Hard Lines

Francis Pettinger, labourer at Denaby Pit, was summoned by the overseers of Askern, for the non-payment of his poor rates.

The Rate Collected proved that 7s 4d was owing by the defendant, and that he had repeatedly called for it.

Mrs Pettinger appeared, stated that they were in a very poor circumstances. Her husband had been out of work six months and was now working at Denaby Colliery, but he only got 12s or 14s a week.

Lord Auckland said the Bench had no alternative but to order her to pay the rate and cost, which unfortunately, amounted to more than the sum she was summoned for.

In all she had 15s 4d to pay.