Mexborough and Swinton Times November 27, 1896
Disobedience at Denaby.
Thomas Dainty, miner, employed at the Denaby Main Colliery, was summoned for having committed a breach or special rule 106, on 10th November, by disobeying a lawful command of persons in authority in the mind.
Mister. H. H. Hickmott appeared for the prosecution, and defendant pleaded guilty.
Evidence of Richard Shepherd, an employee in the mine, and Silas Schofield, showed that the offence consisted in the defendant leaving persons at work in a “stall” without someone duly qualified being in charge thereof. Defendant left work at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, leaving two fillers doing some packing work. Miner went into the stall about 4 o’clock, and saw the Fillers at work, and told them the matter will be reported.
Mr. Hickmott explained that the presentation was not taken for the express purpose of punishing the defendant, but put a stop to a practice which had lately become prevalent at Denaby Main.
Defendant’s excuse was that he expected another man to come on for the afternoon turn shortly after he went away, but the man did not come.
Mr. Hickmott said that was exactly what the courier company wished to put a stop to. The defendant had no right to leave his Fillers at work in the stall unless some qualified person was there in charge. – Defendant was fined 2s 6d and costs.