South Yorkshire Times December 10, 1949

Harder Then Than Now

Mexboro’ Mineworker Looks Back

After over 50 years as a pit-bottom hand at Manvers Main Colliery, Mr. Sol Jevons, of 6, Catherine Street, Mexborough, is retiring on Saturday. He is 65.

Mr. Jevons went to Manvers as a boy of 13. For the last 30 years he has been an onsetter. As a boy he used to work eight hours one day, and ten the next. In wages, he received less than ten shillings a week, and at that time had to walk to work, as there was no other means of transport. When he was sixteen he went on to a higher wage, and had to work ten hours a day.

Mr. Jevons is of opinion that work then was harder than it is now.

He found it hard when, as a boy, he had to deal with a cage making 70 descents an hour. Although he thinks conditions to-day much better, he also thinks that the miner certainly earns his pay.

Mr. Jevons was presented with a certificate of long service and a voucher for £11 after the completion of 40 years’ service, and with the money he bought a clock.

He is a founder member of the Concertinas Club, Mexborough, and became the first President, a position which he held until last October. He still a playing member of the Concertina Band, which he joined in 1902.