South Yorkshire Times, June 30th, 1951
Pit Rescuers at Dinner
Compliments for “Wath Trained Men”
That the two recent pit disasters at Easington and Creswell collieries showed that the risks of mining had not yet been eliminated was stressed by Mr. A. Brookes, agent for Mitchell and Darfield Main Collieries, at the fourth annual dinner of the Mitchell and Darfield Main Rescue team on Saturday. Mr. Brookes appealed to the men to keep up their fine record of efficiency in case any mishap did occur.
He thanked the station superintendent, Mr. J. Webb, for the way in which he had “kept the men on their toes.”
The chairman, Mr. Irvin Dunn, Introducing the speakers, mentioned that Wath Rescue Station had been closed and the men sent to various colliery teams. He thought the change was for the better.
Mr. H. Saunders, who is I charge of the rescue station welfare, said that since Wath had closed, the number of practices had dropped from nine to six a month. He did not think this was enough. One or two practices should be set aside for first-aid. He thanked Mr. Brookes for the co-operation the rescue team had received from him.
Mr. J. Webb, rescue station superintendent, said he had had experience at two stations before going to Wath. Many stations were fond of bright buttons and clean equipment, but for 100 per cent efficiency he chose Wath trained men every time.
On behalf of the station he thanked Mr. Brookes and the management for their sup ort He said the reason that Wath station had been closed was because the buildings were not of the best. The men were a grand set of fellows with a fine record. They were friendly but determined to do their best at all costs. He had never had a refusal from any of them even though the task might have been a hard one.