South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 17 August 1940

Only Fingers Showing

West Melton Miner Crushed By Stone

Fatality at Manvers

A verdict of “Accidental Death” was recorded by the Sheffield and District Coroner (Mr. J. Kenyon Parker), at an inquest at Rotherham West Riding Courthouse on Monday, on Walter Rothery (53). miner, of 32, Firth Road, West Melton, who was killed by a fall of stone at Manvers Main Colliery on Friday.

Mr. T. E. Pickering (H.M. Inspector of Mines), Mr. E J. Kimmins (colliery manager). and Mr. G. E. Palmer (Yorkshire Mineworkers’ Association), were present at the enquiry.

Mrs. Alice Anne Rothery (widow. gave evidence of identification. She said her husband had worked in a colliery for about 20 years. He left home about 4-45 a.m. on Friday to go to work, and he was then quite all tight. He told her he was working at a new place which he was satisfied with, but dirt kept falling. When they got the dirt cleared up he was sure the place would be all right.

Thomas Nelson, miner, said in his opinion it was a pure accident. On Friday last he was working in the 96 stall in the Parkgate seam, along with Rothery. Before commencing work, Rothery examined the roof and formed the opinion that it was safe. About 8-30 a.m. the deputy came and examined the roof. He told them that before they advanced any further they were to set some more timber. Along with Rothery they set three props. About noon witness was filling a tub when. without any warning a large stone fell out of the roof on to Rothery and completely buried him. Witness saw he could not get him out alone and went for assistance. After the fall a slip could be seen in the roof. Before the fall the roof was quiet and no bumps were heard.

Andrew Pascal, deputy, of 36, Whitelea Road, Swinton, said he told the men to set props when he inspected the place. At 12-10 he was informed of the fall of roof. He estimated the fall to be about three tons. Only the man’s fingers were showing from beneath the stone. In his opinion it was a pure accident.

The Coroner (Mr. J. Kenyon Parker. expressed sympathy with the widow and relations.