1895
Sinking reported at Golborne. (Mines Inspectors Report)
29th. December 1890.
Thomas Ridgeway aged 25 years, a collier when a fall of roof in his working place which appeared to be well timbered. The accident happened at 10 a.m. on the 4th. hour of the shift. (Mines Inspectors Report)
3rd. October 1898.
Edward Crouchley aged 62 years, a hooker-on died at the colliery. A journey of 24 tubs drawn by a pony was being lowered to the pit bottom when they jumped against two other tubs standing foul in the other road and struck him in the lower part of the body. He died suddenly on the 17th. (Mines Inspectors Report)
20th. May 1898.
Collier Killed At Golborne.
Mr. Brighouse, the County Coroner, held an inquest at the Railway Hotel, Golborne, on the body of James Rushton, aged 52 years of 121, High Street Golborne. He was injured on the 10th by a runaway tub at Golborne colliery. Mr. Hall, the Inspector was also present and Mr. Watkinson and Mr. Cunliffe represented the Colliery. Albert Bassnett the gangrider at the colliery said that on the 10th inst. he was in charge of a journey which was going to the pit eye down a brow. There were 18 tubs, 15 of them containing men and two empty ones at the back with the pit tub at the front. There was a chain guard over the tub in front in which some men were riding The journey had gone about 600 yards when someone shouted the witness to ‘knock’ as one of the tubs was off the line. The journey stopped 80-90 yards down the brow and the tub off the line. He ‘knocked’ for the journey to be lowered down and caught the tub and sent it off again. Witness said that they found it over the deceased 50 yards further down. He was removed to the surface. Mr. Cunliffe, the certificated manager, said that the front tub was to carry the coupling so that it would not drag along the floor. The chain was fastened over one the tubs. the first one was liable to tilt and so get off the roadway. Mr. Watkinson said that decease was a gangrider for about two months and did not know a tub to go off before. William Turton the fireman he had examined the brow before the incident and he was satisfied that it was safe. The journey that went before the fatal one had 17 tubs and this had the same number on. The Coroner said that the accident was not unavoidable and there were two points to consider. The state of the brow and the question of putting the chain guard over the whole journey. The verdict was ‘Accidental Death’ but they added the recommendation that the brow had not been kept perfectly clear and the chain is attached to the first tub going down. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
11th. May 1893.
Frank Johnson aged 33 years, a fireman was killed at 10.45 a.m. in the 5th. hour of the shift he was examining a brow rising 1 in 4 in which there was a blower of gas from the Bastian coal in the floor and was fenced off. He was found suffocated behind the brattice about 4 yards face after leaving his lamp just below him and was apparently attempting to repair the brattice when he was overcome. (Mines Inspectors Report)
30th. April 1897.
Roger Wood aged 40 years, collier was killed. He commenced working a pillar on the upper side of the level from the slope of an overhanging down throw fault when the roof came away from a slip at the fault capping a number of props and burying him. It is recommended to use wooden chocks in the place. (Mines Inspectors Report)
8th. September 1897.
Thomas Prescott aged 38 years, a collier was killed as he was working coal off the side of the brow when a fall occurred between two slips which capped a prop and crushed him. His brother the fireman was present at the time. It was suggested that more bars should be used in faulty ground. (Mines Inspectors Report)
04-11-1892.
Lancashire Collieries. Golborne Colliery.
These are about 2.5 miles west of the Queen shaft and has Nos. 1, 2 and 3 shafts. Nos. 1 and 2 are winding and downcast each 14 ft in diameter. No 3 is an upcast and 18 ft in diameter. No 1 winding engine has two horizontal cylinders 18 in by 42 ins and an 8.5 ft drum and constructed by Messrs Wilkinson and Co. of Wigan. It is 139 yards deep. Winding ropes are 3 and three quarters in circumference of galvanised patent steel. Two tubs of 8 cut are carried in each cage in one deck. the dip at this colliery is 1 in 3 and the bulk of the coal lying below the shaft level. Engine power proportionate to the gradient is required and there are three hauling engines at the shaft bottom two of which have a pair of 20 in cylinders and geared with two 8 ft drums and another pair with 24 by 48 in cylinders geared and two 8 ft drums. The latter hauls up a brow 1,500 yards in length and is provided with two lines. While the engine is hauling up the laden set of 24 tubs the empty set id running down the other line with the rope and loose drum. The three engines are made by Messrs. Wood and gee. At the bottom of the shaft, there are three pumps each with a 12 in steam cylinder 5 in plunger and 12 in stroke. These were made at the Companies shop. The steam is brought from the surface through 9in pipes. No 2 winding engine had two horizontal cylinders 31 in by 60 ins slide valves, 15 ft plain drum with steam brakes and foot brakes constructed at the High Foundry, Wigan. four tubs of 8 cwt are raised in the cage on two decks. depth of the shaft is 320 yards No 3 shaft is also 320 yards in depth. the engine is used in reserve in the case of accidents and has two horizontal cylinders 18in by 42 in slide valves 8 ft drum. The mine is ventilated by a Guibal fan 36 ft in diameter by 12 ft width and driven by a compound engine with cylinders 23 in by 36 in diameter, 3 ft stroke and fitted with an expansion gear. Another engine in reserve with one horizontal cylinder 33 in diameter 36 in stroke. An electric light installation at this colliery was supplied by Messrs. Mercer, Corlett and Co. of Wigan. the dynamo is driven by an engine with 12in cylinder running at 120 revs per min. The pit bank and workshops above ground are thus illuminated. From the No1 shaft, the Pemberton mines are worked extensively and from the No 2 shaft, the Wigan mines are in the stage of opening out. (Colliery Guardian)
10th. May 1898.
James Rushton aged 52 years, a roadman was killed when an empty tub got loose and ran down the brow. The gangrider then lowered the other set to couple it to the empty tub causing it to start off again and it struck him as he was attending his work. It was advised that the ground chain should be attached to the whole set. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1907
A new Whitmore’s Overwinder was fitted to the Frazer Chalmers winding engine which was to prevent overwinding at high or low speeds. (Mines Inspectors Report)
11th. May 1900.
A Batch Of Coal Stealers. Mary Blackburn, Jane Crawford, Mary Ann Roberts, Elizabeth J. Else, Mary Mallet, Ann Ellis, Elizabeth Thorp, Ellen Greenwood, Harriet Jones and Richard Blackburn were charged with stealing a quantity of coal from the Golborne colliery of Richard Evans and Co. on the 7th. April worth 7d. Mr. Peace of Liverpool prosecuted. It appears that a new line had been constructed and people were taking coal away. The Company did not wish to see vindictive but show these people that they had no right there picking coal. With a promising form, those that pleaded guilty not to do it again the Bench dismissed the case. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
25th June 1900.
Fatal Fall Of Roof At Golborne.
Albert Basnet aged 32 years, a collier was killed as he was driving a ribbing alongside some old work and had set bars within two feet of the face when a fall occurred capping the last bar set and crushing him. At an Inquest at the New Inn Golborne into the death of Albert Basnett aged 23 a collier of the town. He was working in the Seven Foot No 1 pit at 11.15 a.m. and was preparing to set bars at the coalface when without warning two or three tons of dirt fell from the roof. The deceased drawer who was standing close by uncovered the poor fellows head when a second fall occurred. The drawer immediately ran for assistance and the deceased was eventually taken out alive but he died before he could be got to the surface. Robert Rudd stated the deceased was his brother-in-law and he worked with him. The fireman Steven Spiby had visited them and the bars were about a foot from the face. he was preparing to get another bar. He did so and the deceased was in the act of striking with a pick when the fall occurred. Steven Spiby stated that he had visited the place at 7.30am the face of the coal was only a foot from the bar and there was no necessity for more timbering. He could see no slips in the roof. After the accident, he found a slip on the lower side. The foreman of the jury was quite satisfied that it was a pure accident and a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was returned. (Mines Inspectors Report) (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
27th. July 1900.
Picking Coal At The Colliery.
Ellen Cropper, Rebecca Jenkins and Rachael Critchley were charged with stealing 1 cwt of coal each from the colliery. The two defendants pleaded not guilty but Critchley alone admitted the offence. They had others had been taking coal up to the 2nd July and were apprehended by Sergeant Young and PC Johnson who proved the case. The owners did not wish to press these but a nominal fine would deter others. The sergeant said that on the day in question he saw the three defendants stealing coal from the colliery. They picked up the coal and placed it in three bags which they carried a considerable distance. when they saw the constable they threw the bags down and ran away. Their defence was that they threw the bags away and so did not steal anything. The chairman said that the whole lot of them were stealing coal but they would take a lenient view of it and the defendants would pay costs. If they came up again it would be a more serious business. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
3rd. August 1900.
Fatality At The Colliery.
Patrick Connelly aged 50 years, a contractors man was clearing dirt after roofing down and when all the dirt was cleared there was a fall of side capping three props and crushing him. The fireman inspected the place an hour before and declared it safe. At the inquest at the New Inn Golborne held by Mr Brighouse on the body of Patrick Connelly aged 53 years of 59, Leigh Street Golborne who was killed at the colliery. Annie Connelly daughter of the deceased gave evidence of identification and said that he went to work at 7.30 and was brought home dead on Friday morning. George Downes fireman of 48, Church Street, Golborne said that Edwin Jones and his men were working in the No.1 Pit. He laid a shot about 11 o’clock on Thursday night so as to bring down some roof. This was done successfully and he examined the roof. Connelly followed and the witness gave instructions to pluck the roof. and then to pack the stuff that they had brought down. The precaution was necessary because they were near some faults. There were three props under the stone that fell. The miner’s agent said that e witness had been a fireman for twenty years and was a very experienced man. Edward Higgins of Queen St Golborne was the next witness who said that he was working in the company of the deceased. Edwin Jones was in the place 10 minutes after the shaft and been fired and assisted the men in plucking the roof. He examined the place and considered it safe. The verdict was accidental death but the calamity for the family did not cease there became at the funeral the horses of the hearse were startled coming from the R.C. Church on Crow Lane at the junction of Church Street and Southworth Rd Newton they ran into a cart. The horse plunged and reared and one got its hoof caught in the spokes of a wheel. Fortunately, there was plenty of willing help at hand and the horses were removed. One of the horses was badly hurt. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian) (Mines Inspectors Report)
22nd. November 1905.
Edward Coleman aged 36 years, a contractor, was killed. A shot had been fired at the face of a tunnel twelve feet wide and they charged another hole. He was assisting the shotlighter with the cable when a stone from the roof of the face fell and killed him. (Mines Inspectors Report)
14th. December 1906.
John Laybourne aged 54 years, a collier, was working at the face when a sudden weighting of the roof took place capping props and crushing him. What was wanted was a pack or chock to steady the roof. (Mines Inspectors Report)
7th. September 1907.
John Fearick aged 38 years, a shotlighter, was examining the face of a down brow tunnel he was crushed by three full tubs owing to a Warwick going away through a piece of the roof falling against it. (Mines Inspectors Report)
28th. August 1908.
Coal Stealing.
A Golborne lad was accompanied in court by his father and charged with stealing twenty-eight pounds of coal from Messrs. Evans and Co. at the colliery. It was said that in future case the parents would be summoned. He was admonished and ordered to receive one stroke of the birch. The bench thought it desirable that the parents should be summoned in such a case (Mines Inspectors Report)
17th November 1908.
Henry Dearden aged 45 years, a dataller, was in the haulage slant he appears to have forgotten to take off the back rope from the full set of the main and the tail rope of the empty set and they started backwards instead of the empty set causing him to be crushed against a low bar. (Mines Inspectors Report)
15th. January 1909.
Coal Stealing Habit?
Sarah Pennington of Golborne was charged with stealing twenty pounds of coal. She denied the offence and said that she did not have a chance before the policeman accosted her. The police were watching from a hidden place and he declared that she had the coal with her. She was fined 10/- including costs. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
3rd. September 1909.
Golborne Collier’s Death.
The death is reported of Thomas Naylor of 48, Ashton Road, Golborne. When he was leaving work on the 11th. May he slipped on some steps and injured his ribs. He had severe pains in his side and it began to swell and on the 1st. August an operation was performed and this proved of no avail and he died. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
26th. March 1911.
One death due to an overwind in a shaft 600 yards deep when 14 persons were being powered, the ascending cage was overwound and suspended by the detaching hook while the descending cage with the men ran into the pit bottom with such force that one-man died 15th June and 13 others were injured. The winding engine was of compound steam engines with a steam pressure of 125 lbs per sq inch and fitted with a special brake and overwinding device activated by governors. One part of the device is set to prevent overwind in the event of the engineman starting the engine the wrong way or the engine giving an extra supply of steam but did not prevent the cage from being dipped into the pit bottom. The theory as to the cause of the accident was that the engineman tried the governors just before they were cut off it the result that they did not act at the critical moment. The jury put the accident down to pure accident and laid no blame on the owners or the employers. (Mines Inspectors Report)
13th. October 1914.
Charles Howard aged 15 years, a haulage hand was killed as he was pulling tubs up the brow by means of a tail rope lashed to the endless rope when the full tubs became detached and ran fifty yards. He was run over and died before he got to the surface. (Mines Inspectors Report)
18th. November 1914.
William Hughes aged 20 years, a drawer, was killed when he and another were pushing a tub of coal along a level road and when opposite a crossroads a large fall of the roof took place causing two running bars and the crossbars over them to collapse. He was found fatally injured under that fall. The fireman had examined the place about twenty minutes before the accident and it seemed safe and well timbered. The other boy escaped with slight injuries. (Mines Inspectors Report)
13th. October 1910.
Albert Victor Andrews aged 44 years, a prop drawer, was drawing timber in the No.3 Pit in a disused road eight feet six inches wide and he was killed by a heavy fall of roof. A gablock and chain were found under the fall. (Mines Inspectors Report)
27th. February 1911.
Robert Jones aged 33 years, a collier, was starting a new place off the in the level road of the Bickershaw Seven Foot seam in the No.3 Pit. When in the act of preparing a sprag, a piece of coal five feet long and six feet high fell from the face and killed him. (Mines Inspectors Report)
26th.April 1911.
Serious Colliery Accident.
John Henshaw aged 52 years, a daywageman, was descending the shaft which was 600 yards deep. The engine failed to stop the cage with the result that it ran into the pit bottom which caused injuries to fourteen persons. He died on the 15th. June. Fourteen men had a miraculous escape at the colliery when the cage fell resulting in the injury of fourteen men. The accident was due to the overwinding of the cage at the No.3 shaft and all the men in the cage received severe injuries. It occurred about 5.30 and the cage was being wound up with no men in and another was going down the engine was not stopped at the right moment and the cage banged into the heading and the descending cage came into collision with the staging at the bottom of the shaft and the men were hurled out in different directions. James Hindley and James Heys had broken legs both men lived in Golborne Patrick McGrail a dislocated knee and they were moved to Wigan Infirmary. There were a large number of anxious people at the pit head the following had a severe shock and bruising but no broken bones, Richard Bentham, Thomas Pownall, Edward Garbutt, Thomas Owen, John Holland, Joseph Blundell, Peter Tither, John Houlton, George McDougal, John Henshaw and Graham Parr. All the men lived in Golborne except Garbutt who lived in Newton. A doctor was in attendance at the surface and most of the men were taken to their homes. (Mines Inspectors Report) (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
5th. June 1912.
James Hill aged 57 years a dataller was widening a balance brow in the No.3 Pit, when a sudden weighting of the roof caused a large fall of rock seventeen feet by seven feet by one foot six inches which knocked out two props and a bar. The fall came from a slip running just over the centre of the roadway. (Mines Inspectors Report)
18th. November 1914.
William Hughes aged 20 years, a drawer, was working with another were pushing tubs along a level roadway when at a crossroad there was a fall of the roof from a slip between two bars and he was fatally crushed. The place had been inspected only twenty minutes before and found safe. The other man was slightly injured. (Mines Inspectors Report)
13th. October 1914.
Charles H. K. Howard aged 15 years, a haulage hand, was pulling tubs up the brow by means of a tail rope lashed to the endless rope when the full tubs became detached and ran fifty yards. He was run over and died before he got to the surface. The Inspector found that there had been no jerk on the rope and all was in good working order. (Mines Inspectors Report)
13th. October 1914.
Stephen Brown aged 23 years, a haulage hand, had lashed on to the end became detached and ran back colliding with another tub. He thought it was an empty runaway and tried to pull it around when it pushed him along the road until it crushed him. He died a week later. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1925.
A fatality was reported at the colliery when in setting sprags where a colliery was crushed at the bottom of the seam when the sprags gave way by not being set at a suitable angle. (Mines Inspectors Report)
23rd. June 1911.
Golborne Pit Accident.
The inquest was held into the death of John Henshaw of 41, Charles Street, Golborne one of the fourteen men injured in the pit cage accident. On the date of the overwinding, the men were taken to hospital and Henshaw died on Thursday. Mr. Brighouse conducted the inquiry and Mr. Matthews, the Inspector, was also present. Mr. Robinson the managing director represented the Company. Thomas Mather, the engine winder stated that he found the cage was getting too near the bottom and he reversed the levers and applied the brake but it was too late and the cage hit the bottom. Mr. J. Robinson said the engine winder had had a fit or had fallen asleep when the cage was being wound and it went past the patent overwind device but it was stopped by reversing the engine and the engine ‘over got’ him at the critical moment. The foreman of the jury said that they had come to the conclusion that it was a pure accident and exonerated the engine driver from all blame. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
30th. November 1917.
Assaulting Colliery Manager.
At Newton Petty Sessions, James Unsworth was charged with assaulting the manager of the colliery. The defendant was employed at the colliery and it was a breach of regulations for anyone to be on the premises in a state of intoxication or to behave in a violent manner. The manager, Joseph Foster, said Unsworth went to the colliery in his working clothes and drunk and struck him and on being shaken off again rushed up. It was impossible for the manager to keep discipline in this sort of thing was allowed to go on and he asked for an example to be made of the defendant. He pleaded guilty and had nothing to say. He was fined £5 and the Chairman said that it would be more if it were possible to do so. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
1926.
Collier not setting sprags and was crushed as the seam gave way. (Mines Inspectors Report)
25th November 1927 Golborne Coal Thefts. There were women infesting the colliery yard daily and it was a difficult job to get them out. Joseph Cooper the colliery watchman employed by Evans and Company said Florence Unsworth was charged with stealing 80 pounds weight of coal. he saw a number of women picking coal in the pit yard. They ran away but he caught the defendant. The witness said it was not coal but it was dirt. The defendant had four previous convictions. She had been in court in 19224 and the court had given her a new start. She was bound over for 12 months and 10/- costs. Ann Boardman of Golborne whose husband was stated to be working was also bond over for 12 months and ordered to pay 5/- for stealing one hundredweight of coal for the colliery yard. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
30th, December 1927.
Golborne Coal Thefts.
Agnes Williams of 6, Lowton Road and Nellie Maddocks of 3, Ashton Road were charged with stealing coal from Evans Colliery yard 2 cwt. The officer in charge of the case said that he saw then and they ran away. They said it was only dirt off the pit top. The defendants were fined 5/- each (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
4th February 1927.
Golborne Collier’s Death.
There was a death as a result of an accident at the colliery three years ago and the inquest was held at the Charles Napier Hotel on Monday. Mr F. Jones the deputy coroner for West Lancashire was in charge of the proceedings. The deceased was Stephen Horrigan a single man of Queen Street. Miss Annie Blea of queen street said he was her brother and enjoyed good health until 1924 when on Feb 5th when he was employed as a dataller at Golborne colliery he was struck be a fall of stuff and received injuries in the ribs and was taken to Wigan Infirmary where he remained for six weeks and the came home when he was in bed for four weeks and the to Liverpool Infirmary where he stayed for seven months. At the end of the time he came home and had to go to bed occasionally and he remained in the care of Dr Hamilton of Golborne. On Sunday 23rd January he complained of headaches and on Monday and Tuesday pains in his side and she sent for Dr Hamilton on the 26th he stayed in bed and at 5.30 lost conciseness and died at 3.45 on Friday, Jan. 28th. he had been in receipt of workman’s compensation and had not worked since the accident. Joseph Foster the manager of the colliery produced the official accident book which showed that on Feb. 5th 1924 while working in the Seven Foot mine Horrigan received injuries to his ribs by fall of stone. the Dr said the death was as a direct cause of the accident and the verdict was misadventure was recorded. and a barrister of Warrington expressed sympathy with the deceased’s relatives on behalf of Evans & Co. and Mr Twist represented the Miners Federation. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
23rd October 1925.
Golborne Colliers’ Death.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded by the Wigan Borough Coroner at the inquest into the death of Thomas Parkinson aged 23 eldest son of Mr and Mrs Parkinson of the Rams Head Hotel Golborne. the deceased while at work at the colliery sustained a broken leg due to a fall of coal. The funeral took place at the Golborne Parish Church. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
29th October 1925.
Stealing Coal Golborne.
A Newton petty Sessions before Mr W Fairclough John Bowden of Dam Lane pleaded guilty to stealing coal from Golborne colliery from Evan’s Colliery. It was his first offence and fined 10/-. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
24th. April 1925.
Golborne Collier’s Death.
The accident happened at the Edge Green colliery on the 7th April Thomas Twist 51 of 61 Heath Street Golborne became jammed between a tun and a pit prop and sustained injuries to his right hand and arm of which he died at Wigan Infirmary on Sunday. The inquest was held on Wednesday and a verdict of Accidental death returned by the Wigan Borough coroner J Hopwood Sayer the funeral took place at the Wesleyan Church. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
14th August 1925.
Colliery Fatality At Golborne.
A miner was crushed by tubs James Middleton of Bryn Rd Ashton was crushed to death in the Four Foot Mine and the inquest at the angel Hotel before Mr Brighouse. Lawson the general manager of RE & Co. and G McDonnel the miners representative and Mr Steel the Inspector. The deceased son said that his father was 62 years of age and had worked at the Golborne collier for 12 months. On Monday he left home on good health and at 4pm the same day the witness saw him dead in the ambulance room. Frank Smith of 28 Edge Green Street a dataller at the colliery said he went with the deceased in the Four Foot Mine and at 1.30 they finished work and put down their tools. The witness passed between a water tank and a wooden post space about 2 ft wide it was the only way that they could get out. The deceased was about 2 yards behind him when two full tubs of coal bumped into the deceased and trapped him between the tank and the post and he saw he was bleeding from the head and appeared to be dead. Harold Bolton of 138 Church Rd Golborne said that on the day in question he was at work in the mine and there were three full tubs on the rope and the chain tying the tubs did not move and became unhooked and he tries to ‘loost’ it and the tubs got loosed while he was doing this. George Rigby of 22 School Street Golborne haulage hand corroborated this evidence. verdict Death by misadventure and attached no blame to anyone. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
24th December 1923.
Harold Shevington aged 19 years, a haulage hand, was killed at 1.30 a.m. in the third hour of the shift when he banged his head against a small pulley and died of a blood clot causing a brain haemorrhage. (Mines Inspectors Report)
19th. July 1924.
Peter Pennington aged 66 years, a dataller, was killed at 8.55 a.m. in the third hour of the shift he was enlarging an airway and a fall of loose coal five feet by three feet by two feet six inches fell and crushed him. The prop was set fifteen minutes before and the fireman had inspected the place. (Mines Inspectors Report)
29th. October 1924.
Golborne Mine Tragedy.
James McGrail aged 52 years, a dataller, was killed by two runaway tubs of debris which were being sent to the end dip 1 in 5. He was talking tubs off the end of the rope turning them and lowering them down and a lashing chain broke and the tubs ran five or six yards down brow and crushed him against the tub he was handling. There had been some obstruction on the rails. At the inquest into the death of James McGrail aged 52 of 7, Police Street, Golborne was crushed by boxes. James Radcliffe, a haulage hand said on Tuesday he was working with the deceased in the Seven Feet Mine and they were removing a box of dirt from the landing at the same time other boxes were coming along the level suddenly two boxes stopped and started with a jerk the chain broke and the boxes contain about half a ton of dirt and struck the deceased. He was unconscious when got out and died a few minutes later. Alan France of 2, New Square, Wigan, a colliery fireman, went to the place where the accident had happened when he heard of it He examined the chain and found that a link had broken. Albert Bullough of Golborne said that it was his duty to inspect the chain which it was the day previous to the accident but it was sound. The deputy coroner said that it was one of those unavoidable accidents. The jury found a verdict of “Death by Misadventure”. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
13th. January 1925
Alleged Coal Stealing.
Two Golborne women were charged with stealing coal at Newton Police Court Mary Jane Brown, of 24, Harvey Lane, Golborne and another named Foster of 22, Harvey Lane, charged with stealing one and a half hundredweight of coal. P.C. Ashcroft said he saw the accursed with a bag of coal and later identified by the owner as his property. Michael Harrison of Church Street said that it was his property and that this sort of thing had become so bad that he had to complain to the Police. A fine of 5/- was imposed on each of the women. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
4th. April 1924.
Stealing Coal At Golborne.
Annie Trasowski aged 16 years of 31, Queen Street, Golborne was charged at Newton Court with stealing three-quarters of a hundredweight of coal from Evans and Co. at the colliery and they pleaded guilty. P.C. Ashcroft stated that on 18th. March he saw the prisoners in Salisbury Street carrying a sack and on seeing him she went into a yard and came out without the bag. He stopped the girl and went into the yard where he found the bag of coal. There was a family of five children and the father and the brother were in regular work and the family income was #per week. She was fined 5/-. Solomon Hindley aged 17 years, of Church Lane, Golborne was charged with stealing three-quarters of a hundredweight of coal, the property of Wilfred Prescott from Golborne colliery. he pleaded guilty. The defendant was earning were £1-2-6 and his fathers £2-2-6 he was fined 5/-. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
24th. December 1924
Harold Sherrington deceased was supposed to have bumped his head against a small pulley holding the haulage rope. They had to have an operation to remove a blood clot from his brain and he died. (Mines Inspectors Report)
19th. July 1924
Peter Pennington deceased was killed enlarging an air road which had become partially blocked a stone three feet six inches by two feet six inches fell immediately overhead and crushed him. The prop which was under the mass had been set fifteen minutes previously The foreman and had been to the place and found it quite safe. (Mines Inspectors Report)
17th. January 1930.
More Work For Golborne Colliers.
It is well known that Golborne has been hit hard by the trade of the last few years. Many of the workers are connected with the Golborne Colliery. During last summer and early autumn, work was done at the colliery and many had to swell the list of partially and temporally unemployed. Two days a week was the usual working period and some were glad that they had worked at all. At present five days a week are being worked and no hope that it will be increased. There are innumerable families were the week’s rent is a great problem. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
31st. January 1930.
More Coal Stealing At Golborne.
At Newton Petty Sessions Robert Williams of 1, Winnard Street was fined 10/- for stealing a hundredweight bag of coal from Messrs. Evans and Co. worth 2/- from the tip. He was apprehended when he had the coal in his possession. The defendant said they did not take the coal to the premises. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
18th. August 1930.
More Coal Stealing At Golborne.
James Unsworth of 109, Golborne Road, Lowton was charged at Newton Petty Sessions Court. It was stated that there were eight previous convictions against him during the 1926 Strike. He was asked why he took the coal and he replied “because others do it”. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
12th September 1930.
More Coal Stealing At Golborne.
At Newton Petty sessions before Fairclough, a schoolboy of Golborne was ordered to pay 10/- costs for stealing 84 lbs of coal. Police Constable saw te boy carrying coal at 6.10 he dropped the sack on the ground. The policeman told the court that he had to warn the boy some time ago. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
31st. October 1930.
Searched Waistcoat In Mine. Most Un-English.
At Newton Petty Session Thomas Brown of Short Street, Earlestown Brown was charged breaking the Coal Mines Act 1911. It was alleged that Brown had lucifer matches in the Golborne colliery on the 21st of September. Sturgess appeared for the defendant and he pleaded guilty and it was laddered that matches were found in the defendants discarded waistcoat. The manager made a search of the waistcoat under importation received at the time he was working in another part of the mine. They found the matches and charged Brown with the offence. He admitted that t wad his waistcoat but denied all knowledge of the matches. Daniel Mathias of 6 Sankey street Golborne had searched the garment and found the matches and he had a man named Lyon with him. brown did not know how they had got into his pocket. When he went down the mine he had been searched in the usual way. The defence said that it was most unEnglish for a man to have his clothes searched when he was not there. he thought that someone had maliciously put the matches in his pocket. Aft deliberation the magistrates decided to dismiss the case. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
13th. February 1931.
Coal Stealing.
Fines of 2/- were imposed in Thomas Prescott at Newton Court of 117 Edge Green Lane and David Houton 77 Bank Street Golborne for stealing coal from the colliery yard on 2nd February both defendants pleaded guilty. A policeman saw the two walking down the road go into the yard and pick up the coal. They dropped it when they were stopped. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
17th. April 1931.
Round The District.
Employees from the colliery had a pleasant surprise from Evans and Co. when they found that they had received notice of termination of work it had been decided that they should work from day to day until further notice. Although this may not seem satisfactory it may help the 900 colliers effected to get through the summer months. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
3rd. July 1931.
Coal Stealing.
At Newton Petty Sessions Joseph Hindley 5, May Street Golborne was charged with stealing 80 lbs. of coal from the colliery worth 9d. and for using threatening language to P.C. Bowes. Giving evidence the PC said that on the day in question he saw two schoolgirls gathering coal from the colliery yard and noticed the defendant stand near the yard gate. When he went toward him he dropped the sack and ran. When the P.C caught him quite a crowd of people had gathered and when he was being taken to the Police Station nearby he became violent and said he would break the policeman’s jaw. He had to be taken forcibly inside. he said that he did not mean anything. The defendant was fined 10/- for using offensive language and the magistrates said that they were taking into effect consideration that he was out of work. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
16th October 1931.
Golborne Pit Reopens.
On Monday Golborne pit reopened and it is expected that 600 men will start work as a result the pit was opened in 1878. During the last few years when the state of the coal trade had not been good the 100’s of men at the colliery have had to go to work ‘short time’ with the result that their spending power was curtailed and the trade in the district was not good. In May last the management announced that in accordance with the quota system applied to the industry that would have to a regrettable step in closing down the colliery temporal but gave a promise that it would be opened in October. They have carried out their promise and it is hoped that before Christian the full amount of 1000 men will find employment but it will take a few weeks before all the men can be absorbed. It is comforting to those who are poverty-stricken but they know that they will be at work before the end of 1931. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
4th December 1931.
Golborne Colliery Fatality.
At the Congregation School at Golborne on Monday Samuel Brighouse the County Coroner with Mr. Fearns as foremen of the jury on the death of William Arbour Ardwick 35 a married man of the Golden Lion Ashton In Makerfield who was killed by fall of roof. Mr. T.D.Davied the inspector was also present Mrs Florence Ardwick identified the body. Thomas Bolton of 28 may Street Golborne said he was the firemen in charge of the No. 2 district and he had examined that particular spot at 8.25 on Friday morning and the fall took place a quarter on an hour later. In order to make his examination, he had to go along the coalface an under the spot where the stonecrop fell and he saw no danger and the pace was correctly timbered. When the stone fell he was 8 yards away fro Ardwick no one had done anything the at fa that morning except filling the coal conveyor with loose coal. He said he heard a crump and saw the stone fall. Mr Davies asked him if only one prop was knocked out and the witness said that was so. he also said that he had been working work wooden props for five weeks and the inspector asked the management to put up steel bars. Thomas Foster of 16, Stoney Croft Terrace Ashton-in-Makerfield worked with Ardwick and saw the fireman make his inspection on the morning of the accident he was about 6 yards from Ardwick when the accident happened and they were putting small coal onto the pan. They had to place as many wooden props as they could workout impeding the work and they were not short of timber. Each collier was supposed to timber to protect himself and the miner had to erect then as he though for his own safety. Mr J Foster Manager of the colliery said that the place was well timbered and he could not see any break in the roof. The jury brought in a ‘Misadventure verdict and recommended that steel bars should be used instead of wooden props. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
1951.
Pitbaths installed. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1957
17 hurt bout non-fatal explosion. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1964
Drum shearer used in the Lower Florida for the first time. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1968
Self resuscitator used by all underground. (Mines Inspectors Report)
5th. June 1986.
Pitmen’s Miracle Escape.
Forty-eight pitmen missed death by a whisker as vandals hurled a heavy conveyor roller down the shaft as they were coming up from their shift. Four youths were being chased by colliery staff who has seen them playing near the pithead. The colliery manager, Mr. Barry Chadwick, commented, “As they ran away the lads who appeared to be aged between nine and ten picked up the roller and threw it over the safety fence which surrounds the top of the downcast shaft.” The roller hit the top of the cage and punched a hole in the roof missing everyone in the cage and carried onto the bottom of the shaft. It was a miracle that no one was hurt a spokesman for British Coal, N.W. Area said, “We are concerned about the matter and want to appeal to people to make sure their youngsters are fully aware of terrible consequences of the behaviour of this kind”. Police were informed. (St. Helens Standard)
The colliery closed on Easter 1989 when Mr Ronnie Brown was the last official of the colliery.
Information supplied by Ian Winstanley and the Coal Mining History Resource Centre.
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