Colliery Offences

Use of Safety Lamp

Charles Deakin, a youth, was summoned for having improperly used safety lamp at Denaby Main Colliery on the 18th May.

Mr. Hickmott, who prosecuted, said the defendant was employed as a driver at the colliery. On the day named a lad named Fred Gregory accused the defendant of trying to run his pony over him, whereupon he (defendant) threw a lump of coal at him, and then struck him with his lamp. The lamp was rendered unsafe.

Fined 5s. and costs, or ten days’ imprisonment in default.

Orders of Deputy – Death of a Pony

Wm. Edwards a driver, was summoned for having committed a breach of special rule 24, of the same colliery by disobeying the orders of a deputy on the 8th of May. Mr. Hickmott prosecuted.

It appeared that the defendant was ordered to take ten coves from No. 9 to No. 2 ginney, the incline being 1 in 12, and a lad named Dunhill was deputed to open two ventilation doors on the way.

After removing five corves defendant stayed at the top of no. 2 ginney, and sent Dunhill to fetch the remainder of the corves. The consequence was that on reaching the first ventilation door, which was closed, the pony turned round, and the corves dragged it down. The pony was injured, and died in a few days.

Defendant having no means could not be sued in the County Court for the amount. The pony was valued at £15.

Williams Wright the deputy, corroborated saying it was the duty of the defendant to drive the pony and sprag the wheels. Defendant had been in the employ of the colliery company about four years and knew the rules and regulations.

Robert Dunhill was also called. – Mr. W. H. Chambers, manager, also stated what were the duties of the defendant.

Defendant had nothing to say.

The Chairman said the case was one of gross negligence. If the defendant had not been so idle the colliery company would not have incurred the loss. Fined 40s. including costs.

Securely Chain Corves

James Bottomley, also a driver, pleaded guilty, and was fined 20s. including cots for having neglected to securely chain a train of nine corves on May 4th.

Mr. Hickmott said the defendant was employed on an incline, and he had not only neglected to securely chain the corves but also removed the ‘scotch’ and the ‘dummy.’ The incline was one where the full corves were drawn by the empty ones. The defendant had got a tram of eight waiting for the ninth corves, and had the eight chained, but he forgot to fasten the ninth one to them. The defendant had removed both and the result was that the eight corves ran down the incline at a great speed.

The pony was so severely injured that it not been able to work since.