South Yorkshire Times, December 16th 1932.

Inquest Opened

Question of Carbon Monoxide

Test “P.M.” Ordered

Adjourned To Dec. 28

The Sheffield District Coroner. Mr. J. Kenyon Parker, opened the inquest at the Wath Town Hall on Monday and adjourned until December 28th after taking evidence of identification.

The Coroner was assisted by a jury, sad Mr. T. Gawthorpe, H.M. inspector of Mines. The Cortonwood-Colliery Company were as presented by Mr. A. S. Furniss (Rotherham). Mr. R. Graham (general manager), and Mr. H. Fawcett (manager). The Yorkshire Miners’ Association by Mr. Herbert South, Mr. E. Hough and Mr. T. Bird. Others present included Mr. W. Popplewell (Chairmen of the Wath U.D.C.), and Mr. J. A. Braithwaite (secretary, Wath Main branch of the Y.M.A.).

At the outset, the Coroner explained that only evidence of identification was to be taken that morning. “I expect you all know a good deal more than I do about the facts of the case because, no doubt, you have read the newspapers. When I found that four of the men had been killed outright in the pit and brought to a mortuary in my district and when I heard that a fifth and later two others had died in the Beckett hospital which is in the district 01 the Wakefield County Coroner, Mr, Haworth, and that he desired those bodies to be removed to my district is accordance with the new arrangement under the Coroners Act, 1926, so that I could hold an inquest on the whole of them, I thought the best course was not to read the newspapers and to keep an open mind until I had heard evidence on oath.”

Cause of Death.

Later they would hear that all the unfortunate men were working in very little clothing at the time of the accident, being naked from the waist upwards. They would hear too, that there was some kind of an explosion followed by a sheet of flame which travelled along the coal face. From that they can imagine the extent of the burns sustained by these unhappy men. When an accident of that kind occurred and there were very extensive burns, death came at once, and the men were instantly brought out of the pit. He took the common sense view that death was due to shock from extensive burns.

At the same time, if they wished to hear medical evidence, or if the representatives of the management or the men so desired, he would gladly fall in with the request and call such evidence at the next hearing.

Sympathy.

“After giving that slight outline, there is only one more thing to say. I dare say at the end of the inquiry’ there will be some things to say in recognition of rescue effort, but I have no information about that at the present moment. I can say, I think I can speak for the jury as well as myself, that we feel the deepest sympathy with the relatives of these seven men. It is particularly sad that so many of them were cut off in early years. One can hope and believe that in the cases of death which occurred in the pit, death would be quick and merciful, and we can, I am sure, know and feel that in the cases of those who died in hospital they would have everything medical skill could do to alleviate their suffering.”

Mr. Furniss, on behalf of the management, associated himself with the Coroner’s remarks. “We gladly accept this opportunity of expressing publicly our deep sympathy with the relatives.” Mr. Furniss also commented on the comparative youthfulness of the victims. He went on to read a telegram from Mr. McLaren, chairman of the directors, which was dispatched as soon as the news of the accident reached him: “Deeply regret to hear of the sad accident and please express to the relatives of the injured the sincere sympathy of the directors.”

Mr. Herbert Smith said it was unfortunate that they were having to get used to such sad accidents. He had seen the two other sufferers that morning in the hospital and there was every hope that they would recover. They were conscious.

Sgt. Humphries also extended the sympathy of the local police, and Mr. P. Mottram (foreman), spoke on behalf of the jury.

Question Of Carbon Monoxide.

The Coroner then asked Mr. Furniss if the management desired medical evidence, to which Mr. Furniss replied that there might be one point where medical evidence would be required.

The Coroner pressed Mr. Furniss on the “one point,” and Mr. Furniss asked that a doctor should examine the burns.

The Coroner: The point is whether it is carbon monoxide or not?—Yes.

The Coroner pointed out that an external examination would not clear up that point. It was a question of a blood test and of a post mortem examination.

Mr. Furniss: We want to obviate this in the future.

A Test “P.M.”

The Coroner agreed, and added that he must order a post mortem examination although it was against his wise.

Mr. Smith pointed out that this would hurt the feelings of the relatives of the victims and also disorganise the burial arrangement. “Doctors have said two men particularly have died from burns. We must have whole examination however and not part of one if it has to be.”

Mr. Furniss said he did not want to press the matter and suggested that the decision of a doctor and another representing the Minister of Mines be accepted.

The Coroner: Mr. Furniss, I only learn when I got here this morning that there has been an examination by Dr. Pickup and the doctor of the Ministry of Mines without my consent and without my knowledge. I cannot accept that evidence on the point of carbon monoxide. There must be an internal examination.

The Coroner decided, after further consultation with Mr. Furniss and Mr. Smith, that a post mortem be held on one case only.

Identification.

The following then gave evidence of identification:

Allen.—Herbert Allen. 5. Field Stairfoot, brother, who said Alphonso Allen had worked at Cortonwood Colliery for 25 years. He had been employed at collieries throughout his working life.

Outram.—John Edward Green, 14, Victoria Road. West Melton, brother-in-law, said Outram had worked at Cortonwood for 32 years except for short intervals.

Landles.—Mary Ellen Fisher (married), 152, Pontefract road, Broomhill, sister-in-law, said Landles had working at Cortonwood for seven years.

Nutter – Abraham Nutter, 25 Barnsley Rd, Wombwell, father, said Nutter had worked at the colliery for two years.

Humphries – William Swift, 55 Pearson’s field, Wombwell, brother-in-law, said Humphries had been employed at the colliery for five years.

Windle – Reginald Smith, 25, Rotherham Road, West Melton, uncle said Windle had worked at Cortonwood about four years.

Scargill – William Henry Scargill, six good year Present, woman, father, said his son had worked at the colliery only six weeks after experiencing other collieries.

The Coroner, adjourning the enquiry to December 28 at 11:30 AM, said it was possible that there might have to be another adjournment. “That, however is very unlikely. The enquiries will most probably not be concluded on that day.”