Description

Cornforth Youth's Death
Singular incident at Mainsforth Colliery.

Coroner Newby held an inquiry at the Commercial Inn, West Cornforth, as to the death of John Heslington (17), son of Richard Heslington, Rogerson's Buildings, West Cornforth, employed as an off-take lad at Mainsforth Colliery, who died on Monday. Mr. C. Howson, manager of the colliery, Mr. O. Brien, inspector of mines, Councillor G. Telford, Ferryhill, local inspector of mines, Mr. J. Steel and Councillor T. Moses representing the local miner's lodge were present.

The evidence showed that deceased worked by himself at the off-takes, or junction, his duty being to change the ropes according to the district in which the set of tubs was going. Sometimes when the haulage rope, attached to the haul engine, did not run the full distance, it was necessary for him to drag it further in, in order to attach it to the district rope, or vice versa. He did this by aid of a winch, which was worked by hand. On the 13th inst, about 4 p.m. a waggonwayman found deceased sitting apparently in pain. He stated that he had been caught by the winch handle. He became unconscious later and never fully explained how the accident happened to him. In reply to the Coroner, it was stated that there was a catch, or pall, on the winch handle to prevent it flying back. The pall had to be put on by hand, but remained in that position until taken off again.

A Fracture Of The Skull

Dr. W. Oliver, Coxhoe, gave evidence of attending deceased from the day of the accident up to his death. There was a swelling over the left temple, but no paralysis and it seemed a case of concussion of the brain. He was m a state of stupor, but could be roused to consciousness by shouting at him. Witness had made a post mortem. Dr. Thompson (Darlington) being present on behalf of the Coalowner's, Dr. Ritson (Sunderland). for the Miners Association and Dr. Aitken, (Ferryhill). They found a fracture of the skull, from above the left ear, extending to the left eye. Underneath the fracture there was a large clot of blood. The skull was not depressed in any way, it was simply a crack. All the doctors agreed that death was due to fracture of the skull.

Discussions took place as to how the accident could have happened, it being observed that deceased might have fallen on the handle, but in reply to the Coroner, Dr. Oliver stated that there would have been an abrasion if that had happened.

Mr. Howson observed that there was no direct evidence; it was all conjecture. He would like to know how it occurred so as to prevent a recurrence.

Boy's Neglect Precaution

In reply to the foreman (Mr. Fred Taylor), Mr. Howson stated that it hardly seemed possible that the handle of the winch flew back and caught him. There was the possibility that the engine might have clicked the rope suddenly while the lad was using the winch, but the rope in question was not connected to the engine, and was found lying slack. There were palls on all winches, but it was difficult to get the boy's to use them. If the pall was on the handle should not have flown back.

Mr. Telford observed that the handle did not fit right up on to the spindle. This would make it work in a sideway manner, and it was quite possible the lad had fallen against it. There was a pall on the winch, and the rope was slack when found.

The Coroner: Can any suggestion be made to prevent such an accident occurring again? The manager has stated he is willing to do everything.

Mr. Telfer: I don't see that we can recommend anything: everything seemed to be in order. The Coroner, in summing up, said it seemed as if they could not get any further forward, or any explanation as to how the accident occurred. He suggested that a verdict of "Accidental Death" caused by being struck by a winch handle which he was working, be returned. The jury agreed to this.

Mainsforth Colliery Memorial

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• Contributions by members of the Public
• Durham Advertiser
• Memorial photograph (T-08786-13-0002) © Kev Duncan

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