Breach of Colliery Rules

Harry Bushby, collier, of Denaby Main, Cadeby, was charged with committing a breach of the colliery rules, which is likely to result in danger to the safety of those in the mine.

Mr. W. M. Gichard prosecuted on behalf of the Denaby Main Colliery Co., and stated that the offence took place on the 4^th Aug., when defendant, who was employed in the No. 44 district of the Cadeby Main Colliery, was building a wall for the purpose of supporting the roof, but he had failed to build a pack wall or a continuation of the wall already built, and defendant had also obtained his material from an improper place, the result being severe injury to himself and consequent incarceration in the hospital.

Defendant pleaded not guilty.

Mr. Bury, chargeman deputy at the colliery, corroborating that statement, said that the stones had been procured from the far side of the ‘goal’ instead of the low end of the ‘pack,’ and the former was a most dangerous place from which to take the stone. Witness had remonstrated with defendant, and shortly afterwards had found him buried among debris which had resulted from his accident, he having gone back to the ‘goaf’ instead of the place at the low end of the ‘pack,’ to which witness had directed him.

Thos Kaye said he was working in the district on the morning in question, and had heard the deputy point out to the defendant that he was making a breach of the rules, and directing him to the low end of the ‘pack.’ Defendant had returned to the ‘goaf,’ where he heard a shout for help, defendant having become buried in the debris.

Defendant contended that the deputy had not warned him against the dangerous state of the ‘goaf,’ from which place he had obtained material for building ‘pack walls’ for the last four years.

Defendant was fined 5/- and costs.