Mexborough and Swinton Times December 10, 1897
Traction Engine Difficulties at Conisborough
Elizabeth Burniston, traction engine owner, Conisborough was brought up on three charges viz not having a man 20 yards in front of the engine, not having lights affixed to the engine, and with allowing the engine to blow off steam in the highway, all the offences taking place at Conisborough on 24 November.
PC Richard said that on the date mentioned he was on duty in Castle St, Conisborough. He saw the engine in Castle Street standing in the middle of the road. The road was blocked, nothing been able to get past; steam was blowing off three or 4 yards high, and there was no man in front.
No lights were on the engine. He stood there until 5.15. He fetched Sergeant Brown. When he got back steam was blowing up as before, and it was making a great noise.
John Bell went on to the engine and tried to tap the valve, but he could not do so. George Esson was in charge of the engine. They were trying to put some wagons and a furniture van into the Vicarage yard. A man named Smith, was there, and he wished to get past, but he could not. There were two men with the engine.
Sergeant Brown corroborated
William Smith spoke as to the obstruction, and stated that he shouted, but no one came to his assistance.
Richard Fern also corroborated, and said he was giving them a hand at the vicarage.
George Esson, the driver, said he had no idea that vans had to be put into the yard at Conisborough, or else they would have left the engine at Hilltop.
John Bell said the engine had now gone out of the country.
The bench inflicted a penalty of 10 shillings and costs in each case; £4 altogether.