Mexborough and Swinton Times February 1, 1908
Lazy Pony Drivers at the Denaby Colliery
Sliding Home
“Doing an act likely to endanger the safety of the people in the mine,” thus contravening special colliery rule four, was the charge preferred against John Mills, a pony driver, of Denaby.
Defendant appeared, and pleaded guilty.
Mr F Allen, who prosecuted on behalf of the Denaby and Cadeby Colliery Company said although he did not wish to press the case, it was very necessary that what the defendant had done, which was a prevalent practice in the mine, should be stopped. He explained that after finishing work the pony drivers had to bring their ponies from the working place to the stables near the pit bottom.
Instead, however, of walking back, it was a practice to make them go at a fast pace, and the driver would hang on behind to the “cruppe” or tail chain, and with their clogs on the metals, or haulage rope, they were pulled along.
There was a great danger, for the drivers had no control over the pony, and several complaints been received from workmen about being knocked about, for the road was narrow.
Joseph Soar, an under deputy, deposed that on the 15th inst., At about 10 p.m. he was set to watch the boys bring their ponies to the stables. He saw defendant, who was holding on by the “cruppe” and sliding on the haulage rope which was stationary at the time.
A fine of 2/6 and the costs 12/6 was imposed.