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Details of Event: 20 May 1939: Colliery Fatality - Man Killed At Gateside Pit - Gateside Pit, Sanquhar, was the scene of a distressing fatality on Saturday, the victim being a young miner, James Hunter, aged 31 years, who resided at Howie’s Road. The unfortunate man was a practical miner, and came of a well-known Sanquhar family of colliers, several generations of his forbears having been employed in the Sanquhar pits. Hunter was working in the Burnfoot section of the pit and was just finishing his shift for the day when the accident occurred. His mate, William Thomas, had gone to the lye with the last hutch, and Hunter remained behind to put up some props at the coal face. When he was doing so a stone fell from the roof and knocked him to the ground. He sustained a fractured spine and death was practically instantaneous. He was discovered by his mate, who returned to the “face” to see what was detaining him. The alarm was raised and workmen in the section rushed to the place, but he was beyond human aid. Deceased was well-known and greatly esteemed. He was one of the leading lights in the Sanquhar Dramatic Society and was a good singer. He was married but leaves no family. The sympathy of the entire neighbourhood is extended to his widow in her tragic bereavement. In accordance with custom the men employed at Gateside Pit remained idle on Monday as a token of respect to their late fellow workman. [Dumfries and Galloway Standard 24 May 1939]