29th November 1850.
The hanger on was killed by a piece of coal falling from an ascending tub. (Mines Inspectors Report)
11th October 1856.
Man Killed.
James Glover, a collier of Parr was killed when part of the roof fell on him and two others. One of the injured was William Millington. (Mines Inspectors Report)
13th October 1857.
Peter Hampson, a hooker on, was killed when he was run over by a loaded waggon. (Mines Inspectors Report)
9th November 1861.
On Tuesday last coal waggons were being lowered by a boy 7 yrs old. As he went to sprag the wheel it ran away and severely crushed him. It was stated at the inquest that a seven year old should not do such dangerous work. (St. Helens Intelligencer)
12th June 1864.
WHAT IS A COLLIER?
William Kay, a collier, claimed damages from Bromilow and Company because he was taken off a job of coal getting and sent to a labourers job at the colliery. He said that he would not do the job and was dismissed but was cleared by the court. There were many miners present at the case and the Union bore the costs of the case. (St. Helens Intelligencer)
17th June 1865.
At three p.m. Richard Marsh, who kept the Horseshoe Public House at Parr, met with an accident at the Green End Pit owned by Bournes. He was a sinker in the new pit and a stone fell and crushed him. His ribs were badly broken. (Wigan Observer)
1869
The Sankey Coal Co. was formed to take over the Sankey Brook Colliery and Ashtons Green but the attempt failed.
30th August 1873.
An explosion took place at the colliery belonging to Messrs. Henry Bramall and Company, severely burning three men, one of whom John Leyland, aged 31 years, died from the effects after seven days. Two pits had recently been sunk to the Ravenhead Main Delf and the men were engaged in making a communication tunnel between the pits when it happened. About 40 yards had been driven to the rise and were ventilated by nine-inch diameter air pipes. Naked lights were being used although gas had frequently been seen in the mine. Unlocked lamps were given to the men in case anything unusual should be met with. On the morning of the explosion, the deceased and his companions left the place for breakfast after firing three shots. During their absence, the gas accumulated at the top of the brow. The deceased went up with a candle and said to the others that the place was filled with smoke which he started to sweep it out with his jacket. The explosion immediately followed. I consider that the manager of the colliery displayed a want of care and judgement in allowing naked lights before the ventilation was properly established and not having made a careful examination of the place after the shots were fired especially in what might be termed virgin coal. (Mines Inspectors Report)
23rd. April 1873
Fatal Colliery Accident.
A man named Thomas Carney, a labourer aged 22 years was killed in the sinking the new shaft at Ashtons Green colliery. The official report names him as Thomas Kearney aged 23 years, a labourer. There was a number of men at work at the time when a stone weighing fifty pounds became detached and fell about fifty-five feet killing him instantly. The inquest was held at the Bulls Head, Parr Stocks when a verdict of ‘accidental death’ was returned. (St Helens Newspaper & Advertiser)
24th February 1875.
Thomas Frodsham aged 54 years, a dataller was killed by a fall of roof. (Mines Inspectors Report)
16th March 1876.
Richard Grimes aged 40 years, a labourer, was killed when he was struck on the head by a winch handle. (Mines Inspectors Report).
5th March 1877.
Richard Shepherd aged 64 years, a dataller strained himself while lifting a tub. He died on the 12th April as a result of his injuries. (Mines Inspectors Report)
6th July 1879.
Colliery Accident at St. Helens.
An accident occurred at Ashtons Green colliery at about 7.30 a.m. when an old man 78 years of age named Joseph Atherton, who lived in Fleet Lane, Parr. He went down the pit to look after the ponies. and was lowered by two banksman named John Heyes and David Mercer. Sometime after completing his work he signalled to come to the surface. The cage was lowered and the deceased signalled it to go up. When it reached the bank it was found to be empty. One of the men descended the shaft and found the headless body of the deceased lying in the sump. The inquest was held at the Bull’s Head Inn, Parr Stocks. Alice Atherton an old woman of 85 years identified the body as that of her husband Thomas Green, manager of the colliery, examined the shaft after the accident and said it was 310 yards deep and about one yard from the surface there was a bearer on which was found some brain matter and hair. The pieces were picked up and placed in the box. He could not account for the accident. The deceased had worked in the colliery for almost seventy years and the jury found that the deceased was accidentally killed in the pit while ascending the shaft. (Prescot Reporter)
18th October, 1879.
St. Helens Petty Sessions – Careless Colliers.
Joseph and William Hughes were summoned for a breach of the Special Rules at Ashtons Green colliery but did not appear in court. It was alleged that they failed to comply with the 40th Rule which said that each man should secure the sides and roof of his own working place and if he shall not have sufficient sprags or materials shall report to the underlooker. Thomas Green, the manager said he went down an found that they ere were holing without sprags. John Lucas, the underlooker said that on the 14th and the 28th August he provided sprags. Moses Green, the fireman corroborated the evidence and the men were each fined £2 with costs. (Prescot Reporter)
19th November 1879.
Fatal Colliery Accident.
At an inquest held at Finger Post on the body of James Brown aged 29 years who worked at Ashtons Green colliery. John Brown of 37, Hesketh Street, St. Helens stated that the deceased was his nephew and on Wednesday he was brought home after receiving an injury to his head. Dr Gaskell attended him but he died on the 4th The deceased said he was jigging his box when the brake rim broke he knew nothing more but he appeared to have been struck by the brake handle. A man named James Butterworth said that another had told him the week before that the brake handle was cracked. The deceased was seen to start the box and then fall forward. When he was picked up, blood was flowing freely from a wound on his forehead. Robert Williams, the underlooker said he had inspected the brake before the accident and found nothing wrong. The brake had not been reported as being cracked. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death and Mr. Hall, Inspector intimated that he would make inquiries as to how the regulations were carried out at the colliery. (Prescot Reporter)
11th July 1881.
BREACH OF THE RULES.
Job Burrows was fined 10/- plus costs for not setting sprags at St. Helens Magistrates Court. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1st. February, 1881.
Ashtons Green Miners.
There was disquiet at what was going on at colliery when one hundred and eighty men presented themselves at the colliery for payment for four days wages alleged to be due to them. The colliery had said that the money would not be paid and it was feared that a disturbance would ensue. Accordingly, a large force of constables under command of Superintendent Johnson went to the colliery to maintain order. The agent went to Liverpool to consult with the owner and an announcement was made that money would be paid while the men waited patiently and quietly dispersed. The men were paid on following Monday and many went to a meeting on Newton Common. (St. Helens Newspaper)
7th June, 1881.
Impudent Colliery Fraud.
John Martin, miner was brought before the magistrates at St. Helens petty sessions charged with receiving £1-6s. from Messrs. Bramall and Co. William Lloyd the underlooker at Ashtons Green colliery said that the prisoner started work at the pit on April 19th with Robert Tudor and used tallies numbered 41. They stated to work together and then in different places until the 4th May when Mr. Lloyd asked Martin what his number was and he was told 19 and it was booked in as such. Later the prisoner found that he was working as No.20 but the entries were made against 19 and on payday he received the amount payable to 19, £1-14s.-11d. The amount against No.20 was 7/11d. so he received £1-7s. more than he was entitled. The men always knew to what they had earned to within a trifle and they knew what Tudor, No.19 had worked full time. Robert Tudor gave his evidence. The man had been taken into custody by Scarborough police and returned to St, Helens. He was found guilty and sentenced to seven days in jail with hard labour. (St. Helens Newspaper)
2nd June, 1883.
Serious Colliery Accident in St. Helens.
At Ashtons Green colliery eight men were descending the shaft when the rope for some reason or other, slipped and dropped the cage at the bottom with great force. Three had escaped uninjured but James Hughes, of Broad Oak, Graham Tickle of Watery Lane, James Fisher of 8, Chancery Lane, Richardson of Chancery Lane and Makin of William Street were unable to a walk and were taken home. It was found that they were suffering from contused ankles and shock to the system. (Prescot Reporter)
26th August 1884.
John Makin aged 40 years, an underlooker was killed. He had been superintending the removal of a fall and after it was completed, he examined the place and reported it all right. Directly after, however, a fall took place in which he was killed. (Mines Inspectors Report)
14th February 1884.
William Hill aged 43 years, a collier was killed as he was getting out the lower portion of the seam when an overhanging piece of top coal, which he had failed to get down, fell over the sprag onto him. (Mines Inspectors Report)
6th November 1884.
In the Ravenhead Main Delf Mine, the barometer read 29.90 inches and was rising. A fire had broken out in the goaf from spontaneous combustion and ignited a small quantity of gas which slightly burnt a man in an adjoining workplace. The men were then withdrawn until the fire had been dealt with. The cause was spontaneous combustion. (Mines Inspectors Report)
29th December 1885.
John Sutch aged 47 years, a sinker was killed. The man was the chargeman and he was riding on the edge of the hoppet which was against the rules and he fell out. He had been frequently warned to get into the hoppet by the banksman but the officials did not appear to have taken sufficient care to see that the rules were enforced.
At an inquest at Sutton on John Sutch who was killed by falling down the shaft at the colliery. The deceased knew that it was dangerous to ride on the hoppet and he let one hand go when he was about five yards down but there were rules of the colliery and they have to be enforced by the management. He thought that the management should have ceased winding when he got on the side. (Mines Inspectors Report & Colliery Guardian)
8th February, 1886.
The inquest into the death of John Such was held by Coroner Brighouse. He was riding on the edge of the hoppet and when it had passed five yards down the shaft he was seen to leave go with one hand He slipped off and fell down the shaft to his death The Coroner thought the engineman ought not to have continued to lowed the hoppet when he saw him let go but the deceased knew it was dangerous to ride on the side. A verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was recorded and a rider that the management and officials should be made to enforce the rules. (Colliery Guardian)
5th June 1886.
It was reported that a new shaft was sunk to the Little Delf Mine at 554 yards. (Prescot Reporter)
5th August 1886.
Thomas Percival aged 41 years, a fireman lost his life as he was going down the pit when the cage caught in the catches of a mouthing about 80 yards from the bottom and he was thrown out. (Mines Inspectors Report)
22nd November 1886.
Thomas Griffiths aged 60 years, a collier was splitting a narrow pillar and had set a line of props in the middle of his working place about four feet apart. The coal was very thin on the side against the old workings and the props proved insufficient to hold the roof and it came down bodily and killed him. The place ought to have been barred. (Mines Inspectors Report)
17th December 1886.
James Makins aged 27 years, a drawer was killed by a fall of roof top wall in the main road as he was going to work. The place was examined half an hour before and pronounced safe. (Mines Inspectors Report)
4th December, 1886.
Gunpowder Explosion.
On Monday a serious explosion of gunpowder occurred at Ashtons Green colliery when two men named Thomas Foster of Sutton Road and Joseph Cook of Chapel Street were burnt the former very severely. It appears that Foster had been for about eight pounds of powder which was to go down pit. He placed it in a tin and incautiously walked near a fire. The powder became heated and a violent explosion occurred blowing windows out of the cabin. Foster was very badly burnt about the face and hands and body and Cook about the face and hands. Doctors Gaskell and Greig were summoned. Several women narrowly escaped injury. (Prescot Reporter)
5th November 1887.
Henry France aged 63 years, a dataller was putting on his clothes after finishing his work in the main road when a fall of roof occurred knocking out five or six props and one of the stones from the high side of the pack slipped off and caught him. (Mines Inspectors Report)
12th November, 1887.
Fatality at St. Helens.
The inquest took place before Mr. Brighouse on the body of Henry France aged 67 years which was killed at Ashtons Green colliery. The manager had given instructions to the underlooker to repair the air road. He had given instructions to the deceased. The road was ten feet wide and six feet high and ten had removed dirt when a piece of the roof came down bringing down a bar and capping several props. William Marsh, the underlooker had examined the place in the presence of the deceased, Paul Rigby, John Burrows and all appeared to be well. A verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was recorded. The inspector wrote to say that the fall had been very unexpected and there did not appear to be any carelessness in the matter. (Prescot Reporter)
12th November, 1887.
Fatality at St. Helens
The inquest took place before Mr. Brighouse on the body of Henry France aged 67 years which was killed at Ashtons Green colliery. The manager had given instructions to the underlooker to repair the air road. He had given instructions to the deceased. The road was ten feet wide and six feet high and ten had removed dirt when a piece of the roof came down bringing down a bar and capping several props. William Marsh, the underlooker had examined the place in the presence of the deceased, Paul Rigby, John Burrows and all appeared to be well. A verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was recorded. The inspector wrote to say that the fall had been very unexpected and there did not appear to be any carelessness in the matter. (St. Helens Reporter & Prescot Reporter)
7th March, 1889.
Killed in Coal Mine.
On Saturday at the Primrose Inn at an inquest on the body of Edward Lover Foster was killed at the colliery. The fireman, Henry Kensington was down the brow and the tubs came down and he was crushed. There was little that could be done to prevent such accidents. A verdict of accidental death was returned.
16th May, 1889.
Colliery Scales Defective.
The colliery management was brought to the Police Court with the allegation that the colliery scales were defective. The case was dismissed.
1889.
PROSECUTIONS.
The manager of the colliery was charged with failing to have brickwork in a part of the mine. He was fined £5 with costs. The charges against the agent were with drawn. (Mines Inspectors Report)
27th February 1890.
Edward Pover aged 26 years, a drawer was killed as he was lashing his tub into the endless haulage when a second tub was allowed to run down the incline and he was crushed between the two. The accident happened at 11 a.m. in the sixth hour of the shift. (Mines Inspectors Report)
5th December, 1890.
Singular Death of Collier Boy.
At the inquest into the death of Henry Burrows aged 16 years who had become unconscious and died the court was told that he had hurt himself putting a box on the lines. Matthew Mather the underlooker and Joseph Neil who worked with him said he had told him he had hurt himself but he carried on working. He went home and became ill. Medical assistance was called and Dr. Case said the boy had died from the agitation of the brain. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
3rd. November 1890.
Henry Burrows aged 16 years, a pony driver died on the 29th from injuries sustained when lifting a box. The accident happened at 8.30 a.m. in the third hour of the shift. (Mines Inspectors Report)
6th September 1891.
John Molyneaux aged 29 years, a jigger was killed when a tram got off the road in the jig brow and knocked a bar out. He and another man were sent to repair it but they went to fill the fall before resetting the bar. A second fall liberated a large stone which fell on him. (Mines Inspectors Report)
6th November 1891.
William Millington aged 49 years, a fireman was killed when a tunnel was bring driven five feet by five feet in which five shot holes had been charged and rammed. After firing one shot he went back to fire another when it went off and killed him outright. The flash from the fist seems to have set the second of which was three feet away. The owners had a rule forbidding more than one shot to be fired at a time but he had not been acquainted with this. The accident happened at 10.30 a.m. in the twelfth hour of the shift. (Mines Inspectors Report)
18th January, 1892.
Henry Anders aged 53 years, dataller, was clearing a fall on the roadway a stone fell on him. There should have been a bar set to support the roof. The accident happened at 2.30 p.m. in the ninth year of the shift. (Mines Inspectors Report)
18th July, 1892.
Peter Prescott aged 29 years, fireman had been repairing a brattice cloth on the endway when he was struck by a runaway tub. The drawer had used a wooden scotch which had broken. Iron scotches must be used in the future. He died 14th August. The accident happened at 9 a.m. in the third hour of the shift. (Mines Inspectors Report)
26-07-1893
Greenough William 21 Collier.
He was working at the face when a fall occurred between two slips. They had neglected to set props near the face The accident happened at 11.45 in the sixth hour of the shift.
11-12-1893
Howe Thomas 30 Collier.
Coal fell as he was filling the tub. The seam was 5′ thick with a parting of 2′ from the top. it was past the top of the section that it fell and it had been allowed to overhang.
11-05-1894
Pritchard Edward 47 Metalman.
They had been trying to get a stone down from the roof but failed and while they were waiting to get a prop it gave way to a break and crushed him He died the following day The accident happened at 9.30 pm in the second hour of the shift.
04-05-1895
Hughes Lloyd 28 Contractor.
The accident happened by the deceased and others being sent to clean a sump at the bottom of the shaft without any special examination being made. A piece of brickwork from the side of the shaft fell and struck him on the head. The accident happened at 4.10 pm in the third hour of the shift.
17-12-1895
Dearden Thomas 20 Collier.
The accident happened at 3pm. in the ninth year of the shift. He was sitting at the top of the balance brow when a slab of roof fell fracturing his skull. The fireman had been there half an hour before and had failed to detect the danger, died on the 21st.
03-09-1896
Corrigan Robert 52 collier.
Fall of roof. He had asked the fireman to timber it previously.
25-09-1896
Cunliffe 25 Collier, Pennington James 20 Collier.
They were walking down the haulage brow when the roof suddenly gave way nearly a foot thick burying them. The roof at this point had not been timbered as the officials saw no need to do so. The woodwork was approaching the lower side which must have caused a crush in the roof. At the inquest, it was recommended that the roof should be timbered at this point.
21-04-1897
Corrigan John 28 Collier.
He had allowed the clod to overhang the coal face and it was not securely propped when a portion of it fell off from a break. The place was quite well timbered.
20-12-1897
Eden David 30 Collier.
He was bringing a tub of coal when a fall capped two props and three bars. The roof at this point ought to have been strengthened.
08-10-1898
Cowley William 26 Collier.
The night banksman of the No 5 pit had left his post to turn on the steam to the boilers leaving an empty tub in the cage top. The winder received a signal from the pit bottom by men wanting to ascend and started to wind without the signal from the banksman when the empty tub fell out of the cage and struck the other cage causing him to fall to the bottom of the shaft.
12-01-1898
Fildes Henry 21 collier.
He had been holing in the coal and had set two sprags when a piece of loose fell on him which he had not secured. Died the following day.
07-11-1899
Williams Edwin 32 collier.
The haulage journey getting off the rails knocked out a bar in the down brow while replacing the bar a portion of the roof came down. The fireman sent three men without going to see himself.
17th October 1899.
FIREMAN CENSURED.
Howard Richard Howard aged 53 years, a dataller was killed. The shunt minder omitted to change the points which caused the empty journey of nine boxes going down the brow in front of loaded boxes set against a scotch prop. The prop was broken and the boxes ran to the bottom crushing him. The fault was with the kind of sprag used. Mr. Brighouse held an inquest on the body of Richard Howard and Thomas Roberts fireman was censured by the jury and the coroner by not attending to the points. (Mines Inspectors Report)
11-12-1900
Forshaw William 21 dataller.
He was clearing some dirt by the side of the main brow when a stone from the upper side fell on him. the bars were 15ft apart and the side was not supported by timber and he was crushed.
26-09-1900
Myatt Enoch 45 metalman
He must have fallen off a full tub onto the haulage rope in front of a gang of empty returning tubs. His lamp and clog were found beyond the point. He was last seen riding in front of the full gang.
22-01-1901
Goulding John 47 dataller
There had been a large fall of roof in the main road. He had others were engaged in clearing it up a barring. They worked under the foot of the bar with a bad roof and eventually, a stone fell killing him. Caused by working under an unsupported roof.
22-04-1901
Bridge James 28 waggoner
He and three others got into a manhole to let a journey pass uphill when the coupling broke and the tubs ran back getting off the rail and knocking out three props opposite the manhole causing a fall, The hole was not set sufficiently well back.
12-08-1901
Meade James 36 balancer
He was balancing a tub of coal down brow when the tub caught against a prop releasing a portion of the roof which fell on him.
02-10-1901
Williams John 48 collier
In contravention of the bye-laws the shotlighter allowed a collier to attach the cable to the fuse and the shotlighter appears to have fired the shot without taking steps to see that the collier was out of the way. He was still at the fuse when the shot was fired. Died 4th.
5th October, 1901.
An inquest was held on a man’s death at Ashton Green colliery before Mr. F.A. Jones, Deputy Coroner. Mr. Hall, the Inspector said the deceased men fired two shots and connected the battery to another ready for firing. The deceased set off the shot. The Rules stated that a collier should not do this work and the jury found a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ and condemned the fireman.
26-07-1902
Ward Frederick 36 stoker
While stoking at night the fire of one of the steam boilers he appears to have accidentally struck one of the paraffin lamps with the rake and it fell setting his clothes on fire. Died 29th.
16-12-1903
Buckley Joseph 41 waggon lowerer
He asked a mate to let two waggons down to bump two waggons out of the way from under the screens. After this had been done he stepped back to push the front ones when the others followed and he was crushed between the buffers. He put a scotch on the line but they overcame it.
22-12-1903
Ludden John 41 metalman
He was contractor ripping down the roof in the roads when a shot of ammonite was fired and a stone struck him 18yds away. Died 24th. The shotlighter had a battery round the corner in a safe position and appears to have given the proper warnings. He must have thought that he was safe.
22-11-1904
Stringfellow Thomas 38 collier
When filling a tub with coal at the face a piece of coal fell on him crushing him against the pack wall. Died 27th.
6th April 1906.
THE CIGARETTE HABIT.
Abraham Mason aged 14 years of Blackbrook and John Pearce Williams of 23 Elton Street admitted that they opened a safety lamp down the colliery to light a cigarette and have a good smoke.
Mason was a lamp carrier in the pit and Williams was engaged in one of the roads to open and close the doors. Edward Pimblett the fireman at the mine said on March 9th he saw smoke coming up from the road and smelt cigarette smoke. He found that the lads had broken open a safety lamp and were smoking a cigarette. Mason said it was William who gave him the light. It was impossible to overstate the consequences of what might have gone on all down the pit might have been killed by the act of the boys. The boys’ fathers were working down the pit at the time. It was a most serious matter and the lads were fined 20/- with 5/6d costs in each case. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
27-04-1906
Price Arthur 22 waggoner
He was pushing tubs off a flat landing to run down brow when the engine started without any proper signal and it started the wrong way round He was crushed between the frame and the jig-wheel.
4th May 1906.
CENSURE ON COLLIERY OWNERS.
F.A.Jones the coroner at the inquire into the death of Arthur Price aged 22 years a haulage hand of Garnett Street Sutton who was killed the mine. A Tickle appeared for the relatives. Henry Price brother of the deceased was working with him and another man named Thomas Holding at a brow in the pit near the jig wheel round which the haulage rope revolved. The deceased had pushed an empty journey of boxes and the rope started and his head was crushed against the wheel.
A number of witnesses gave evidence and the question arose as to whether the signalling arrangements were carried out properly. Thomas Holding aid he could not tell why the rope stated but Peter Hignall but the engine winder said it staggered because he had got the signal. Thomas Rattgan a jiggerman said a signal was received. Thomas Greenall a hooker-said that he had found the wires crossed and pulled the switch out but put it back the bell would ring and it did and the engineered took this for the signal.
Mr Hall said it was clear from the evidence that a mistake had been made. He thought that the engine winder had been careless in talking to a man instead of making his mind about his business. But he could not blame the man for he held the opinion that the colliery owners had not left sufficient space for that kind of work to be done. The wheel was only 3 foot three off the ground and he had to work in a very small space. The cooler owners could do a great deal more in the roads. Verdict: accidental death. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
26th July 1907.
Drowned while drunk.
At St Helens William Thomas of Cherry Street Earlestown was charged with being drunk. Colonel Pilkington and Dr. Reed were on the bench PC Trale stated that he had found the accused sitting at the side of the reservoir at Ashton Green Colliery and there was clothing on the back. He was questioned and he said he was waiting for a man named Mitchell who had gone for a swim. The PC made a search of the place but found nothing and no trace of Mitchell.
The PC took the prisoner to the Town Hall because he was drunk the case was adjourned as the body had not been found but at the inquest held on the body of John Mitchell of Athol Street Earlestown Thomas Said that they started to walk home together and they reached the colliery and Mitchell said he was going for a swim and he left his clothes on the bank.
The body was found at 4 am the next morning he saw the deceased head in the water and when he got him out he was naked and dead Verdict accidental death by drowning. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
14-11-1907
Birchall John 60 collier
He was fatally crushed at the mouth of an endway by some full tubs of the journey getting off the rails when he was on his way to the pit shaft. at the enquiry, it was suggested that the haulage be stopped for a longer period to enable men to reach the shaft.
4th October 1907.
Explosion in pit shaft at St. Helens.
John Holmes 47 years of age of 161 Parr Stocks Road and James Pendlebury aged 35 years 76 Berrys Lane were admitted to St. Helens hospital in a serious state as a result of an explosion of gas mine of the shafts at the Ashtons Green colliery.
They went down the deep shaft with a wand to look at the lodge in the shaft where water was held for pumping. It was a large space and they entered carrying naked torches. A great quantity of gas had accumulated and it exploded. Both escaped from being blown down the shaft and managed to save themselves by clutching the timbers but they were shockingly burnt. The men were rescued and taken to the hospital. Inspectors investigated the matter and a similar accident happened some years ago at the same pit. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
1907.
An explosion of firedamp was reported at the colliery when two men were burnt. In the downcast shaft there was an excavation in the side to accommodate a water cistern. Two men were making an examination of the pumping machinery with open light torches. As they entered the excavation, some firedamp which had collected near the roof ignited and they were burnt. It was not unusual to carry naked torches in the downcast shaft and it had been the practice for 40 to 50 years to do so. The gas would not have collected if the air pipes which were originally fixed to keep it clear had been regularly inspected and kept in good order. (Mines Inspectors Report)..
30-01-1907
Quarry John 40 pitman.
Died from the effects of a strain received handling wooden pipes in the shaft 11-09-1907 Ashton James 21 drawer He was bringing a tub downbrow in a shunt when a fall of roof occurred. It was recommended that the shunt should be barred.
??-??-1907
DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE.
An explosion of firedamp occurred at the colliery in which two men were rather seriously burnt.
In the downcast shaft where 40,000 cu ft of air were passing per min. There is an excavation at the side to accommodate a water cistern into which the pumps deliver and two men using burning torches were inspecting the pumping machinery and had occasion to visit the cistern to see to the delivery pipe. as soon as they entered the excavation some firedamp had collected near the roof which ignited and they were both burnt.
It was not unusual to use open torches in the downcast shaft and the practice had gone on for 40 to 50 years. Firedamp would not have accumulated in the chamber if the air pipes originally fixed to clear it had been regularly inspected and kept in good order. The gas fired as soon as they entered. (Mines Inspectors Report)
21-06-1907
DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES.
In the No 5 pit the capping of the ascending winding rope drew out of the cage and it fell down the shaft. It was stated that the catch holding the tubs in the cage had been put down causing one of the full tubs to fall out and another tub caught the woodwork near the top of the shaft causing a sudden shock the caused the capping rope to give way. (Mines Inspectors Report)
19th June 1908.
St. Helens Strike.
The colliery is completely stopped by the miners Federation who told the reporter that there was no grievance between the federations and the pit or the way in which the colliery was conducted.
The pit was the first to be closed on the question of union membership and the men had asked foe a ballot and every negotiation had failed and the men had come out on strike It meant that Ashton green suffered the whole of the employees of Lancashire. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
31st July 1908.
The strike was settled when the men joined the union. There was a case of a result when Joseph Hill of Tickel Street Parr was summoned for assaulting Edward Combes of Ashton Green who at the time was a non-union man. Combes had come to his house and when he opened it he was stuck in the face. Hill was the worse for drink at the time, Combes said he did not want any more inconvenience and the case was dropped with Hill being bound over to keep the peace for six months and he had to pay costs.
29-07-1908
Murphy Michael 30 dataller.
The cage in the No 2 pit had just begun to descend while he was in the act of getting in and he was fatally crushed between the cage and the pit top. The engineman started the cage without receiving a proper signal and was after prosecuted and fined for breaking the special rules.
1907.
An explosion of firedamp was reported at the colliery when two men were burnt. In the downcast shaft, there was an excavation in the side to accommodate a water cistern. Two men were making an examination of the pumping machinery with open light torches. As they entered the excavation, some firedamp which had collected near the roof ignited and they were burnt. It was not unusual to carry naked torches in the downcast shaft and it had been the practice for 40 to 50 years to do so. The gas would not have collected if the air pipes which were originally fixed to keep it clear had been regularly inspected and kept in good order. (Mines Inspectors Report)
19th June 1908.
St. Helens Colliery Case.
The manager and the under manager were summoned John Thomas Mayher and Thomas Armeson the undermanager were summoned by Henry Hall the Government Inspector of mines by employing a boy under 12 years of age in connection with a mine.
The case involved the death of a boy aged 9 years who was burned to death at the colliery and the prosecution held that the two officials were responsible under the act.
The boy John Smith was only 9 and for a period of 12 months from April 14th He ad been going into the lamproom every night between 5.30 and 7.30 to help trim the lamps but he had not received any regular wages but he had been given money by various employees and the lampman.
On the day he was helping the lampman trim the lamps and after about a half an hour he suggested that he should light some of the lamps and while doing this the lads clothing got on fire and he died the next day.
The undermanager had been in the lamp room and had seen the boy working there and this was common knowledge. The boy was a great favourite and used to run messages for the men’s tobacco and generally made himself useful.
The prosecution argued that the lampman could not do all the work if the boy did not help him. Mrs Smith the boy’s mother was in court and said he had done the job at the pit for over a year.
The defence said that there was no real connection between the colliery and the boy and he asked that the case be dismissed.
Armeoson did not hold a certificate and could not act as undermanager. The case had been put carelessly before the court and engaged did not mean engaged and employment was for a wage and the boy did not get one. The case should be dismissed but the bench felt very strongly that the boy should dot have gone on the way he had. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian)
05-05-1908
Pimblett Thomas 62 collier.
A stone fell from the roof about 3yds back from the face between the props and the pack.
09-11-1908
Kenny Patrick 27 Balancer.
When engaged at the bottom of the balance brow a large stone fell from the side on him. The sides had been propped but not barred.
22-05-1909
Cooper John 43 Painter.
When engaged in painting the headgear he appears to have fallen into the pit. Died the following day.
12-12-1909
Banks George 33 Roadman.
When filling dirt at the haulage gang from the side of the downbrow in the No 3 pit when he was fatally crushed by some tubs through the gang starting due to an electrical fault in the signal wires that made the bell ring. The code of the signals is to be changed.
18-12-1909
Wakefield John 43 Collier, Hamer William 44 collier.
When engaged in repairing a heavy fall another fall occurred knocking out several bars. The roof fell to the seam a distance of 8yds the strata being wet and this was probably the cause. The bars were 3ft apart.
24th November 1913
Miscellaneous accidents underground – Bromilow Foster Astons Green No 2.
Joseph Williams 38 years a timberman was engaged with two others in widening a shunt and two props had been set and a broken bar removed and a bar put up in place of the broken one. They were cleaning up when the fall occurred displacing the bar that had just been set and fatally injuring the deceased. (Mines Inspectors Report)
18th December 1913
Miscellaneous accidents underground – Ashtons Green.
Patrick Higgins aged 50 years contractor’s man was trailing two 6ft rails down when a stone about 4 ft square fell from the roof and crushed him. He was found doubled up in a crouching position and had been suffocated. The haulage road was also the return airway and the stone had got damp and had fallen away. There was no timber under the stone but there were two supports at each side close to it.
01-01-1910
Bate Henry 38 Miner.
He was clearing debris on a scaffold in the shaft when the scaffold gave way and he fell 20yds into the water and was drowned.
01-05-1911
Paculis John 18 Drawer.
Eight tubs became uncoupled from a journey of 13 being hauled up the brow in the No3 pit. Three of the tubs ran back and pinned him to the entrance to a shunt. No drag or trailer had been used to prevent a runaway contrary to the special rules 50a.
20-06-1911
Luddon Patrick 41 Contractor.
He was driving a tunnel in the No 2 pit and a fall of roof occurred from some joints where the ripping had been done and the workers thought that they had left the roof safe.
06-06-1912
Jackson William Henry 35 Road Repairer.
A bar in a level roadway in the No 5 pit had been taken out and lose dirt taken down. while engaged in clearing the dirt before retimbering a stone 369″ x 2’11” x 1’10” fell on him, died 7th.
04-06-1912
Garnett Austin 21 Drawer.
He was filling a tub near the face in the No 5 pit when a stone 4′ x 3′ x 2’8″ fell from a slip in the roof displacing a prop and killing him.
21-11-1912
Tague Bernard 36 Timberman.
He was engaged in the No 3 pit clearing a roadway where there had been a fall another fall occurred from the side of the cavity and caused the newly set timber to fall. He was buried and killed on the spot.
21-06-1913
Tunstall Joseph 60 Dataller.
He and another was engaged in building a pack near the face when with no warning the roof fell and both were buried. he was dead when released but the others escaped with bruising. The fall was 8′ x 6′ x 3’6″.
25th March 1914.
Ashtons Green. Daniel Swift 44 Dataller.
He was working at the gate side of the road when a large fall of roof occurred and buried him. About 15 minutes earlier he had removed a prop which was in the way of the pack and some of the pack was removed. He should have set another support. (Mines Inspectors Report)
17th June 1914.
Ashtons Green. William Swift aged 50 a Dataller.
The deceased and his mater were clearing timber from an old airway along the coalface between the two gate roads. He was making a foothold for a prop when a stone fell without any warning and hit him on the arm and back inflicting injuries from which he died 11 days later. The fall was caused by two props being broke one he was about to renew. (Mines Inspectors Report)
6th July 1914.
Ashtons Green No 3. James Tilston 49 Timberman.
He and the fireman were breaking stones at a fall near the face when they had withdrawn the timber three days previously and while so engaged another fall occurred. He had his mate had considered it unnecessary to set other timber. (Mines Inspectors Report)
24-11-1913
Williams Joseph 38 Timberman.
He and two others were engaged in widening the shunt. Two temporary props had bee set and a broken bar removed and a new prop set. They were cleaning up when the fall occurred displacing the bar that had just been set and killed him.
18-12-1913
Higgins Patrick 50 Contractors man.
He was trailing two 6′ rails down the haulage brow when a stone 6′ square and 7″ thick fell from the roof and crushed him. He was found doubled up and suffocated. The haulage was also the return airway and the air was damp. It parted at the slip and there was no timber to support it.
25-03-1914
Swift Daniel 54 Dataller.
He was clearing out dirt on the lower side of the pack when a large stone fell from the roof. Half an hour before a prop had been removed and another should have been placed to support it. No 5 pit.
17-06-1914
Swift William 50 Dataller.
He and a mate were clearing out old timber along the face between two roads and were making a footing for two props when a large stone fell and struck him on the arm and back. He died eleven days later.
06-07-1914
Tilston James 49 Timberman.
He and another were breaking stones after a fall near the face. When they had withdrawn the timber to build packs another fall occurred and he was caught by the legs with a stone 4’x2′. It was thought necessary not to set timber.
14-08-1914
At No 3 pit the attempt to reach the bottom coal was successful and the Ravenhead Main Delf was stopped successfully when there was a fire in the seam. (Mines Inspectors Report)
2nd November 1917.
COLLIERY FIREMAN’S OFFENCES.
At St. Helens court before F Drumgoole and other magistrates a fireman named Thomas Cunliffe of 4, Ashton Street and Richard Heyes 32, Penny Lane, Collins Green was charged with failing to report the presence of gas.
Mr Peace prosecuted and Mr. Boucher of Wigan defended both pleaded guilty to the charge. Peace explained that here was a further charge against Heyes for allowing workmen to enter a part of the mine that contained gas but as they had pleaded guilty to the other charge he would not proceed with that.
Heyes examined a place in the mine and in his Report Book it stated that there was no gas and gas was found by the day fireman who followed him and there were similar circumstances in other cases. Heyes said that the quantity of the gas was so small it was not worth taking notice of but he was advise that he must report the presence of the gas. there was no intention to keep the face from the management. It was mealy in his judgement that it was not worth mentioning.
Cunliffe tolled him that he did not enter it n his report. he told the fireman that e place was full of gas and the men were unable to work. Heyes was fined 10/- and Cunliffe 20/- and it would be warning for the future.
??-??-1920
There was a double tragedy when two drawers were killed in the main haulage road when there was a fall of 38tons which depressed large timber beams. (Mines Inspectors Report)
12-09-1923
Cheetham Thomas 60 Collier.
The accident happened at 9.30 am in the third hour of the shift While holing in the dirt near the top, more than usual came away and brought down a prop 2′ from the face. He saw the danger and set a prop and a stone fell from the pothole fracturing his left ankle and two ribs, died 18th Oct.
01-06-1923
Boyle Edward 28 Haulage Hand.
Chadwick 29 Haulage Hand.
Killed by a fall of stone. (Mines Inspectors Report)
4-02-1924
McDermott 49 metalman.
The accident happened at 4.30 pm in the second hour of the shift. He was injured by falling onto he endless rope haulage dipping 1 in 4 when plucking down stones and one came from the side 4’4″ x 2′ x 9″.It was slightly overhanging and when it fell it rolled downbrow. He died the following day.
01-08-1924
Buckley Albert 23 Collier.
He was at the face getting coal down and was killed by a stone 9′ x 9’3″ x 2’6″ said to have been propped four in a line. One fell away from two breaks. The fireman had inspected the place thirty minutes before.
01-04-1924
Horrocks Samuel 37 Deputy.
The accident happened at 4.10 pm in the tenth hour of the shift. This was a case of neglecting safety by the fireman. It was decided to remove a prop at the side of the haulage road because a tub was rubbing against it. He attached a rope to a small haulage engine and proceeded to draw the prop though he had sent for a sylvester he continued without it and the fireman was holding a lamp for the deceased when there was a fall of the roof that killed the man. The sylvester was 22 yd away where the deceased who was the last to use it left.
20-10-1924
Walsh Thomas 39 Metalman.
He was enlarging the bottom of the brow when drawing up an empty tub. He was fourteen yards from the rope and when one ran away he lost his head and crossed the rope and was drawn into the tension wheel.
??-??-1925
A contractor’s man was injured in a fall at the face. Four feet fell in a place that was 1 in 6. There had been a fall in the place prior to this. (Newton & Earlestown Guardian) (Mines Inspectors Report)
??-??-1925
There was a fall of roof 7ft thick in a 1 in 3. Two men were killed when the roof weighted and a large stone fell.
1914
Ashtons Green.
Heating was noticed in a seam on 14th August and later a successful attempt was made to dig out the fire and it was due to some bottom coal and the goaf was packed next to this coal.
Another case of combustion also occurred at the same mine in the Ravehead Main Delf. In this case, no actual fire was seen but the usual characteristics were noted, and after attempted to locate it was decided to seal off the seat of the fire and this was done. (Mines Inspectors Report)
12th September 1923
Ashtons Green.
Thomas Cheetham 60 collier while ‘fraying’ or holing in the dirt at the top a larger mass than usual came away and knocked out a prop set 2 ft from the coal face and a stone fell from the pot hole fracturing his left ankle and two ribs. He died Oct. 18th. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1923.
Ashtons Green – A Double Tragedy.
Resulted in the death of two drawers and injuries to a shotfirer and a fireman. It occurred in the main haulage road when a train of 15 tubs was being hauled upbrow and as it passed around a curve it was noticed that the fifth one was derailed and the journey was stopped while the tub was put back onto the rails. When it was restarted it displaced some timber causing some bars to collapsed resulting in a fall of 35 tons. The men took the usual method of getting the tub back onto the rails and allowed the set to proceed and derailed was reached but this, unfortunately, proved to be an unsafe method. (Mines Inspectors Report)
20th October 1924.
Ashtons Green.
Thomas Walsh was engaged in enlarging operations at the bottom of the brow when he was drawn up he empty rope into the return airway of the tension bogy. A tub had come and attached to the endless rope and ran 14 yards back owing to a link in the lashing chain the deceased was at the time lowering an empty tub and appears to have lost his heard on hearing the tubs running back and he went into the end and crossed under the rope and was drawn into the wheel. The ropes and chains were reported on weekly. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1st August 1924
Albert Buckley was killed while he was working at the face getting down coal in a place opposite a road. A stone measuring nine feet by two feet six inches fell on him. The fall displaced two props. The fireman had visited the place thirty minutes earlier. (Mines Inspectors Report)
1924.
The Inspector thought that this was the worst case of neglecting to use a safety contrivance. He decided to remove a prop because tubs were scrubbing against it. He, first of all, attached a rope to the prop and a small hauling engine and proceeded to saw the prop through. In the meantime, he sent a man for a sylvester and he returned without it. A large stone fell and killed the fireman. The sylvester was found thirty-two yards away in the place where he had last used it. (Mines Inspectors Report)
14th February 1924
John McDermott, a metalman, was injured by fall on the endless rope haulage 1 in 4 while getting down a stone that formed part of the side four feet by two feet by nine inches. Since it was very slightly overhanging the fireman had given permission to fire a shot if it was necessary. In falling it knocked the deceased partly to the floor. He died the following day from his injuries. (Mines Inspectors Report)
