The value of training and safety principles given to boys entering the mining industry is detailed in a report on the operation of the scheme in N.S. prepared by the Advisory Council for the mining industry. The training commenced on the 5th of June 1939, and from that date until the end of December 1939, 509 boys has taken the course of training. The boys have been drawn from practically every colliery in the N.S. district.
Mr. James Powner a 41 year old miner of, 52, Stanier St. Fenton, who is employed by Stafford Coal and Iron Co. Ltd; he was caught by a fall of coal while working in the pit yesterday and was removed to hospital with injuries to his back and leg.
The Safety in Mines Research Board are studying the possibilities of taking further measures to prevent tubs from running away when they get out of control on inclines in coal mines.
The funeral will take place tomorrow at Wrexham of Mr. John Davies of Craig Wen Endslie Rd. Old Colwyn. He was associated for more than forty years with the coal mining industry in N.S. Mr. Davies was a native of Wrexham and occupied principle positions in the industry in Wales before he came to N.S. He was associated with Northwood colliery in Hanley, after that he became the manager of Bignall Hill colliery. After, he became the owner of High Carr colliery, Red Street, and for three years before he retired, was the manager of Glasshouse colliery, Chesterton.
Mr. Leonard Ames aged 28, of 65, Gordon St. Burslem. He received head injuries in an underground accident at Sneyd colliery Burslem yesterday; he was admitted to the N.S.R.I. Mr. Edward Parry aged 49, of 17, Brook St. Longton, a surface worker at Mossfield colliery was also admitted to N.S.R.I.
Mr. H.C. Scott (H.M.I. of Mines) at an inquest at the N.S.R.I. today appealed to all colliery officials and workers to take every possible precaution in there duties during 1940. The inquest was on Mr. Leonard Douglas Ames, a collier aged 28, of 63, Gordon St. Burslem, who was fatally injured in an accident at Sneyd colliery last Friday. There were 29 fatalities in 1939 in the N.S. Area.
Two miners were admitted to N.S.R.I. last night with injuries sustained as a result of falls of dirt at the collieries where they were employed. Mr. Frederick Burston, of Sarver Lane Dilhorne, aged 39, sustained injuries to his right leg at Mossfield colliery. Mr. Frederick Maddock, of Little Madeley, Crewe, suffered injuries to his back while working underground at Silverdale colliery.
The death of William Thomas Green, a miner of 1, Albert Terrace, Silverdale, was the subject of an inquest held by the district Coroner Mr. S.A.H. Burne, at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Town Hall, yesterday. Evidence was given by his Son in law, Mr. Horace Jackson, of 27, Kinsey St. Silverdale, to the affect that his father who was 64 years of age, and was employed at Kent’s Lane colliery, Silverdale, and he had not worked since July 1936, following an accident in the pit. The accident referred to was in order to prevent another man being injured he bent to stop a runaway load and strained his heart. He received compensation in respect of that. The coroner returned a verdict of death due to pernicious anaemia.
Three miners were taken to the N.S.R.I. yesterday following accidents at work; Joseph Baldwin aged 53, of 6, Albert St. Biddulph, received injuries to his back in a fall of dirt at Chatterley Whitfield colliery. Esau Knapper aged 39, of 46 Pedmore St. Cobridge, had his leg trapped at Sneyd colliery. And at the same colliery, John Read aged 35, of 4, Carson Rd. Stanfields Burslem, received injuries to his leg in a fall of coal.
How the problem of dust suppression is being tackled in N.S. coalmines was the subject of an interesting paper and discussion at a special meeting of mining engineers at the N.S.I of M.E. held at the N.S.T.C. at Stoke yesterday. The paper was given by Mr. John Walker and members of his staff and the scheme described is an operation at Holditch mines Ltd.
Photograph of the county mining at Knutton, boys about to be engaged in coal mining.
The funeral took place at All Saints church Sandon, of Mr. Ephraim Bowers of 39, Argyle Rd. Normacot, who for nearly forty years had worked as a railman at Florence colliery.
Joseph Stokes aged 46, of 7, Ashwood Longton, collapsed and died while at work at Mossfield colliery, Adderley Green. Mr. Stokes recommenced on Monday having been at home since before Christmas. At about 7p.m. he was working with another man in the new cockhead top north level when he collapsed, he was taken to Longton Hospital. He had worked at Mossfield colliery for six years.
After a lengthy hearing an arbitration under the workman’s Act at Hanley County Court was settled by an unnamed award by consent the workman, Leonard Hassall, a contract ripper of 48, Albert St. Sandford Hill, Longton, accepting the offer of employment, the Shelton Iron, Steel and coal Co. Ltd. Mr. Hassall had three accidents and had long periods of hospital treatment.
While working at Madeley colliery, Mr. David Birchall aged 56, of Church View Scott Hay, a miner received injuries to ribs and left leg when a fall of dirt occurred; he was taken to the N.S.R.I.
Miners accept wages offer. For the offer 426,000. Against 65,000.
Mr. Jack Sheldon aged 37, of 30, High St. Pittshill, a miner employed at Black Bull colliery was admitted to the Haywood hospital, Burslem, suffering from a fractured leg.
A series of five accidents occurred today in local collieries and were admitted to the N.S.R.I. George Barker, aged 59, of 46, Stancy St. Newcastle, received injuries to his spine at Stafford Coal and Iron colliery. No1
Fred Jevons, aged 40, of 33, Lincoln Rd, Burslem, had both feet severely injured, his feet were caught a coal cutter chain at Chatterley Whitfield colliery. No2
Wilfred Flatley, aged 34, of 13, New St. Cheadle, received head injuries following a fall of dirt at New Hayden colliery, Cheadle. No3
A fall of dirt resulted in Henry Bradshaw, aged 35, of 11, Leopold St, Fenton, suffering from injuries to his back. No4
Mr. Albert Morrow, a miner aged 20, at New Haven colliery, Cheadle. Mr. Morrell received a broken leg in an accident at the colliery. No5
Edward Evens, of Amoy House, Congleton Rd. Butt Lane, a deputy fireman was awarded compensation of 30s per week, as of Friday 7th October last against, Mount Coal and Brick Co. Ltd. Newcastle Rd, Talke. He had received a double fracture of the leg.
There is a photograph of the 10th annual dinner of Norton colliery staff. Mr. James Cadman D.S.C. D.L. Chairman of the Directors.
Conserving pit timber.
MR. George watts, aged 32, of High St. Newchapel employed at Norton and Biddulph Collieries Ltd. sustained an injury to his right leg when trapped by a wagon.
Albert Mayer aged 32, of Heath St. Bignall End, injured his pelvis through a fall of coal at Bignall hill colliery.
The danger of coal picking.
Photograph of the pit head baths at Wolstanton colliery. P.C.
Photograph of the opening of the miners welfare club, by Mr. H. Leese, who is President of the North Staffordshire miners Federation.
Quarterly meeting held on this day in the office of North Staffordshire Coal and Ironstone Workers Permanent Relief Society, it reported on payouts and income.
Pit fatality, sequel action against colliery for damages, against Madeley colliery Ltd. of Leycett by Albert Roberts, on behalf of his late son, Albert Leonard Roberts, at Stafford Assizes. Mr Justice Hawke reserved judgement until a later date.
Judgment was given by Mr. Justice Hawke, at Staffordshire Assizes today in the action for damages arising out of the death of an 18, year old haulage hand at Madeley colliery. The plaintiff was Mr. Albert Roberts of 37, Mill St., Silverdale, who brought acclaim as the administrator of the estate of his son, Albert Leonard Roberts, against Madeley collieries Ltd, Leycett. Mr. A.L. Roberts was fatally injured when two empty ran back down the haulage at the tower at which he was working. It was contended that the safety device known as a "devil" on the level above was not efficient. The defence denied negligence and said that if there was negligence, it was that of the servant in common employment. The claim failed but the defence did not ask for costs.
Photograph of Mr. W. Tellwright (chairman of Directors of Sneyd colliery Ltd.) He presented Mr J Jackson chief wages clerk of 52 years with a wallet of notes on his retirement.
"Produce more coal" was the slogan put foreword by Lord Cadman of Silverdale during the annual dinner of Victoria colliery last Saturday. There is a photograph of the top table
A whist drive and dance attended by more than 900 people, it was for funds for the inter-works cricket competition the N.S.R.I. The effort was organised by Norton colliery.
Three miners injured in separate accidents at different collieries. Frank Triner aged 20, of 1 Victoria St; Kidsgrove, who received injuries in a fall of dirt at Chatterly Whitfield colliery.
Wilfred Beech aged 35, of 16, Halls Rd; Biddulph, who was employed at Norton and Biddulph collieries, received multiple injuries in a fall of coal.
Clifford Roberts aged 25, of 8 John St; Longbridge Hayes, who received injuries to his back in a fall of dirt at Hanley Deep Pit.
Parkhouse colliery at Chesterton, said that a man employed by them was taken to court over the pilfering of two wooden lids valued at 6d. The case was dismissed under the First Offenders Act. Payment cost was 15s.
Mr. A. H. Booth of Chesterfield, gave a talk on "Magnetic Collection of Surface and Underground Surveyors" for the ‘Institute of Mining Surveyors’ at the Grand Hotel Hanley last nigh.
Mossfield colliery Disaster 8, killed, and 4, injured, all others were safely withdrawn, and district sealed off. The dead were;
Mr. Charles Rushton, a loader, aged 25 of 2, Jervis St. Adderley Green, Longton.
Mr. Arthur Middleton, a collier, aged 54, of 18, Smith St. Longton.
Mr. Arthur Butler, a loader, aged 26, of the Hollies Hulme Lane, Werrington.
Mr. Roland Porter, a senior collier, aged 55, of 77, Kildare St. Florence; and his son
Mr. Richard Porter, a collier, aged 27, of Elwyn, Belgrave Crescent, Florence, and Longton.
Mr. James Blundred, a collier, aged 28, of 12, Brooklands Ave; Drubbery Lane, Longton.
Mr. James M. Wood, a collier aged 59, of 517, Uttoxeter Rd. Meir.
Mr. Colin Dodd, a collier, aged 20, of 57, Villiers St. Dresden.
The injured are; Mr. Arthur Seaton, Fireman, of 55, Sherwood Rd. Meir. Mr. Leslie Leake a Haulage hand aged 37, of 19, Jervis St. Longton. Mr. William Ratcliffe aged 33, of 15, Bold St, Sandford Hill, Longton. Mr. James Johnson aged 37, of 10, Charles St. Ashwood, Longton. There is a photograph of Mossfield colliery and the mines rescue team, and some of the dead miners.
The closing stages of the relatives claim in a fatal explosion at New Hayden colliery, Cheadle. The owners of the colliery are Messes Berryhill colliery Ltd.
Two of the injured miners at Mossfield colliery have since died of their injuries; they are Mr. James Johnson, and Mr. Leslie Leake.
The Inquest was opened and adjourned on all 10 victims of the Mossfield disaster.
There is a column on this page in ‘Crocks and Crazes’ titled "Heroic Miners"
Mossfield colliery will be ready to resume work tomorrow.
The Funeral took place today of the Father and Son who were killed in the Mossfield disaster.
Arthur Seaton one of the injured miners’ at Mossfield colliery, is still very poorly in Longton Hospital.
Day of mourning for the Mossfield colliery victims. Funerals of seven of the dead took place today, five at Longton, one at Caverswall and one at Bucknall cemeteries.
The funeral took place today of the 16, year old boy, Leslie Leake, who was killed in the Mossfield colliery disaster.
William Henry Proctor aged 48, of 18, Arthur St, Longton, was fatally injured by a fall of roof while working at the Sutherland pit, at Stafford coal and Iron colliery, Fenton.
The inquest took place on William Henry Proctor, who was killed at Sutherland pit, Fenton yesterday. Death was due to a fall of dirt.
Sir Francis Joseph, K.B.E. D.L. J.P. made reference to the Mossfield colliery disaster at the A.G.M. of Settle and Speakman Co Ltd.
Mossfield colliery deaths is now 11, William Ratcliffe aged 33, of Bold St, Sandford Hill Longton, died today.
"Coal output was down 7,000 tons per week in North Staffordshire, the main reason was absentee miners who worked only 2, 3, 4 days a week", said Sir Francis Joseph, K.B.E. D.L. J.P. at the, N.S. branch of the Colliery Miners Dinner, on Saturday.
Miners are to establish pit committee’s to deal with colliers and other mineworkers who absent themselves from duty without any real cause, by the miners themselves.
Two papers given by trainee student for a prize were read at N.S.I. of Min, E.M.E. held at Stoke Technical collage.
Mr. Ellis Smith M.P. for Stoke-on-Trent South is to ask Questions in Parliament on the Mossfield colliery disaster on 21st march.
The funeral took place today at St. Chad’s church, Sandford Hill, of Mr. William Radcliff, the eleventh miner killed at Mossfield colliery.
The merits and demerits of various underground supports to meet war conduct, was given in a talk by Mr. H. Maskrey at a meeting of N.S. branch of N.A. of C. M.
Damages were awarded to relatives of the two men who were killed by an explosion at New Hayden collier, Cheadle. The two men were Mr. Ernest Brunt, and Arthur Whitehurst of Cheadle. Brunt’s grandmother was awarded £1,250 and Whitehurst widow was awarded £1,400, and £200 to be a ported to Whitehurst infant son, John Ian Whitehurst, damages were against Berryhill colliery Ltd.
Photograph of the new lockers and pithead baths at Parkhouse colliery, Chesterton.
Two miners at Wolstanton colliery were fined 10s each at Tunstall Stipendiary court for fighting at the colliery where they were employed, which is against rules laid down at all collieries, they were G.W. Lewis, of 6, Robertson Drive, Newcastle U. L. and W. H. Burke, of 75, Slater St. Burslem.
Mossfield colliery beat Stoke City B side 3 2 in the semi-final of the "Sentinel Cup" In the Stoke City side were J McCue, Kinson, Gould, Bowyer and Mountford.
Photograph of Lord Harrowby who opened the new pithead baths at Parkhouse colliery.
The House of Lords heard today appeals by Wolstanton colliery Ltd. and the Attorney General of the Duchy of Lancaster, against a decision of the Court of appeal in the mining subsidy test case, brought by, the Mayor, Aldermen and the Burgesses of borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
A verdict that death was due to shock and haemorrhage, following injuries caused by a fall of roof, was recorded at the inquest at N.S.R.I. today on Albert Edward Newbrookes, aged 39, of 20, Daniel St. Middleport, a colliery packer who died in the N.S.R.I. on Wednesday following an accident at Wolstanton colliery.
A verdict that the cause of death was due to Haemothorax, from a fractured rib, due to an accidental fall of coal from the coalface at Berryhill colliery. The inquest was on Mr. Richard Inch, aged 49, a collier of 70, Stanier St. Fenton.
The joint enquiry and inquest began today at Hanley Town Hall, into the deaths of eleven men who were killed at the Mossfield colliery disaster on the 21st March this year. There are numerous accounts of the disaster on this page in this edition of this paper.
Workmen’s evidence was given at the joint enquiry and inquest on the Mossfield colliery disaster and more information in the paper.
The Coal Trades Benevolent Association diner at Newcastle-under-Lyme, stated that a record sum was paid out by the association.
The joint enquiry and inquest held at Hanley Town Hall, into the Mossfield colliery disaster came to an end today. It was stated that all deaths were sustained by an accidental explosion.
The importance of work done by Coal and Iron Workers Permanent Relief Society and its value as a contribution to the war effort were among the matters referred to by President (Sir Francis Joseph K.B.E. D.L. J.P) at the annual meeting at the Victoria Institute, Stoke on Saturday.
The inquest into the death of William Thomas Kirkham, aged 45, of 205 Heathcote Rd. Miles Green, Audley, a miner, lost his life at a footrail at High Lane, Alsagers Bank. Death was due to injury accidentally caused by a runaway tub at the footrail.
Following a conference today with Lord Portal, Chairman of the Coal Production Council, the Colliery Owners association, and the North Staffordshire Mining Federation, reached an agreement on the question of establishing a pit committee to deal with the absentisem, and other problems affecting the industry, and the coal output.
An appeal has been made by Mr. C.C. Emmett in his Presidential address for experienced pitmen, who are under training, to return to help to play its part on the home front; at last nights meeting of the N.S. branch of the National Association of Colliery Managers.
A 20 year old youth who was stated to have previously been placed on probation for an attempted to hold up Hem Heath colliery was charged with damaging a plate glass window valued at £35, he was John James, of 1, Grangewood Rd; Meir.
The conserving of material used in mines was the subject of a paper given at by Mr. J.E. Ogden, at last meeting at N.S. colliery Under Managers Association, held at the Grand Hotel Hanley.
There was absentisem of approximately 25% in collieries in N.S. coalfield; it was very disappointing after the government appealed for more work in the pits.
A tragic story of a 19 year old collier’s death was stated today, at an inquest into the death of Reginald Salt, A colliery fitter and hauler of 6, Arlington St. Hanley, who died four days later after drinking from a bottle of what he thought was mineral water, but it was a solution of Spirit of Salt, left by his brother on the table at home.
Congleton Town beat Mossfield colliery 2 1 in the final of the Sentinel Cup, it’s the first time since 1898 that a Cheshire team has won the Cup.
A "gob" fire was discovered last evening in the cockshead seam at Sneyd colliery, all the men at 2-4 pit were immediately withdrawn. No one was working at the time in the cockshead seam. 2000 colliers were temporally idle, production may return tomorrow.
On Friday a verdict that death was due to coronary atheroma, was recorded at the inquest of Jonathan Westhead aged 60, an underground colliery ripper, of 34, St. Marks St. Hanley.
Today work will resume at all pits at Sneyd colliery, with the exception of the cockshead seam
An inquest will be held at Burslem on Charles Parkinson, aged 18, of Spring View, Bailey’s Hill, Biddulph Moor, a haulage hand, who received fatal injuries, following a fall of roof at Chatterley Whitfield colliery. At the inquest, death was due to a fall of roof in the pit on 3rd May 1940.
At the quarterly meeting of the Managers Committee of the N.S. Coal and Ironstone Workers Permanent Relief Society, held at the Victoria Chambers, it was revealed that in the last quarter there had been two fatal accidents.
A scuffle between two fellow workers at the screens at Holditch colliery pithead was described at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Police Court. George Williams aged 35, of 40, Apedale Rd. Chesterton, and George Hodgkinson aged 65, of 9, Primitive St. Wood Lane. Each was summonsed for fighting at Holditch colliery Chesterton on April 16th. Each one blamed the other, both were fined £2.
Joseph Blundred, aged 39, of 21, George St. Sandford Hill, Longton, received injuries to his back, when trapped by a fall of dirt at Mossfield colliery; he was taken to the N.S.R.I.
The Secretary for mines announced that under the leadership of the Coal Production Council, presided over by Lord Portal, the production committee has now been established in all principle areas, this is to meet the urgent demand for the need for coal. For the West Midlands area, Mr. James Cadman has been appointed.
Fred Plant, aged 35, of 32, Best St. Fenton, is in the N.S.R.I. suffering from head injury sustained while working at Safford Coal and Iron colliery, Fenton, yesterday.
A man aged 37, from Longton, was find £2 and ordered to pay 16s costs; who were summoned at Longton, Police Court, for stealing a cycle from Florence colliery.
The Scheme for the training of boys which has been carried out at Knutton mining school was explained by Mr. T. Halfpenny, to the officials at the meeting of the North Staffordshire Colliery under-managers, and under-lookers Association.
There is a photograph of the joint visit to Parkhouse colliery by the North Staffordshire Institute of Mining Engineers, The North Staffordshire Colliery Managers Association. In the photograph is Mr. C.C. Emmett, Mr. J.G. Bromilow and Mr. T.C. Maynard.
Death by multiple injuries through an accidental fall of roof in a coalmine was returned by the Deputy City Coroner, in an inquest at Burslem, today. The inquest was on Mr. Philip Johnson, aged 56, of 42, Brook St. Tunstall, a colliery packer, who was fatally injured at Chatterley Whitfield colliery last Friday.
Samuel Brown aged 47, of Sunnymead Brindley Ford, a colliery overman, and Percy Powell, aged 39, of Fredelma, Grange Rd, Biddulph, a colliery fireman, were injured while working at Chatterley Whitfield colliery, they were taken to the N.S.R.I. Also taken to the N. S.R.I. was Leslie Hargreaves aged 15, of 6, Clarence St. Hanley. Who sustained injury to his pelvis, when he was crushed between two wagons while working at the Racecourse colliery, Hanley yesterday.
Fred Russell aged 30, of 10, Simpson St. off Leek Rd. Hanley, was admitted to the N.S.R.I. suffering an injury to his left leg, and sustained at Berry Hill colliery.
Price Roberts aged 27, a face worker, of 28 Adelaide St. Fenton, lost his life in an accident at Stafford Coal and Iron Company Colliery; he was working in Ash Pit, when a fall of dirt trapped him, when found he was already dead. He was a single man, and lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts.
A miner was charged today in Hanley, with being drunk and disorderly, who admitted he tried to drown himself while drunk. He lives at Longton Rd. Bucknall; he was find £1 and undertook to abstain from drink for a year.
George Tilstone, aged 49, of Albert St. Goldenhill, was working at Sneyd colliery on Saturday night when he injured his left leg, through a fall of roof; he was admitted to the N.S.R.I.
While working at Hanley Deep Pit, last night, John Thomas Salt, Aged 39, of South View, Biddulph, was trapped by a fall of dirt, he sustained injuries to his head and neck and admitted to N.S.R.I.
There was a quarterly meeting today of the North Staffordshire Coal and Iron Workers Permanent Relief Society.
At an inquest into the death of James Johnson, aged 46, of 168, High St. Talke Pits, death was sustained by a fall of roof at Rookery Pit, of Bignall Hill colliery, Bignall End.
Frederick Wooley, Aged 58, of Lennox Rd. Longton, a miner at Mossfield colliery, was trapped between two wagon loads, while working down the pit; he was moved to the N.S.R.I. with injuries to both his legs
There is a cost of living for miners of 5d for adults and 2 1/2d for boys per day.
Nadab Jones, aged 42, of 46, Goldenhill Rd. Fenton, was trapped by a fall of coal, at Stafford Coal and Iron colliery, which broke his arm. He was taken to the N.S.R.I.
James Arthur Harrison, aged 30, of 9, Bridge St. Brindley Ford, injured his right leg in an accident at Chatterley Whitfield colliery. He was taken to the N.S.R.I.
Mr. Emanuel Phillips and his wife Mary Ann, both aged 71, have already had their golden wedding. Mr. Phillips started work at the age of twelve down the pit; he spent almost fifty years in the mining industry. (It doesn’t specify at which colliery) Mr. William Malkin aged 65 and his wife Maria, aged 66, and is due to celebrate their golden wedding shortly. Mr. Malkin played football for both Stoke City and Port Vale, before playing for Bradford City. He has been a miner most of his working life at the Racecourse colliery Hanley.
The funeral took place on Saturday at Biddulph church of Mr. Ernest Greatbatch, aged 35, of Oakdine, Park Lane, Knypersley, whose death occurred suddenly on Tuesday last week. He was employed at Victoria colliery Biddulph as a fireman
Two miners employed at Sneyd colliery were injured as a result fall of roof; they were taken to the N.S.R.I. They are Charles Salt, aged 52 0f 51, Hope St. Hanley, who had injuries to his legs, and John Dean, aged 57, of 169, Devonport St. Brownhills, Tunstall. He sustained injuries to his chest and face. (See 1st. November Page 5)
Former Bignall End family died in an air raid in a West Midlands town, the victims were Mr. Harold Mayer, aged 27, and his wife Maud, aged 27, and their eight month old daughter Patricia. Mr. Mayer was a former surface worker at the Jamage colliery.
Admiration of an Abbey Hulton miner was expressed at the inquest into the death of Mr. William Viggars, of 21, Blakelow Rd. Abbey Hulton, a dataller employed at Bellington Lane pit, of Norton and Biddulph collieries, who at the age of 66, was carrying out duties underground at Norton colliery, when he was involved in a fatal accident.
Mr. F.H. Wynne H.M. Chief Inspector of Mines has issued his report into the explosion at Mossfield colliery, Longton, on the 21st March earlier this year, resulting in the loss of eleven miner’s lives. The report covers two columns on this page and one more on the back page.
A 24 year old man from Fenton was fined £3 for stealing an axe head valued at 4s 6d the property Mr. W. Bailey. He admitted the offence from the Duke’s pit, Fenton. (Stafford Coal and Iron colliery Co. Ltd)
Accidental death was recorded on John Dean, aged 57, of 169, Devenport St. Brownhills, Tunstall, at an inquest at N.S.R.I. who died on Tuesday, following an accident at Sneyd colliery. (See 24th October page 23rd.)
There is a photograph of Mr. W. Lawther, President of Mine Workers Federation opening a pair of gates to the Holdcroft dwellings for aged pensioners in Leek Road, Smallthorne. There is also a report of Mr. W. Lawther, luncheon speech on the problems of mining during the wartime.
At Stoke County Court, His Honour Judge Finnemore heard an application for compensation brought by Thomas Roberts of 28, Adelaide St. Fenton, against Stafford Coal and Iron Co. Ltd. in respect of the death of his son, a miner aged 27, in an accident at the colliery on 15th August. His Honour awarded Mr. Roberts £140.
The inquest was adjourned into the death of two miners who were killed in the spencroft seam, at Silverdale colliery on Friday. The miners who were killed are Charles Highem aged 44, Newcastle Road, Madeley, and Samuel Maurice Viggars, aged 38, of Knightly, Madeley. A fall of roof occurred about 10-10 am, bearing both men, Mr. Highem was recovered at 1-00. Pm, Mr. Viggars, was recovered at 5-30 Pm. Both men were found to be dead when recovered.
James Farrington aged 61, of Rushton Rd, Cobridge, sustained injuries to his legs and taken to the N.S.R.I. after an accident at Hanley Deep pit.
The quarterly meeting of Committee of Managers of the North Staffordshire Coal and Iron Workers Permanent Relief Society was held at the Victoria Chambers, Stoke-on-Trent.
Good wishes and a successful future were expressed at Florence colliery, Longton, to Mr. A.E. Nicklin who his relinquishing the rains as undermanager to take charge as Manager at Silverdale colliery.
At an inquest held at the N.S.R.I. a fatal accident was described to the death of Mr. Thomas Sheratt, aged 48, a timberdrawer of 6, King St. Talke Pits, who died on Sunday.
Trapped by a fall of dirt while working at Stafford Coal and Iron colliery Co. Ltd. Sampson Cheetham aged 44, a miner of 15, Bailey Road, Heron Cross, sustained an injury to his right leg; he was taken to the N.S.R.I.
War time problems in the coal industry manifested in Power and Steel supplies were Mr. H. Maskrey’s issues in his Presidents address, to the members of North Staffordshire Institute of Mining Engineers yesterday. He reacted on Personnel needs, Safety Measures, Social Welfare, Underground Working, Accident rates, Local Expertise, Safety Campaign and youth Education.
An Editorial by the ‘Evening Sentinel’ on "Coal Getting with Safety"
Mr. Joseph Grange aged 53, a miner of 121 Whitfield Road, Norton in the Moors, was trapped by a fall of dirt at Chatterley Whitfield colliery this morning, he received injuries to his ribs and legs; he his recovering in the N.S.R.I.
Mr. James Downing a miner aged 43, of Sneyd Terrace, Silverdale, sustained injuries to his back this morning in a fall of coal, while working at Parkhouse colliery, Chesterton.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded by the deputy coroner at an inquest in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday, it was on John Henry Ryles, aged 51, of 28, Campbell Terrace, Birches Head, Hanley. He died in hospital from injuries he received from an accident at Hanley Deep Pit on Thursday. The accident was caused by runaway tubs while working in the Moss seem. The injuries which caused his death were a fracture to the base of the skull plus multiple injuries.
The inquest into the death of Samuel Meakin aged 45, of 53, Nash Peak St, Tunstall, it was recorded that he was hit by runaway dirt trucks at Chatterley Whitfield colliery last Friday, injuries received were a fractured base of the skull and other injuries.
At the inquest into the death of Francis Henry Ikins a miner, aged 64, of 39, Church St, Silverdale, on December 14th. The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide, while the balance of his mind was disturbed. No pit recorded.
Mr. Arthur Bourne aged 29, of Elmcroft Rd, Abbey Hulton, who was trapped between some wagons at Berryhill colliery; he received injuries to his pelvis.
Mr. Joseph Austin aged 28, of Watergate St, Tunstall, received injuries to his left leg through a fall of roof at Chatterley Whitfield colliery.
At the inquest into the death of miner, Mr. Richard Goodwin aged 45, of Bemersley Rd, Norton, who was found dead in bed. Verdict was that of suicide whilst temporarily of unsound mind.