Mexborough and Swinton Times October 27, 1917

Crushed By Tubs
Fatal Accident at Wath Main

An inquest was held at the Montagu hospital on Tuesday, before Mr F Allen, regarding the death of Arthur Skelton, rope hand, employed at the Wath Main Colliery

Mr J Hall, HM Inspector of Mines, attended the enquiry. Mr W Kelly, under manager of the colliery was present Mr Horace Cutts of Wath, represented the Yorkshire Miners Association.

George Henry Skelton, 115 High St, West Melton, colliery deputy at Wath Main, said deceased was his son and had lived with him. He last saw him alive the day prior to the accident. He was in good health. He had worked eight hours at this colliery. He told witness there had been “a runner” and that was how he got hurt. Deceased was in charge of “the run”. He said they were bringing the tubs out, and “the run” overtook him and pinned him against the brick work. The tubs had overrun the clip hook.

By Inspector: My son had had charge of that haulage about two years on that level.

Albert Redgate, 20, Barnsley Rd, West Melton, colliery deputy, said the accident occurred on October 13 during the morning shift. He was near the junction of number three level. Deceased was bringing 24 tubs to the junction. Witness stopped part of them 7 yards from the junction and deceased took his chain off, and pulled them down to the junction.

Witness noticed there were tubs on the main plane. Deceased should have been able to see and hear them. He should not have put a “loose hitch” on till the main level was clear but should have left them standing. Witness was in number two level at the time sitting down. He should have warned the deceased had he seen any necessity. In an ordinary way deceased should have waited till number two level was clear.

He first saw the accident when deceased shouted; that was when he had been caught.” He went to deceased and found the first full tubs was crushed against him; it was off the line. The tubs a number two level 120 yards and there were no more below. The branch rope was out of gear; it stopped. Collision broke the haulage chain off the main set. With assistance, witness got the boy out. At first he did not think so badly hurt. He was brought to the Montagu hospital.

By the Coroner: I have never known because there, to go forward without haulage; no matter what number they might be. If they had been in the habit of “ginning,” everything would have had to be clear. There have been no complaints for rope runners.

Fred Bramner of West Melton, rope hand, said he was standing by the last witness when the accident happened. The evidence given by him was correct.

The Coroner said there was no suggestion of anyone be responsible for the accident. The boy was familiar with the working conditions. Deceased must have overlooked the set of tubs on the main level and unfortunately jumped the swerving way. It was evidently a pure accident.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death.”

Mr Kelly and the manager of the colliery expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.