Single Record

Full Details

Surname

BAXTER

Forename

George Harry

Day

06

Month

12

Year

1916

Age

44

Occupation

Miner

Mine/Quarry Name

Netherseal

Mineral Worked

Coal

Owner

Netherseal Colliery Co. Ltd

Location

Netherseal

County

Derbyshire

Details of Event

Coal Miner of Coton. Accidently killed by a fall of roof In the Wesleyan school room, Coton in the Elms, yesterday afternoon. Mr W. H. Milnes Marsden, (Deputy Coroner) held an inquiry concerning the death of George Harry Baxter, which occurred at the Netherseal Colliery on Wednesday morning. The proceedings were watched by Captain Clive, (Assistant H.M. Inspector of Mines for the district). Mr Bird (on behalf of Mr Elliot Smith, for the Netherseal Colliery Co). Mr A.H. Timms, (for the Mining Officials Association). Mr H. Buckley, (Agent to the Association) and Mr G.J. Binns, (Colliery Owners Mutual Indemnity Association). William Southern, of Lullington road, Overseal stated that he was a pit deputy employed at the Netherseal pit. He was in charge of that district of the mine where the accident happened, but was not there at the time. He examined the coal head (No.12) at 7am and at 10am. At the latter visit Baxter was making a hole for a shot to be put in to blow down some stone from the place out of the road. Witness examined the roof, which he believed did not require any further timbering. He was quite satisfied with the condition of the place. Thomas Fowkes, of Edward Street, Overseal, said he went into No.12 head at 10:15am on December 6th, when Baxter was engaged in drilling a hole in the roof. Witness was to fire a shot later. The hole when finished was charged with 10oz of shot and preparations were made for withdrawing the timber in order for the roof to fall. Baxter proceeded to get the timber out. Two posts were to be removed, one with an ordinary lid, and the other with a sleeper lid on. He picked up a prop and threw it at the one which was standing. It was knocked out, and the roof came down suddenly. The full width of the place – 10 foot-in-all, fell a short distance. The fall of roof was from 7 inches to 1 foot thick. One of the pieces struck Baxter, and assistance was obtained as soon as possible to get him out. He was not completely under the fall, being struck on the back and leg. He was not dead, and moaned several times. Although he (the witness) was further back, he was struck by some of the debris. The Jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death”. Mr Dickinson, manager, on behalf of the Colliery Co, and himself, expressed sympathy with the widow and family. He had known deceased for 15 or 16 years as a thoroughly able and competent workman. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Baxter and her family, the youngest being only seven weeks old. (Burton Daily Mail, Wednesday December 6th 1916.).