Description

On Thursday evening a considerable sensation was occasioned in Sunderland by a report that two pitmen engaged at Monkwearmouth Colliery, the property of Messrs. Pembertons, had lost their lives whilst prosecuting their dangerous calling. It was at first reported that an explosion had taken place, but this, it was speedily ascertained, was not the case. It appears that two men, named John Coxon and John Nesham, were on this evening proceeding down the back shaft, which is separated from the principal and working portion of the pit by a brattice, in which is the pump for clearing out the water works, for the purpose of ascertaining that the spears of the pump and the shaft generally were in working order. They were equipped, as is usual n pursuing their avocations, with torches and the implements necessary for the performance of their duty. Their mode of descent is by a sling or loop, in which a piece of wood is affixed for a seat. They had not on the occasion descended far, before one of the spears broke, and falling with great force upon them, they were precipitated down the shaft. Whether they were dashed to pieces on some of the wood crossings, which support the pump, or had fallen into "the sump" (the collection of mud and water at the bottom of the pit), 200 fathoms from the surface, was for a lengthened period doubtful. As soon as the necessary preparations could be made (it being requisite first to repair the broken spear), two men proceeded down the shaft to discover, if possible, the bodies of their unfortunate companions. At a late hour at night the mutilated remains of one of the men were found in the "cistern hole," about 60 fathoms from the bottom of the back shaft. The body of the other man was brought to bank this (Thursday) morning. The most intense excitement prevailed in the immediate neighbourhood of the catastrophe, and the most active and praiseworthy exertions were made by the pitmen to obtain the bodies of their comrades, whose lives have been thus prematurely sacrificed. An inquest will be held to-day, and the state of the pump and working gear will doubtless then be accurately ascertained. At present there are reports prevailing, which it would perhaps be scarcely proper to publish. Coxon, who has left a wife and large family, had been long in the employ of the Colliery company ; and it is singular that he was lately heard to say that he would not be there long — meaning some accident would probably overtake him — a presentiment which had been awfully realised. Nesham has also left a wife and one child. Would it not be well of the pitmen of the North of England, instead of subscribing money weekly for the support of idle demagogues in the capacity of delegates, and engaging attorneys for prosecuting vexatious suits and raising unreasonable claims, were to form themselves into an association for the purpose of maintaining each other's widows and children, when calamities like this, and others are more disastrous in their consequences, overtake them. Their employers, doubtless, would assist them in such a union as this, which would not fail of being productive of the most happy results.

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Sources

• Sunderland & Durham County Herald
• The Times Newspaper

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