Mexborough and Swinton Times January 25, 1895
A Miner’s Foolhardiness
William Hall, miner, Denaby Main Colliery, was charged with a breach of Special Rule 101 at Denaby Main Colliery on January 10
Mr Hickman, who prosecutor, said this case exemplifies in the strongest manner the foolhardiness of men employed in mines, in running risks for the sake of a little extra gain.
Enoch Sheldon, a deputy, employed at Denaby Main, stated that on the day in question he went into the defendant’s working place and found the defendant underneath the coal holing
He had holed about 15 foot and ought to have set about three sprags. Both end of the coal which were holed were loose. 3 feet from this he set a “cocker” which, however would only have the effect of making the coal come down in one piece, and would not assist to hold it up at all. The softs from the bottom had been filled, which showed that the fillers had been in front of the place. The defendant had holed about 2’6” deep, and was underneath when witness went to him.
He was in the greatest possible danger, and the fillers who had been taking out the softs had also run a great risk. Before witness left the defendant made him set three sprags and make the place safe.
Defendant pleaded guilty
The chairman remarked that the defendant had been breaking the rules in order to make a little more wage, and had endangered his own life and the lives of others
Fined 20 shillings and costs