Mexborough and Swinton Times December 27, 1895

Sad Accident to a Denaby Youth
Dangerous Toys

On Monday last a singular but sad misfortune befell a youth named Smith, aged 12, son of Mr Joseph Smith, a blacksmith striker, employed at Denaby Main Colliery, and residing in Tickhill Street, Denaby Main.

It seems the lad had, along with other youths of similar age and propensities, somehow becoming possessed of one of the explosive cartridges used for the purpose of blasting the rock in the excavation on the main thoroughfare, through Denaby Main, in connection with the Conisborough Sewage Scheme, now being carried out by Messrs Arnold and son, of Doncaster.

The youths were in the act of hammering and wrapping the small but dangerous article, when it exploded causing injuries to Smith, who had two fingers and the end of one thumb completely severed, and was otherwise injured.

His injuries were attended to by Dr Twigg, and taken to the Mexborough Cottage Hospital, where he is at present detained.

Huddersfield Chronicle, Saturday, December 21, 1895

at the Doncaster Police Court, on Saturday, Henry Taylor, Butcher of Conisbrough, summoned for allowing his dog to be at large unmuzzled, was arguing that the ownership of the dog and not been proved.

When the animal was brought into court it immediately made for defendant, wagging its tail and otherwise manifesting affection.

Defendant thereupon admitted liability, and was ordered to pay 20 shillings.