Description

In Shafts.

Accident No. 64 occurred at Walbottle Colliery, to a poor boy who had that day been employed to drive a pony from a flat on the inbye side to the top of a staple where the coals are let down from the main coal seam to the splint seam, a depth of about 14½ fathoms. He did not require, in the performance of his duties, to come on the flat sheets, which are of iron, and placed at the top of the staple ; and from the evidence at the inquest it appeared that he had been particularly warned that morning by the rolley-way man, under whose charge he was, not to come so near the staple top as the flat sheets ; and what caused the rolley-way man to be more particular in charging him was, that he saw that the deceased had clogs on his feet, which, being shod with iron, made him more liable to slip on the metal plates should he inadvertently come on them. Had gates been in use at this staple, doubtless the accident would not have occurred, or at any rate would not have been fatal ; and, as in a case referred to in this report, I advised the immediate adoption of the same, which the officials of the colliery promised should be done.

I would here remark that it is very important to have self-acting gates at the top of all underground staples, and I take every opportunity of urging the necessity of then being used.

Tombstone

Sources

• 1868 Mines Inspectors Report, Northumberland, North Durham and Cumberland District by George William Southern, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Page: 142
• 1868 Mines Inspectors Report, Northumberland, North Durham and Cumberland District by George William Southern, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Page: 146, Accident Number: 64
• Church/Cemetery photograph (T-02299-04-0064) © Bob Dunn
• Headstone(s) in St. Michael & All Angels Churchyard, Newburn
• Tombstone photograph (T-02257-04-0064) © Bob Dunn

Researchers

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