Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Monday 24 March 1890
Contravention of Special Rule 4
Thomas Dudhill, pony driver, was summoned for having contravened special rule 4 of the Denaby Main Colliery on the 14th.
Mr Hickmott said the rule specified that no person should any act likely to endanger the safety of any person or of the mine. The case against the defendant was really a bad one. Pony drivers were paid by the piece, and if they presented themselves, even though work was found for them in the mine, they obtained their wages. The roofs of the roads were secured by props and bars, and the defendant was seen endeavouring knock down one of these props.
Over a hundredweight of rubbish fell, and if the prop had come out, tons of rock would have fallen on the lad. In addition there would have been a considerable amount of inconvenience caused.
A fine of 20s and costs was inflicted.