Nagy Károly: Somsálybánya története (Borsodi Kismonográfiák 20. Miskolc, 1985)

In the years of overall economic crisis 1929/33 lockout of workers showed an upward tendency. Movements for higher wages as well as strikes increased during the period of World War II. In autumn 1940 the workers joined to the strike begun at coal-basin of Salgótarján. Somsálybánya was liberated on the 20th December 1944, organization of parties was started in January, from the 5th March even the Trade Union was in function. Workers' control was realized through the works commitee, Mihály Noviczky was elected for first secretary. The Rimamurány—Salgótarján Ironworks Ltd. Maintaining the mining colony expended care on school education, thus a school containing two class-rooms was erected in 1904 where 38 children were trained with heading of one teacher. As the number of pupils increased, the school building was enlarged, then over a period of years more apartments were constructed for the teachers as well. Number of pupils reached 300 in 1964. Also a reading circle was in action accommodating in block of provision stores. President of this reading circle was the prevailing head of the mine, the director was chosen from among the teachers on the settlement. Due to statutes the goal of association was to provide common opportunity for the members befitting to national education. Also burial allowance was bestowed on its members and their relatives. Purpose was achieved by keeping library, organizing patriotic events, scientific, non-professional lecturers, movie and theater perfor — mances, as well as a twelve-member orchestra was operated. Taking the composition of nationalities of population into consideration also newspaper of slovakian language was subscribed to. The school teachers supported and helped the reading circle, since it was considered for continuation of school education. A 200 sq.m. big hall, reading and gambling halls were constructed in 1928. Since 1931 a stationary movie had been on, where regular performances were held on Saturdays and Sundays. By the forties wireless, 15—20 daily- and weeky newspapers, 1500-volumed library are at disposal of the public. After operation of works had begun the management for Somsály Mining Works of Rimamurány—Salgótarján Iron — works Ltd., deemed it necessary to establish a brass-band few in number. In order to doing it they entered into relations with leaders of associated works on Czech and Slovak territories to get suitable musicians for the new band to be established. Moreover musicians were recruited from, among local workers, then to attain the 136