Oiling a Colliery Brake At Denaby.

Two boys, named Seth Walker(14) and George Henry Go ugh (15), of Denaby’ were summoned before the West Riding Police Court yesterday, for having infringed Special Rule at the Denaby Main Colliery, doing an act likely to endanger the safety of persons working in the mine.

Defendants pleaded guilty.

Mr. Hickmott, who prosecuted, stated that the act of the lads was most wanton and mischievous, and might have led to lost life or serious injury property. They had oiled the brake of a jenny 300 yards long, and having a dip one in ten. It was so arranged that in the jenny the full corves pulled the empty ones. The rope passed round wheel at the top, and by a brake it was possible regulate the speed of the corves.

The lads poured oil on the machinery, and then wondered what would happen. Fortunately, the young man discovered the trick that had been played and reported the matter to the management.

The travelling road was used by over 50 men. There was a third lad, William Rodgers, who had helped to do the oiling, and he was prepared to give evidence.

One of the magistrates (Mr. Roberts) expressed himself in favour of administration of a flogging if it had been possible to give it.