New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
SMELLIE
Forename
John
Day
01
Month
04
Year
1919
Age
Occupation
Miner
Mine/Quarry Name
Maxwell
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
South Ayrshire Collieries Ltd
Location
Dailly
County
Ayrshire
Details of Event
1 April 1919: Ayrshire Pit Accident – Two Miners Suffocated - An accident occurred yesterday at Maxwell Coal Pit, near Dailly, seven miles from Girvan, whereby two miners lost their lives. On Sunday night fumes from on adjoining coal pit, which accidentally went on fire about 95 years ago, and which since then has smouldered under the earth's surface, were discovered to be present, and work in Maxwell Pit was suspended on Monday. At an early hour yesterday morning Matthew Dunlop, who resided in Maxwell Street, Girvan, and John Smellie, Heather Row, Dalquhattan, Dailly, went down the pit, evidently with the intention of making an inspection, preparatory to starting pumping operations, and were suffocated by fumes from the direction of the burning pit. Smellie was about 35 years of age, and leaves a widow and family. Dunlop, who was a native of Hurlford, was unmarried, and lived with his father. Numerous -attempts have been made to extinguish the fire in the disused pit by flooding, but without effect. [Scotsman 2 April 1919] Carnegie Watches For Ayrshire Miners - Heroic Ayrshire Miners - At a social meeting held in the Working Men's Institute, Dailly - Mr John Blake, manager, South Ayrshire Collieries (Ltd.), presiding - Dr M'Inroy presented four gold watches, suitably inscribed, to Messrs John Dunlop, Samuel M'Bride, Thomas M'Millan, and Neil M'Millan. The watches were awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Trust for a heroic endeavour to save life on 1st April 1919 when a fire broke out in Maxwell Pit, Dailly, the fumes from which suffocated two miners, Matthew Dunlop and John Smylie. Mr Adam Wilson, J.P., afterwards presented, on behalf of the workers at Bargany Pit, gold badges, suitably inscribed, to the members of the Rescue Brigade and assistants. [Dunfermline Journal 30 August 1919]