June 12 th 1885
The Denaby Main Dispute.
Sale of Pit Ponies.
The twenty-third week of this unfortunate dispute commenced on Wednesday.
Great distress still exists among the families of the miners, in consequence of the lack of funds. They expect, however, that substantial relief will soon be forthcoming from Barnsley, now that other collieries in the district are in full swing.
The Rev. T.J. Leslie distributed a large quantity of bread among the families of the miners on Wednesday afternoon ; the relief was gladly accepted.
Quite a sensation was caused at Mexborough on Monday afternoon by a sudden death which occurred. The wife of Wm. Cooper, treasurer of the Denaby Main lodge, had a fit, and almost immediately succumbed. She was attending to her domestic duties just prior to the occurrence, and he husband was in the yard when she fell. She leaves a large family. No inquest is likely to be held, heart disease being assigned as the cause of death. Mrs. Cooper had been in failing health for some time. The deceased was interred at Mexborough Cemetery yesterday ( Thursday ) the Rev. T.J. Leslie officiating. A large concourse of persons attended.
Denaby Main presented a lively spectacle on Wednesday. The occasion was the sale of the pit ponies and horses by Messrs. Styring and Turner, auctioneers of Rotherham.
There was a very large muster of farmers, horse dealers, and representatives of collieries present, and some of the bidders came from South Wales and the South of England. The sale took place in a field in the village. Some of the horses were in very good condition. The prices ranged from 18 guineas to 40 guineas. Some of the ponies were blind, and were consequently sold for a very small sum. Two or three were disposed of for less than two or three guineas. The highest prices were 15 and 16 guineas.
Up to Thursday night no alteration can be said to have taken place in the matter of the Denaby Main dispute. The evicted miners still keep to their tents and others remain in Mr. Lowe´s club room, the Salvation Army barracks, and the Wesleyan Reform and Free Church school.
Those who occupied Mr. Waddington´s rooms have recently removed.