A Corporal’s Neglect

Sam Cliff, pit corporal, Denaby, was summoned for a breach of the Mind Act, and George Jones, a driver, for cruelty to a pony. Cliff was charged with failing to report Jones offence.

Mr Frank Allen appeared for the Denaby and Cadeby collieries Ltd and in respect to the charge against Jones called a deputy named Cyrus Scofield, who said he was in company with Mr HW Smith, the manager, when he heard the noise of blows or kicks been delivered. He proceeded in that direction, found Jones in charge of a pony and Cliff close by. John said he had not kicked the animal. Cliff also said he had not kicked it, so he took them both to Mr Smith, who then charged Jones with kicking the pony, and Jones admitted that he had kicked it once. Cliff said then the lad kicked it several times.

Mr Smith corroborated, and produce special notices which were posted warning men and boys against the ill-treatment of animals.

Robert Whitlam, the horsekeeper, said the asked when issued to Jones that morning was all right. He was brought back by another boy, and he found three raw wounds on its legs. He had no doubt two of them were caused by kicks. The following day found two swellings on the horse’s body, and it was off work a week. It was an offence for a driver not to bring his pony back himself.

Cliff pleaded guilty to failing to report the offence.

Mr Allen said they considered it a very bad case. A man placed in a responsible position was not worthy of the position he held he stood by and saw anyone deliberately ill treat an animal in this way. The company was determined to put a stop to this ill-treatment of ponies.

Jones was fined 35 shillings and Cliff 25 shillings.