but had "declined the honour"

Genealogy Event 71
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 5 FEB 1889
Record Source: Ralph GOUNDRY attended a banquet at the Lyceum Hall given by the citizens of Newcastle to the Mayor in return for his recent hospitality

Genealogy Event 72
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 14 FEB 1889
Record Source: Mr Ralph GOUNDRY gave evidence as to the existence and thickness of the coal underlying the estate in an arbitration case in which the trustees of the GLEN-MITCHELL estate claimed £77,000 from the Government

Genealogy Event 73
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 16 FEB 1889
Record Source: the hearing into the dispute between the management of the South Waratah colliery and the miners employed there resumed in the Referee's Court at Newcastle Court-house. It concerned the rates paid for various thicknesses, bands and seams. It was said that Mr. GOUNDRY had been the President of the miners at the time of a conference between the masters and the miners.

Genealogy Event 74
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 25 MAR 1889
Record Source: the full text of the award was published: Mr. CURLEY produced three miners, including Ralph GOUNDRY, who were employed at different mines. The judgement was "My award in this reference is that the claim for an increased hewing rate, and for an increase in yardage rates have neither of them been established. (Signed) Alexander OLIVER.

Genealogy Event 75
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 26 APR 1889
Record Source: a crowded and enthusiastic public meeting was held under the auspices of the Newcastle branch of the Irish National League to arrange measures for the reception of the Irish delegates. It was agreed that "this meeting pledges itself to make every effort to accord a fitting reception to the Irish delegates on their visit to Newcastle". Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY (late miners' Chairman) moved that a committee be formed to prepare an address and to make the other arrangements necessary to carry out the first resolution.

Genealogy Event 76
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 15 MAY 1889
Record Source: Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY was Chairman of a meeting of the Committee appointed to make the arrangements for the visit of the Irish delegates to Newcastle. A suitable address was submitted to the meeting, and it was decided that it should be printed on satin, and presented to the delegates at the evening meeting. Motions to be submitted to the meeting were: "That a subscription list in aid of the evicted tenants be now opened", "That this meeting is of opinion that Ireland should be granted a full measure of Home Rule" and "That the thanks of the meeting be tendered to the Mayor of Newcastle for presiding" - Mr. GOUNDRY spoke in support of the resolutions.

Genealogy Event 77
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 18 MAY 1889
Record Source: 400 people were present to meet two of the Irish delegates when they arrived at the station. In the evening about 1,200 people attended a meeting at the Elite Skating Rink, Newcastle where the Chairman announced that the collection reached £520. The Mayor of Wallsend moved a resolution - "That the meeting is in favour of a full measure of Home Rule for Ireland." (Loud applause). Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY, lately the miners' Chairman, seconded the motion and said he stood on the platform to sympathise with men who had travelled thousands of miles to let the people in Australia know the position which the people of the Irish nation were in, and to ask for sympathy and support to their cause - the motion was agreed to unanimously.

Genealogy Event 78
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 19 MAY 1889
Record Source: he spoke at a meeting in Newcastle in support of the "Irish cause"

Genealogy Event 79
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 26 JUN 1889
Record Source: a newspaper article in England reported that "In the vicinity of the antipodean namesake of our own city of Newcastle we come across places bearing the familiar names of Wallsend, Hetton, Whickham, Stockton, Alnwick, Hexham, Lambton, Belford, Warkworth, and the like, all of them names which seem to prove that men of Northumberland and Durham have been there at the christenings. Then Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY, the District Chairman of the Miners' Association in New South Wales, is a native of the County of Durham, and Mr. James CURLEY the General Secretary was born at Shotley Bridge and worked for many years at various collieries in Northumberland before he emigrated to Australia. At the Bulli explosion in 1887 a few North countrymen met their deaths, and there is reason to apprehend a similar result at the Glebe Colliery, seeing that it is situated in a district where the North of England is so plentifully represented.

Genealogy Event 80
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 10 JUL 1889
Record Source: a newspaper editorial about Ireland reported that "Queensland is now being canvassed. An unparalleled reception there has marked the sympathy of the Australian people with the Irish cause. On 16 May a great banquet took place at the Shamrock Club in Sydney with over 250 guests, including eminent statesmen, Parliamentary men, and city councillors, suburban mayors, aldermen, justices of the peace, doctors, barristers, solicitors, merchants, journalists, and bank managers etc., etc." Another newspaper welcomed three Irishman who were making a lecture tour. At a meeting with them on 19 May "Mr. DILLON and Sir Thomas ESMONDE represented Ireland; Alderman RUSHTON, Mayor of Wallsend, an Australian, spoke on behalf of the Colonies; and Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY, an Englishman, completed the quartet of nationalities."

Genealogy Event 81
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 29 AUG 1889
Record Source: he occupied the chair at a charity concert held in the Music Hall - "There was a large attendance, as the proceeds were to be given to Mrs. BRYANT and family, so lately bereaved of their husband and father"

Genealogy Event 82
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 25 SEP 1889
Record Source: a newspaper article read: "At the next general election there will be no lack of candidates in the field for Newcastle and Northumberland. . . . Another candidate will probably be Mr. Ralph GOUNDRY, who has also occupied a leading position among the miners here, and was up till recently chairman of the Miners' Association"

Genealogy Event 83
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 19 OCT 1889
Record Source: unclaimed letters awaiting collection at Sydney General Post Office included some for Ralph GOUNDRY, Burwood.

Genealogy Event 84
Event Type: Custom Event
Event Date: 12 NOV 1890
Record Source: an advert. read: "Inquiry is requested to be made for the present whereabouts of Elizabeth GOUNDRY. She is 16 years of age, fair complexion and hair supposed cut short; old mark of abcess on forehead; dress not described. She left the Sydney Hospital about a month ago and is now supposed to be frequenting the Chinese quarters of the City".

Genealogy Event 85
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 16 SEP 1923
Event Place: Addison Street, Crook, Co. Durham
Record Source: Age:
79y

Genealogy Event 86
Event Type: Probate
Event Date: 29 SEP 1923
Event Place: London
Record Source: - probate was granted to Mary Ann THOMPSON (the wife of William THOMPSON). The value of his effects was £784-8s-9d., his address was 21 Kingston Road, Ipswich, Suffolk.