Mexborough and Swinton Times April 3, 1915
Breach of the Mines Act
Serious Cadeby Offence
Matthew Ross, miner, of Conisborough, was summoned for a contravention of the Mines Act at Cadeby colliery, in neglecting to carry out instructions necessary for the safety of the mine.
Defendant pleaded guilty.
Mr. Frank Allen, who prosecuted on behalf of the Denaby and Cadeby Main colliery. Ltd. Stated that the case was a very serious one.
Previous to 19 March, the date of the occurrence, defendant was told, as part of his duty as stallman, to get down a rib of coal. Instead of getting the coal out defendant was discovered in the act of burying the coal in the path which was in the course of construction. When he was noticed by the manager he had got the path built three parts round the coal.
There was no danger whatever in getting the coal out, but there was considerable danger in leaving it there, and it was essential that every possible bit should be got out. It was particular essential in that case, for when the coal was left expelled there was danger of spontaneous combustion and gob fires. The colliery company considered it is a very serious case, particularly having regard to the fact that the defendant was in charge of the stall and they wish to example making to serve as a warning to others.
Walter Wilkinson Under manager at the Cadeby pit, said that on the day in question he went round the stall, and noticed there quantity of coal partly buried in the pack. This was pointed out to defendant, and defendant was told that he ought to have got it out. He said that he was quite willing to get it out when he got to it. Witness stated that there was great danger in leaving the pack like that.
Mr. Cocks (manager) corroborated, and said that the danger was so tremendous that it is necessitated a continuous inspection.
A fine of £3 and costs was in posed.