Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 12, 1917
Rules Broken – Damaged Lamp
A Mexborough pit hand, John Marsden, was summoned at the instance of the Denaby and Cadeby collieries Ltd, for a breach of the mines Act. He pleaded not guilty.
Mr F. Allen said defendant was charged with failing to report a damaged safety lamp.
The defendant said he reported it at the window of the lamp house when he handed it in.
Mr Allen said he was asked to whom he reported it, and he said a boy, but a boy was not an official duly appointed and authorised.
The head lamp man said when defendant took out the lamp it was in proper working order. When it was returned the glass was broken. Defendant did not report it to him. It was taken to witness as soon as it was handed in at the window, and though he at once went out he could not see defendant anywhere.
Mr H. W. Smith, the manager, said it was important the report book should be properly kept so as to safeguard the use of the lamps and in order that they could investigate the damage. Nobody was authorised to accept the report about a damaged lamp.
Defendant pleaded that when he got to the window he called out his number and added “broken glass.” Someone shouted “right”
Defendant was ordered to pay 6d.