Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 26 November 1908
Sweeping Up the Pit
Claim Against the Denaby Company.
Yesterday Mr. A. Muir Wilson appeared at the Doncaster County Court in support an application for compensation from the Denaby and Cadeby Main Colliery by Joseph Shepherd, miner, 49. Balby Street, Denaby.
Mr. Gichard represented the company.
Mr. Wilson said applicant had worked for the Company for 13 years, and in February his shoulder was injured by a fall of coal, which had made him unable to raise his right hand beyond a certain height. He was paid half-wages up to September 11.
He was examined by Dr. Burman, of Wath, a few days before the compensation was stopped, and told he might do light work. They knew what that meant.
His Honour: I wish I did. (Laughter.)
Mr. Muir Wilson: It means nothing—it is all nonsense, but it is a medical term which means I don’t know what is the matter him.
Mr. Gichard wrote that many light jobs might be offered to him, such as sweeping up the pit; but “sweeping up the pit’’ was too funny for anything —it must be worse than sweeping up a lawyer’s office. (Laughter).
His Honour suggested that compensation should paid up to date, but Mr. Gichard said he could not agree, as they had been put great expense in preparing the case. Mr. Wilson said if the Company would pay compensation to date the man should start on Monday. The further hearing of the case was adjourned.