South Yorkshire Times July 9, 1954
Natural Causes Verdict
On Denaby Man
John Thomas Cunniff (63), of Balby Street, Denaby Main, was examined three times at Sheffield Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel after complaining of pains in his chest. This was stated at the Conisbrough inquest yesterday, when the Doncaster District Cologne (Mr. W. H. Carlile) recorded a verdict of “death from natural causes) on Cunniff who died on May 1st
Mrs. Elizabeth Cunniff, widow, said she married in 1919. Her husband worked as a stone contractor at Cadeby Main colliery up to 4 years ago when he complained of chest pains.
Dr Henley Lederer (a Doncaster pathologist) said Cunniff’s lungs showed extensive tubercular changes. There was no need eye evidence of pneumoconosis. Cause of death was pulmonary tuberculosis.
Dr Henry Blyth (a member of the pneumoconiosis panel) said Cunniff had been examined in June, 1952, November, 1952, and March, 1953.
Each examination proved negative.
He agreed with Dr. Lederer as to cause of death.