Point of Ayr Colliery was isolated even from other pits in Flintshire. The miners here unlike Durham, did not even have the concept of an organised union. They were totally ignorant of such matters. He later wrote with great sadness of his loneliness, 'I had to form a union among my own people who were a very religious people but were uneducated from a union point of view'.
There were no leaders, no one to consult with or seek advice. There were of course no funds. The nearest collieries were at Bagillt and Flint and the main mining district of Wrecsam must have seemed a long way away. lt must have been a remarkable achievement by a remarkable man.
How different was the thinking of the Church going coal owners to that of the Chapel going miners' leaders of those years. William Gladstone from Hawarden Casfle, Flintshire and British Prime Minister was threatening to evict any of his tenants who were involved in any opposition to working conditions at their pits. Whilst Edward Hughes wrote 'l do believe that the hand of God was in our movement and blessed our labour'.
The North Wales Miners and their Union Leadersare no more. As we enjoy and take for granted the fruits of their long struggle we should remember the legacy they have left in our trust.
Edward Hughes died in 1925 a well respected alderman of Wrecsam.
Photo (courtesy of TM) of the closing of the Miners' Agent's Offices and his notes written on the reverse.
