Derbyshire Times - Peak District Mines Historical Society

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882.
Page 1 Col. 1
Advert -
The Claims of the Coal Miner.
Price 3d.
1882.
The substance of a sermon preached at the Parish Church, Chesterfield, November 12th.,
The profits (if any) will be given to the Clay Cross Explosion Relief Fund.
May be obtained at the Derbyshire Times office, Market Hall, Chesterfield.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882.
Page 2 Col. 5
Derbyshire Mining Case -
Mundy and others v. the Duke of Rutland and others.
In the Supreme Court of Judicature, Court of Appeal, Lincolns Inn, on Monday, before
the Master of the Rolls and Lords Justice Cotton and Bowen, the above case came on. It was an
appeal from a decision of Mr. Justice Kay, granting an injunction against the defendants to
restrain them from so winning and working the coal on the Duke of Rutland's estate at Ilkeston,
as to allow water to percolate through into the mine of the plaintiffs.
Mr. Barber, Q.C., and Mr. French represented the appellants, and Mr. E.W. Karslake,
Q.C., appeared for the respondents.
Mr. Barber, in opening the case for the appellants said that he appeared for the
appellants in this case, who were the Duke of Rutland and his lessees, the lessees holding from
the Duke certain measures of coal on his estate at Ilkeston. Defendants were the lessees, also
under the Duke, of sundry mineral strata underlying, the two beds of coal which were leased to
the plaintiffs. One of the questions which would have been determined was whether the Manvers
Company, who are working the underlying minerals, were entitled to let down the barrier of coal
which separated the land held by the plaintiffs and the other land belonging to the Duke. A map
of the locus in quo was shown that the property coloured green upon its representation was
known as the Shipley estate, belonging to Mr. Mundy. The plaintiffs had got the right to take two
seams of coal, called the "Main Soft" and the "Deep Hard". The property immediately adjoining
these two seams belonged to the Duke of Rutland, and covered a considerable area. Since a
lease was granted by the Duke to Mr. Mundy he had granted to the Manvers Company a lease of
the property lying immediately above, and also included in that lease a grant of certain measures
of coal lying underneath the two measures of coal which had been leased to the Mundy's. There
were two barriers which separated the two properties, and it was for damaging one of these
barriers that the injunction was granted, against which his clients now appealed. Before the lease
to the Manvers Company there had been a lease of the two seams of coal, and they had been
worked out to the extent of 200 acres. That being so, he need hardly say that the result of the
working out had been that a large quantity of water has accumulated, and a barrier of six yards
had been left in the mine in order to prevent the percolation of the water from one portion of it
into the other. This barrier had been included in the lease to Mr. Mundy, and a certain rent had
been paid for it, but there was no covenant in the lease that the Duke of Rutland should retain
it, and at the expiration of the lease the barrier was again to become the property of the Duke.
The case stood in this way, and in order to prevent the water from coming into the plaintiffs
workings the barrier was absolutely necessary.
The Master of the Rolls: Which way is the dip of the estate?
Mr. Barber: The dip was towards Mr. Munday's estate, and of course he was bound to
protect himself from the water. The plaintiffs, he contended, should have made a barrier for
themselves, but had failed to do so.
The arguments were not concluded at the rising of the Court.

On Tuesday Mr. Barber continued his opening, and read some of the evidence given in
the Court below, for the purpose of showing that the Kilburn Seam could be worked without
hindering the barrier so as to let water through. He asked their Lordships to hold that that
evidence, supported by actual experience in connection with the Eastwood Colliery, was of
greater weight than the assertions made on behalf of the plaintiffs.
At this point the Master of the Rolls suggested that this was a question of such
importance that it would be advisable that a practical viewer of experience should be appointed
to guide the Court.
Mr. Karslake, Q.C., for the plaintiffs, at once acceded to the suggestion.
Mr. Higgins said that his difficulty in consenting to the suggestion was that he hardly
knew how he could move without the sanction of the Duke, who was his lessor. On behalf of the
Manvers Company he submitted that there was nothing to show that the working was injurious
or likely to be dangerous to human life. If the plaintiffs were refused an injunction it could not
injure them, as they were able to recover damages from the Duke of Rutland, but on the other
hand the granting of the injunction would be a very serious injury to the Manvers Company, as
they would have to spend at least £20,000 by which they would have possibly no remedy.
The case was again adjourned.
On Wednesday their Lordships decided that a landlord could not derogate from his own
grants, and, therefore, that the Duke had no right, by working seams below, to let down the
seams above, nor had he any right to work the barrier so as to cause damage to the plaintiffs
works. It was not likely that rational men would have agreed to pay £500 a year rent for the two
seams if the landlord were entitled to do what was claimed by the appellants: and, therefore, it
must be held that the meaning of the resolution clause was that the Duke was to be at liberty to
work seams of coal not included in the plaintiff's lease, only in such a manner as would not
interfere with the plaintiff's working.
On the question of fact as to whether the mode of working of the Kilburn seam by the
longwall system under the barrier would cause the barrier to sink, or otherwise interfere with the
working of the plaintiff's mine, the evidence was contradictory, and a special referee would be
appointed to make a report on that question.
The appeal was therefore ordered to stand over until an examination and report had
been made to settle that question.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882.
Page 2 Col. 6.
Letter - Relief Funds and Colliery Explosions.
Sir,
In most of our mining districts where the men are liable to accidents owing to the
dangerous nature of the mines in which they work, relief funds have been established, and
supported jointly by employees and employers: and we have seen many instances in which a
number of persons have been killed and the money in hand has been found far insufficient to
meet the payments to which the widows and children were entitled. Hence a local appeal has to
be made and the aid of the Lord Mayor of London invoked for, which is termed a Mansion House
Fund. This appears to have been the case at Clay Cross, where 34 out of the 45 men killed
belonged to the Midland Counties Permanent Relief Fund which draws subscriptions from the
miners and mine-owners in four counties. It certainly appears hard that the men who have paid
for years into a fund for the purpose of their families obtaining support in the event of their
deaths, that when the time comes for the insurance as it may be termed, being paid weekly, that
the former should be told that there is not money sufficient to meet the engagements entered
into with the deceased when they became members of the Relief Funds. Those who have control
of such funds appear to rely on the appeals made to the public, knowing that in the event of
such a calamity as that which occurred at Clay Cross such appeals are never made in vain. This
appears to be the view of those connected with the Midland Counties Relief Fund, and the
secretary, at the meeting held at Chesterfield, said that the Fund had only been in existence four
years and was not able to meet the liabilities thrown upon it by the calamity, but he further
remarked - as bearing out the view just stated - that in a great calamity like that which occurred
recently the public sympathy was aroused, and money was liberally subscribed for the support of
those who had been left destitute. So long as this is known to be the case there would appear to
be but little necessity for what are called permanent funds - a misnomer, indeed, seeing that
when the necessity for them arises they appear to have no funds in hand to meet the just claims
of the representatives of those whose monies they received as insurance. It has been estimated
that the amount required to pay 5 shillings weekly to each widow and 2 shillings to each child
until it reaches the age of 13 years, was about £8,000 towards which the Clay Cross Company
has subscribed £1,000. Yet with such a beginning the vicar of Clay Cross writes to the Lord
Mayor of London stating that the capabilities of the neighbourhood were utterly insufficient to
provide a fund to meet the consequences of the calamity, and requesting him to make a
generous appeal to the public on behalf of the sufferers. One would certainly have thought
otherwise seeing that there are upwards of 260 coal mines in Derbyshire, employing more than
30,000 persons, nearly all of whom have lately had their wages advanced, whilst the Midland
Permanent Fund extends through three other mining counties as well, taking all these things
together, mine-owners and miners, as well as the ordinary residents of the county, one would
have thought that in the case of such a calamity as that at Clay Cross, there would not have
been the slightest difficulty in raising some £5,000 or £6,000. In fact the Permanent Relief Fund
as well as the working miners, should have been able to raise the amount required. But so long
as appeals to the public are as successful as they have been, there will be no disposition on the
part of mining bodies to be relieved of burdens which they only should meet.
At the meeting held at Chesterfield on Saturday, Mr. C. Markham, the managing director
of the Staveley Coal and Iron Company, suggested the adoption of a system of raising a fund by
putting a tax of a farthing a ton on all the coal that is raised in the kingdom. This would realise

more money than would be required for meeting all the casualties taken place in our mines. A
charge of a farthing per ton on the coal raised would in one year realise £160,000. Then, were
the men employed in our coalmines to subscribe only a penny per week, the sum in one year
would be upwards of £100,000, so that there would be no less that £260,000 to meet the yearly
liabilities, not only as a result of accidents but for all other causes as well, including sickness,
deaths from natural causes, etc. Taking the deaths from mining accidents of 1,000 per annum,
and allowing £30 yearly to each family - which would be most ample - it would only take
£30,000, and if £100,000 were allowed for sickness and deaths from natural causes, that would
only absorb about one half of the annual sum raised. The probability, therefore, is that were the
amount raised, in three years there would be no necessity of making the payments annually, as it
would be sufficient to have a certain amount always available. This proposal is one that is well
worthy of consideration, and it is be hoped that those interested in the matter will take some
steps to carry it out. It prevent frequent appeals to the public when explosions take place, would
create a better feeling between masters and workmen, and in all probability would render
inoperative the Employers Liability Act, seeing that every provision would be made for the
miners, their wives, and their families, and that in any circumstances where relief or support was
necessary.
I am, Sir, yours, etc.
J. Ruglen.
Barnsley, November 22nd, 1882.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 2.
Breach of Contract by Unstone miners.
William Wright, collier, Unstone, was fined 5-0d. and costs, and Steven Rose and Samuel
Jackson, 2-6d. and costs, George Mallinder being ordered to pay costs, for a breach of contract,
by leaving their work in the service of the Unstone Coal and Coke Company's colliery. A number
of similar charges were withdrawn by the manager, Mr. Hewitt. Mr. D. Wightman appeared on
behalf of the Company.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 5.
The Miners' Wages Question.
In connection with the wages question it appears that some of our law courts are likely
to be troubled with it, if the statement of Mr. Pickard is to be relied on. It appears that Mr.
Pickard has had a correspondence with Mr. Ruglen of Barnsley, a well known journalist and
authority in connection with mining matters in the Leeds Mercury and the Barnsley Times, and in
the latter paper of Saturday last he states "I am not going to touch on his (Mr. Ruglen's) libellous
statements - these I will deal with through the ordinary law courts". Mr. Pickard eventually
proposes addressing a more select and intelligent audience than he has been in the habit of
doing, but whether with the same success remains to be seen.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 4.
Advert - Preliminary Notice.
In the Hight Court of Justice, Chancery Division.
O'Hagan v. The North Wingfield Colliery Company, Limited.
Sale of the Extensive Fixed and Loose Colliery Plant.
Mr. Frederick W. Hobson of the firm of Hobson, Richards and Co., will sell by auction
subject to the approval of the Honourable Mr. Justice Chitty, the judge to whose court this cause
is attached, at the North Wingfield Colliery, 1 mile from Clay Cross Station, Midland Railway, and
6 miles from Chesterfield,
On Tuesday, December the 12th., 1882,
at o'clock precisely, the new colliery plant, fixed and loose, including double cylinder
engine, by Clayton and Shuttleworth, pair of high pressure winding engines, hand boring
machines, patent pulley blocks and screw-jacks, bolts and nails. About 50 tons of bridge rails and
800 yards of main line rails with sleepers, etc.
Quantity of Mining Timber.
120 yards of 4 and 5 inch steam and water pipes, high pressure pumping engine, and
donkey pumping engines, 14 ft. diameter ventilating fan and engine, cart weighbridges, Milners'
safe, office furniture, etc., etc., comprising the entire plant of a large colliery.
N.B. the colliery is in direct communication with the Midland Railway, by Avenue Sidings,
Clay Cross, affording purchasers means of easy removal for which purpose the colliery locomotive
will be available.
May be viewed three days prior and the morning of sale, and catalogues and conditions
of sale obtained at the Angel Hotel, Chesterfield; W.H. Roberts, Esq., 15, Colman Street, London,
E.C.; and at the auctioneers, 20, Colman Street, Bank, London, E.C.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882
Page 4 Col. 7 to Page 5 Col. 1.
Advert - Clay Cross Colliery Accident.
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Chesterfield and Neighbourhood, held in the Assembly
Rooms, Market Hall, Chesterfield, on the 18th. of November, 1882, for the purpose of giving
expression to the sympathy felt for the sufferers by the late Explosion at the Clay Cross No. 7
Colliery, and to make arrangements for a Public Subscription in their behalf -
The Mayor of Chesterfield (Mr. John Higginbottom) in the Chair.
It was proposed by Mr. F. Swanwick, seconded by Mr. B. Owen, and supported by Mr. A.
Barnes, M.P. -
"That this meeting desires to express its sympathy with the sufferers by the calamitous
accident at the Clay Cross No. 7 Colliery, and recognises the duty and obligation of contributing
by means of a Public Subscription to a Fund to be raised in aid of the Widows, Orphans, and
families of those whose lives have been lost."
Proposed by Mr. J. Stores Smith, seconded by Mr. Charles Markham: -
"That a Committee be formed for the purpose of raising and collecting Subscriptions,
consisting of the following Gentlemen, with power to add to their number: 'The Mayor of
Chesterfield, Lord Edward Cavendish, M.P., Admiral Egerton, M.P., Mr. A. Barnes, M.P., Mr. Binns,
Mr. Turbutt, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Markham, Mr. Swanwick, Mr. J. Stores Smith, Rev. J. Oldham, Mr.
A. Carrington, Mr. W.W. Jeudwine, Mr. Clare, Mr. C.G. Busby, Mr. Linacre, Mr. B. Owen, and that
Subscription Lists be at once opened with the several Bankers in Chesterfield and Derby and their
respective Branch Banks, who shall be requested to receive subscriptions and that Mr. A. Linacre
be requested to act as Honorary Secretary to the Committee. '".
Proposed by Lord Edward Cavendish, M.P., seconded by Mr. C.S.B. Busby: -
"That Mr. Barnes, M.P., Mr. Turbutt, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Linacre, and Mr. J. Sterland Gratton
be Trustees of the Fund, with power for any two of the Trustees to draw Cheques".
Proposed by the Rev. R.K. Bolton, seconded by Mr. B. Lucas: -
"That the distribution and appropriation of the funds collected shall be entrusted to Mr.
Turbutt, Mr. Jackson, the Rev. J. Oldham, Mr. Linacre, Mr. Clare, Mr. Croudace, Mr. T. Dunn, Mr.
B. Owen".
Proposed by Mr. Alderman Gee, seconded by Mr. C.E. Jones: -
"That these Resolutions be advertised in the Derby, Chesterfield, and Sheffield
Newspapers".
Fund.
The Committee gratefully acknowledge the following Contributions to the above-named

£ - s - d
The Clay Cross Company, Clay Cross 500 - 0 - 0
His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, Chatsworth 250 - 0 - 0
Butterley Co., Alfreton 200 - 0 - 0
Marquis of Hartington, M.P., Hardwick Hall 100 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Jas. Oakes and Co., Riddings 100 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Chas Seeley and Co., Tibshelf 100 - 0 - 0
Grassmoor Colliery Co., Grassmoor 100 - 0 - 0
Wm. Gladwyn Turbutt, Esq., Ogston Hall 100 - 0 - 0
Agents and Workmen of Messrs. Oakes and Co., Alfreton 63 - 17 - 8
His Grace the Duke of Rutland 52 - 10 - 0
Miss M.B. Jackson 50 - 0 - 0
Mrs. J.P. Jackson, Stubbin Edge 50 - 0 - 0
Mr. Charles Binns, J.P., Clay Cross Hall 50 - 0 - 0
Mr. William Jessop, Butterley Hall 50 - 0 - 0
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bright, Chesterfield 50 - 0 - 0
Mr. Chas. Markham, J.P., Staveley 50 - 0 - 0
Pilsley Colliery Co., Pilsley 50 - 0 - 0
Blackwell Colliery Co., Alfreton 50 - 0 - 0
Wingerworth and Hardwick Colliery Co. 50 - 0 - 0
Workmen of Blackwell Colliery Co. 34 - 0 - 0
Workmen of Boythorpe Colliery Co. 32 - 11 - 0
Admiral and Lady Louisa Egerton, Chatsworth 30 - 0 - 0
Lord Edward Cavendish, Chatsworth 25 - 0 - 0
Mr. Thos. Holdsworth, Alma House, Clay Cross 25 - 0 - 0
Mr. James Hopkinson, Rowsley 25 - 0 - 0
Mr. F. Swanwick, J.P., Chesterfield 25 - 0 - 0
Mr. B. Lucas, Chesterfield 25 - 0 - 0
Alderman T.P. Wood, Chesterfield 25 - 0 - 0
Mr. R.S. Sitwell 25 - 0 - 0
Mrs. Underwood, Sevenoaks 20 - 0 - 0
Mrs. E. Jackson, London 20 - 0 - 0
Mrs. W. Jackson, Birkenhead 20 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Benton and Woodiwiss, Shirland Colliery 20 - 0 - 0
Offertory, Parish Church, Chesterfield 19 - 13 - 0
Employers of Saville Street Foundry and Engineering
Co., Limited, Sheffield 16 - 5 - 6
Ward, Mr. and Mrs., Ankerbold 15 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Samuel Smith and Co., Bankers, and Employers,
per Mr. F. Greatorex 14 - 9 - 6
Mrs. Packman, Tupton Hall 12 - 12 - 0
Workmen of Messrs. W. Oliver and Co., Limited, Chesterfield 12 - 0 - 0
Blue Ribbon Army Mission, Ironville, per Rev. W.E. Boadstock 10 - 18 - 0
Mr. Linacre, Melbourne Lodge, Clay Cross 10 - 10 - 0
Mr. Geo. Barker, 12, Burwood Place, London 10 - 10 - 0
Mr. Chas. Booth, M.D., Chesterfield 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. G.E. Clover, per C.H. Fletcher and Co., Liverpool 10 - 10 - 0
Messrs. J.W. and K. Birkinshaw, Derby 10 - 10 - 0
Messrs. Drs. Chawner and Pegler, Clay Cross 10 - 10 - 0
Messrs. Manlove and Sons, Chesterfield 10 - 10 - 0
Messrs. E. Lucas and Sons, Dronfield 10 - 10 - 0
Messrs. J.L. and F. Wilkinson 10 - 10 - 0

Messrs. Farnsworth and Jardine 10 - 10 - 0
Messrs. Coke and Mills, Chesterfield 10 - 10 - 0
Messrs. Haggie Bros., Gateshead-on-Tyne 10 - 10 - 0
The Chesterfield Brewery Company 10 - 10 - 0
Licensed Victuallers of Chesterfield District 10 - 10 - 0
Offertory, St. Peters Church, Belper 10 - 3 - 6
Mr. Wm. Clarke, Stanton Iron Works 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. M. Hunter, Junr., Mayor of Sheffield 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. Wm. Spurr, Mansfield 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. Robert Clarke, Chesterfield 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. Gilson Martin, Edensor 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. C.S.B. Busby, Chesterfield 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. W. Chesterman, Sheffield 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. John J. Barrow, Tunbridge Wells 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. A.C. Hubbersty, The Ford, Alfreton 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. David Davy, Sheffield 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. Wm. H. Myers, Mayfair, London 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. James A. Jobling, Newcastle-on-Tyne 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. T.E. Fenwick, Hilcote Hall 10 - 0 - 0
Mr. Alfred Barnes, Forest Hill, Kent 10 - 0 - 0
Mrs. F.S. Arkwright 10 - 0 - 0
E.E.C. 10 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Price, Potter, Walker and Co., Grimsby 10 - 0 - 0
Offertory, Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield 6 - 0 - 0
Congregational Church, Brampton, per Mr. James Bradley 5 - 10 - 0
Mr. W.F. Clare, Clay Cross 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. T.D. Croudace, Clay Cross 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. J. Dickinson, Clay Cross 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. T. Wilkinson, Clay Cross 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Geo. Howe, Clay Cross 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Platts, 12, Burwood Place, London 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Robert Stevenson, Newstead 5 - 5 - 0
Alderman Higginbottom, Mayor of Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Alderman Gee, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. C.G. Busby, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. E. Eastwood, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. J. Stores Smith, J.P., Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. S. Manlove, Brampton 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Geo. Bassett, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. D. Bassett, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Joseph Bassett, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. John Bassett, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. John Bassett-Gregory, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Joseph Lee, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Rev. J.B. Nodder, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Rev. W. Whitmore, Ashover 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. J. Sterland-Gratton, Timberfield 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Griffith Morris, Liverpool 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. James Martin, V.S., Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. Mansfeldt F. Mill, Tapton Grove 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. W.B. Woodforde, Belper 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. John Naylor, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0

Mr. G.A. Rooth, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. W. Britt and Sons, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Jones and Middleton, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Gratton and Marsden, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Shipton, Hallewell and Co., Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Pawson and Brailsford, Sheffield 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Beck and Co., London 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. R. Wade, Sons, and Co., Hull 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. J.A. Longden 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Geo. Longden and Sons, Sheffield 5 - 5 - 0
Mr. J.W. Fearn, Chesterfield 5 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Scott and Scott, London 5 - 5 - 0
The young Ladies at Misses Jeffreys' Ladies School, Chesterfield 5 - 0 - 0
Collected by Do. 3 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Rayner and Meller, Sunderland 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Allen and Co., Mansfield 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Jas. Russell and Sons, Wednesbury 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. R. Leader and Sons, Sheffield and Rotherham Independent 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Horton and Son, Darlaston 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. John Ellis and Sons, Leicester 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. W.J. and A. Drabble, Pilsley 5 - 0 - 0
Rev. B. Hallowes, Glapwell 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. Walter Hopton, Long Eaton 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. James Stollard, Clay Cross 5 - 0 - 0
Mrs. Evans, Orpington 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. John Woodcock, Chesterfield 5 - 0 - 0
Rev. L. Stanier 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. W. Oliver, Chesterfield 5 - 0 - 0
J.J. and Co., per Messrs. G.H. Fletcher and Co., Liverpool 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. W. Laird, Birkenhead 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. W. Foster, Junr., and friends, Nottingham 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. John Pilkington, Buxton 5 - 0 - 0
Mrs. Oliver, Derby 5 - 0 - 0
Mrs. P.H. Lee 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. Wm. Toplis, Chesterfield 5 - 0 - 0
A.W. 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. P.F. Walker, Italy, per Rev. G. Butt 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. W.D. Holford, Whittington 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. Chas Baker 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. J.O. Bate 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. Reuben Wragg, Chesterfield 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. John Baker and Son, Sheffield 5 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Scales and Salter, Clay Cross 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. B. Taylor, Leeds 5 - 0 - 0
The Hardy Patent Pick Company, Heeley, per Mr. Lomas 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. George Kemp, Ashover 4 - 4 - 0
Workmen of Mr. T. Pearson, Chesterfield 3 - 15 - 0
Mr. Geo. Bromley, Clay Cross 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. H.W. Greatorex, Clay Cross 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. John Steen, Clay Cross 3 - 3 - 0
Rev. Daniel Menagh, Clay Cross 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. W.F. Woodforde 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. Geo. W. Jackson, Leeds 3 - 3 - 0

Mr. A. Carrington, Chesterfield 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. W.F. Howard, Chesterfield 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. B. Douglas, Chesterfield 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. J. Challinor, Leek 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. John Clarke, Higham Cliffe 3 - 3 - 0
Workmen of Mr. E. Eastwood, Chesterfield 3 - 3 - 0
Messrs. Tyson and Bradley, Brampton 3 - 3 - 0
Messrs. Thos. Robinson and Co., Burton-on-Trent 3 - 3 - 0
Messrs. T. and H. Briscoll, Leeds 3 - 3 - 0
Messrs. Mawson, Clark, and Co., Newcastle-on-Tyne 3 - 3 - 0
Messrs. H.R. Williams and Co., London, per Mr. S. Leake 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. John Orr, Tupton 3 - 3 - 0
Rev. M.M. Humble 3 - 0 - 0
Offertory, per Rev. J.W. Maltby, Morton Church
2 - 13 - 1½
Teachers and Scholars of Endowed Schools, Whittington 2 - 12 - 0
Offertory from Spondon School Chapel 2 - 11 - 6
Mr. Hy. Greatorex, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. J.V. Newton, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Rev. J. Oldham, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Dr. T.V. Kay, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Dr. B.J. Lee, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. P.J. Udall, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. Joseph Marriott, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Miss Thorpe, Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Mrs. Howe, senr., Clay Cross 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. John Turner, Chesterfield 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. A. Mackintosh, M.D., Chesterfield 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. R.F. Mills, Chesterfield 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. J.H. Millson, Chesterfield 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. Charles Wragg, Stonegravels 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. James S. Booth, Eckington 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. Charles Plumbe, Sutton-in-Ashfield 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. Geo. Wareham, 12, Burwood Place, London 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. Thos. Robinson, Burton-on-Trent 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. H.B. Boag, Ambergate 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. Fredk. Smith 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. John S. Norris 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. E. Woodhead 2 - 2 - 0
Miss Evans, Orpington, Kent 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. T.W. Ward, Sheffield 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. John Marriott 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. J.G. Henson 2 - 2 - 0
Mrs. Jebb 2 - 2 - 0
Rev. A.T. Field 2 - 2 - 0
A Friend at the Rev. W.W. Whitmore's 2 - 2 - 0
Messrs. Rabone Bros. and Co., Birmingham 2 - 2 - 0
Messrs. Sheppard and Son, Tipton 2 - 2 - 0
Messrs. J. Wood, Ashton and Co., Stourbridge 2 - 2 - 0
Messrs. Honeyball and Son, Sittingborne, per Mr. G. Baker 2 - 2 - 0
Messrs. Steel and Frazer, Derby 2 - 2 - 0
Messrs. Skelton and Co., Heeley, per Mr. Lomas 2 - 2 - 0
Offertory, per Rev. R.C. Long, Tibshelf Church 2 - 0 - 0
Primitive Methodist Chapel, Stonebroom 2 - 0 - 0

Alderman John Lambert, Chesterfield 2 - 0 - 0
Workmen of the Chesterfield Gas and Water Company 1 - 16 - 4
Teachers and Scholars, Board School,
St. Helen's Street, Chesterfield 1 - 13 - 6
Messrs. John Davis and Son, Derby 1 - 11 - 6
Offertory, per Rev. W. Barnes, Church School, Grassmoor 1 - 8 - 0
Offertory, Iron Church, Derby Road, Chesterfield 1 - 5 - 6
Primitive Methodist Chapel, East Bridgford 1 - 2 - 4
Mr. Jas. Butler, Wingerworth 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. C.E. Jones, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Robert Lloyd, Clay Cross 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. John Smith (chemist), Clay Cross 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. P.J. Greatorex, Clay Cross 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. S. Leafe, Clay Cross 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. John Mallaband, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. F. Glossop, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Josh. Warner, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Wm. Forrest, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. S.G.N. Spofforth, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Johnson Short, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Lewis Shaw, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. J.B. Swinden, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Thos. Shipton, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. W.D. Botham, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Jas. Rigg, Chester 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. A. Madge, London 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Geo. Homersham, Tunbridge Wells 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. E.J. Arnold, Leeds 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. Robt. Boag, Ambergate 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. H.H. Murphy 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. G.A. Eastwood 1 - 1 - 0
Rev. R.C. Roy, Youlgreave 1 - 1 - 0
Dr. John Rose, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Mrs. Palmer, Ashover 1 - 1 - 0
Mrs. H. Hopkinson 1 - 1 - 0
Miss Borden 1 - 1 - 0
Rev. H.H. Evans 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Palmer and Sawdy, Exeter 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Beard Bros., Burton-on-Trent 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Kelsall Bros., Ashton-under-lyne 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. T. Holmes and Son, Chesterfield 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. F. Livett and Sons, London 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. J. and T. Tomlinson, Belper, per Mr. S. Leafe 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Sissons, Bros., and Co., Hull, per Mr. J. Smith 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. G. Whelpton and Son, London, per Mr. J. Smith 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Maw, Son and Thompson, London, per Mr. J. Smith 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Burgiss, Willows, and Francis, London,
per Mr. J. Smith 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Bowen and McKecknie, London, per Mr. Lewis 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Harrison and Willcock, Sheffield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. W. Clarke, Lincoln 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. H.M. Edwards, Wakefield 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. G. Chandler, Sutton, Surrey 1 - 1 - 0

A Lady per Sheffield Banking Co. 1 - 0 - 0
Miss I. Sanderson, St. Helen's 1 - 0 - 0
Miss B. Cockett 1 - 0 - 0
Mrs. Middleton, Round Hay, Leeds, per Mrs. Thornton 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. W.R. Barker, Matlock Bath 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. John Carr, Dronfield 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. Thos. Chapman, Fir View, Sheffield 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. P. Francis, Chesterfield 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. T. Bradley 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. W. Glossop 1 - 0 - 0
Messrs. C. Wright and Son, Wirksworth 1 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Kempsen and Howell, Pye Bridge 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. Wm. Cheetham, Stockport 1 - 0 - 0
Miss M.E. Druce, London 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. E. Hall, Ardwick 0 - 10 - 6
Messrs. Watson and Co., Knutsford 0 - 10 - 6
Messrs. F. Butler and Co., Manchester 0 - 10 - 6
Miss Gamlen 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. Geo. M. Wilcockson, Stonegravels 0 - 10 - 0
Offertory Calow Church 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. W. Walmsley, Reddish 0 - 10 - 0
G.H.S., Birmingham 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. Robert Jones 0 - 10 - 0
Mrs. Farnsworth, Clay Cross 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. J. Willins, London, per Mr. J. Smith 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. T. Holloway, per Mr. J. Smith 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. R. Daniel, Derby, per Mr. J. Smith 0 - 10 - 0
Messrs. B. Newimm and Co., Sheffield 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. Mallabind, Ockbrook 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. Hey, Ockbrook 0 - 10 - 0
Miss Hey, Ockbrook 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. Thomas Roscoe, Stockport 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. Geo. Buchan, Bakewell 0 - 10 - 0
Mrs. Dale, Croyden 0 - 7 - 0
Mr. Walter Brown 0 - 5 - 0
Mrs. W.M. Waddington, Ashton-under-Lyne 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. T.J. Smith, Stockport 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. Thomas Hardy 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. W. Clark, Lincoln 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. W. Burtt, Willingose 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. F. Swallow, Sheffield 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. Thomas Wild, Reddish 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. W. Thorpe, Stockport 0 - 5 - 0
Messrs. G.W. Marsden and Co., Stockport 0 - 5 - 0
Messrs. Lomas Bros., Stockport 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. John Reader, Belper 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. J.E. Green, Clay Cross 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. George Holmes, Chesterfield 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. G.C. Goshan, Hill Side, Ockbrook 0 - 5 - 0
Rev. T.L. Bud, Ockbrook 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. Holley, Ockbrook 0 - 5 - 0
Miss Fowler Bloso, Hill Side, Ockbrook 0 - 5 - 0
Mr. R. Budge, Hassop 0 - 5 - 0

Mr. J. Walton 0 - 5 - 0
Amounts under 5-0d. 3 - 3 - 0
Total
3427 - 12 - 5½
The above list does not include the Mansion House Fund.
Further subscriptions are earnestly solicited, as thew amount received and promised is
totally inadequate to meet the demands that will be made on the Committee.
A. Linacre
Honorary Secretary
Clay Cross, 30th. November, 1882.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 2nd. December 1882
Page 5 Col. 1.
Advert - Clay Cross Colliery Explosion Widow and Orphans Fund.
The Rev. J. Oldham, Vicar of Clay Cross, hereby gratefully acknowledges the receipt of
the following contributions to the above named Fund, to the 30th. November, 1882, viz: -
£ - s - d
Messrs. James Oakes and Co. 100 - 0 - 0
Agents and Workmen of the same 85 - 16 - 2
The Pilsley Colliery Company 50 - 0 - 0
Workmen of the same 25 - 0 - 0
Thos. Holdsworth, Esq. 25 - 0 - 0
Alma Colliery's Workmen 21 - 14 - 8
Charles Binns, Esq. 50 - 0 - 0
Agents and Workmen of the Babbington Coal Co.
and Tibshelf Collieries 16 - 7 - 10
Collection at Tibshelf Colliery School Service 3 - 12 - 2
Tibshelf Church Offertory, per Rev. R.C. Long 2 - 0 - 0
Messrs. Chawner and Pegler 10 - 10 - 0
A. Linacre, Esq. 10 - 10 - 0
Mrs. F.S. Arkwright 10 - 0 - 0
E.E.C. 10 - 0 - 0
Offertory and Hasland Church 7 - 1 - 5
Offertory at Grassmoor School Church 1 - 8 - 0
The Young Ladies at Miss Jeffreys Ladies School, Chesterfield 5 - 0 - 0
Collected by Do. 3 - 0 - 0
Mr. James Stollard 5 - 0 - 0
Mrs. Oliver 5 - 0 - 0
Mr. P.H. Lee 5 - 0 - 0
Exors. of Mr. John Watson 3 - 3 - 0
W.F. Woodforde, Esq. 3 - 3 - 0
Messrs. Thos. Robinson and Co. 3 - 3 - 0
Mr. T. Robinson 2 - 2 - 0
Rev. J. Oldham 2 - 2 - 0
James S. Stollard, Esq. 2 - 2 - 0
G.W. Cummins, Esq. 2 - 2 - 0
G. Swanwick, Esq. 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. F.E. Goodwin 2 - 0 - 0
Mr. P.J. Udall 2 - 2 - 0
Dr. T.V. Kaye 2 - 2 - 0
Dr. B. Lee 2 - 2 - 0
Miss Thorpe 2 - 2 - 0
Mrs. W. Howe 2 - 2 - 0
Mr. James Marriott 2 - 2 - 0
Collection from Primitive Methodists of East Bridgford 1 - 8 - 4
Offertory from Spondon House School Chapel 2 - 11 - 6
Rev. H.H. Evans 1 - 1 - 0

Miss B. Cockett 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. E.J. Arnold 1 - 1 - 0
Miss Burden 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Beard Brothers 1 - 1 - 0
Messrs. Chas. Wright and Son 1 - 0 - 0
Mr. W.B. Barker 1 - 0 - 0
Choir Boys of Bulwell 0 - 10 - 0
Mr. Robert Lloyd 1 - 1 - 0
Mr. J. Smith 1 - 1 - 0
Miss Gamlen 0 - 10 - 0
Mrs. Dale Croyden 0 - 7 - 0
Mr. Edward Nowlan 0 - 4 - 0
Mr. Walter Browne 0 - 5 - 0
M.A.C. Pimlico 0 - 3 - 0
Mr. Henry Russell 0 - 3 - 0
Offertory at Pilsley Church 5 - 0 - 0

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 2nd. December 1882
Page 5 Col. 6
The Clay Cross Colliery Explosion.
Visit to the Mine by the Coroner.
Mr. C.G. Busby, coroner for the district, and Mr. T.D. Croudace, certified manager of the
colliery, accompanied by the Messrs. Barnes, Jnr., of the Grassmoor Collieries, went down the
Clay Cross Company's Pit No. 7, at Parkhouse, Danesmoor, on Monday morning for the purpose
of making a personal inspection of the supposed seat of the explosion. The party went to the
cross-cuts in the south-east district and through the three flats, and spent between three and
four hours in the inspection, which will probably be advantageous at the adjourned inquest.
Towards the relief fund of the widows and orphans a cheque for £50 from the Duke of Rutland
was received on Monday morning, and several of the neighbouring colliery's workmen sent in
their subscriptions. The repairs to the No. 7 Pit have been pushed forward with energy, and on
Monday the new wheel and conductor were completed in their places, and the next day a second
cage. The work at the mouth and the bottom of the shaft is completed, and it is expected
winning operations will be again commenced. The cage collection in Nottingham amounted on
Saturday night to £101-19-6d. It was the intention of the promoters to close the cage collection,
but a telegram having been received from Mr. Croudace, the manager of the Clay Cross Colliery
Company, stating that funds are greatly needed, and asking that the collection should continue in
the end of the present week, the cages will be continued until next Saturday, and thus give an
opportunity to all who have not assisted in any other way to do so. [See "Notes by the way"].
Sad Death of a Widow.
Mrs. Ann Beeson, widow of Henry Beeson, of Danesmoor, who lost her husband and two
sons in the fatal explosion of November 7, died on Friday. From the first the poor woman was
stricken down, and she died broken-hearted. There are four orphans left.
The Mansion House Fund.
The sums received up to Tuesday night to the above fund in aid of the sufferers by the
Clay Cross Colliery Explosion amount to £1,054-12-1d.
At the Clay Cross Methodist New Connexion Chapel on Sunday last the Rev. W.
Woodward preached two sermons on the Clay Cross Colliery explosion. Collections were made at
each service in aid of the Relief Fund for widows and orphans amounting to £11-5-10d.
Clowne.
On Sunday November 26th., the Offertory at the Parish Church on Behalf of the funds for
the relief of the widows and orphans of the Clay Cross explosion amounted to £5. The Rector,
Rev. Charles L. Helps, preached two special sermons on the occasion.
On Wednesday, Mr. Thomas Evans, Her Majesty's Inspector of Mines for the district, and
his assistant, Mr. Stokes, again went down the No. 7 pit for the purpose of examining the cross-

cuts, the supposed seat of the explosion. Mr. Parker, underviewer of the No. 2 pit, accompanied
the inspectors, who confined their labours to the examination of the third flat in the cross-cuts.
The distribution committee met on Wednesday afternoon, under the chairmanship of Mr.
J.P. Jackson. It was stated that the local relief fund, independent of the Mansion fund, amounted
to £3,380, and that the distribution of the same, at the rate of 5-0d. per week for each widow,
and 2-0d. per week for each child under 13 years of age, would commence on Friday.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 2nd. December 1882
Page 5 Col. 6 to 7.
The Adjourned Inquest.
The inquiry into the death of the 45 men who lost their lives in the colliery explosion at
Clay Cross was resumed on Thursday, at the Victoria Hotel, Clay Cross, before Mr. C.G. Busby,
Coroner for the Hundred of Scarsdale, with Mr. A. Linacre as foreman of the jury. Mr. Arnold
Morley, M.P., again represented the Home Office and Mr. J.E. Barker, barrister, of Sheffield,
appeared on behalf of the Clay Cross Company. Mr. Thos. Evans, Her Majesty's Inspector of
Mines for the Midland Counties; Mr. A.H. Stokes, Assistant Inspector for the same district; Mr.
J.P. Jackson, managing partner of the Clay Cross Company; Captain Parry, Chief Constable of the
County; Mr. T.D. Croudace, certificated manager of the colliery; Mr. J. Humble, manager of the
Staveley Company; Mr. T.C. Wardell, manager at Tibshelf Collieries; Mr. W.F. Howard, mining
engineer; Mr. W. Hey, manager of the Stanton Ironworks; Mr. A.T.H. Barnes. Superintendent
Coupe and Inspector Handley were also present.
Dr. Alfred Chawner, of Clay Cross, physician and surgeon, was the first witness called. He
said that he examined the bodies of the 44 men brought up dead from the Parkhouse Pit and
also the body of one who was brought up alive but died the next day. He had prepared a list of
names of the dead detailing the cause from which they died. Some of them in his opinion were
killed by the fire and some by the effects of the after-damp, and in his list he distinguished
between those two forms of death. In the case of Richard Taylor (No. 18) the burns which he
received were sufficient to cause his death, and wherever he was found dead witness believed
would be the spot where he was at the time of the explosion. William Shelton was slightly burnt
and would be able to go along the mine after receiving his burns, and in his case witness thought
his death was caused by the afterdamp. Assuming that Taylor's body was found some distance
from the place where he worked, that would not alter his opinion that he could not, with the
injuries he received, have gone more than a yard or two. He might, however, have been assisted
along or carried by the force of the blast.
By Mr. Morley: He could not tell whether Taylor was affected by the afterdamp (before)
or after receiving his burns but such might possibly be the case.
Mr. George Parker being recalled reiterated the opinion given by him at the last enquiry
in regard to the cause of the explosion. He added that he thought it quite possible that the men
working beyond the explosion would be able to travel past the point of the explosion and some
distance to the south. He believed that up in the break in the roof there was plenty of space for
any amount of gas to collect and he also believed that from the time it was examined on that
morning between one and two o'clock to the time the explosion took place, there was time for
the gas to collect. If it had been examined a second time, prior to the men going down the pit,
then the gas would have been found and the explosion in all probability prevented. It was,
however, examined within the time specified by the rules, namely once in twelve hours. He had
not seen the top of the break but it might be ten or fifteen yards high. After this explosion he
would advocate the use of lamps throughout the mine whether there was a break or not.
Mr. Morley: Then do you think this shows that the system of using naked lights is not a
safe system even in mines considered as safe as this was?
Witness: I do.

Being further questioned witness said he did not think the cracks in the floor and the roof
had anything to do with the explosion and he found nothing to make him change his opinion that
the explosion originated in the first flat. It was quite clear from the evidence at the bottom of the
shaft that the explosion came from the cross-cuts towards the shaft. He was certain the old north
workings had nothing to do with it.
By Mr. Barker: He was not always an advocate for using lamps. He had only been an
advocate since the explosion.
Mr. Barker: Well, we are all of us wiser after the event.
Witness: Well, yes - If the break had been examined day by day in the manner that this
one had, and no gas found, he would have allowed naked lights to be used.
By the foreman: If he had a break in his pit similar to the one in No. 7 pit, he should not
have considered it necessary to examine it a second time prior to the explosion. It would not take
long for gas to accumulate in a break like that.
By the Coroner: According to the special rules, it was each man's duty to examine his
stall or working before commencing work.
Charles Colley, of Danesmoor, employed as a stallman in No. 7 pit said he was working in
No. 20 stall of the dips on the day of the explosion. Henry Beeson was working with him. Witness
perceived nothing wrong before the explosion, but suddenly they heard a roar and then a rush of
wind. Being close to the sheets that shaded the wind - they were engaged dressing prior to
coming out; their lights were not blown out. They started to go out down the return, but meeting
the after-damp they went down the main airway. They (he and Beeson) got into the side at the
end of the flat, and there they met the after-damp again. They travelled some distance along the
road, but had to put their lights out. Going up the incline they heard someone groan, and came
across John Holmes, who said he had been endeavouring to go further but could not. He asked
him if he could go any further with assistance, but he said it was impossible for him to go any
further, he had tried and could not. Beeson then wanted to sit down, but witness succeeded in
getting him on some portion of the way towards the bottom of the shaft. Witness when coming
up the road stumbled over another man, whom Holmes said was Scothern, his mate. When in
the south chain level Beeson said he could go no further, and being short of strength witness
could not hold him up any longer. Witness went on towards the bottom of the shaft, and when
within two yards of the wheel on which the chair worked, he fell on to the rails on the dip side.
He had not strength to get up, and from that time could recollect but very little. The ventilation in
his part of the pit appeared very good that morning. He always felt perfectly safe in the pit.
By. Mr. Morley: The ventilation was entirely stopped up in the engine plane.
Henry Spencer, of Danesmoor, a collier, said he was working in No. 39 stall of No. 7 pit
on the day prior to the explosion, and also on the day of the explosion. On the former day he
perceived nothing unusual in the pit, nor did he do so, as he went to his stall about half-past six
on the morning of the explosion. He came out of the pit about ten o'clock, when the ventilation
was all right.
By the Coroner: Tuesday was a bye-day at the pit.
Edward Guest, of Danesmoor, a miner, said he was working in No. 35 stall on the second
flat of No. 7 pit on the day of the explosion, and he had been working there on the Monday. He

started to come out of the pit about half-past nine, and was out of the pit when the explosion
occurred. He did not notice any escape of gas or anything unusual in the pit, and the ventilation
was all right.
Charles Coleman, living at Danesmoor, and a miner - who left the pit soon after nine on
the morning of the explosion - gave evidence similar to that of Spencer and Guest.
By Mr. Morley: He went out of the pit because there was no-one else working there, and
he did not care to work by himself in case a fall of rock or bind should occur. He was not afraid
of gas. About two months before the explosion he was put on with lamps on account of a weight.
Mr. Joseph Humble, of Staveley, agent and manager of the Staveley Collieries, said he
had over 25 years experience in the management of mines - first in Northumberland, then
Durham, for three years in Lancashire, and then in Derbyshire. He went over to the Parkhouse Pit
on the evening of the explosion, arriving there about half-past seven. He went down the No. 8
shaft, but did not do any exploring that night. On the following morning he again went down the
No. 8 shaft, and went into the No. 7 workings. On the 14th. he made a careful examination of
the mine with a view of ascertaining where the explosion had taken place. He was then
accompanied by Mr. Stokes, Mr. Croudace, Mr. Wardell, and one or two deputies. He first looked
along the south level of the pit into the new engine house, and about 100 yards up the new
north incline. It appeared to him that there had not been any explosion in that immediate
neighbourhood. Afterwards he went into the cross-cuts and examined them from the shaft to the
No. 3 flat intake. He noticed in No. 32 gate that there had been fire, and between Nos. 33 and 82
the coal was quite coked with the extreme heat which he considered there had been. He found
strong indications that the flame had gone down number 33 gate. Going to No. 82 gate and from
thence on to the level to number 98 gate, and from thence along the face, past No. 45 to No. 85.
In none of those gates did he find anything of consequence, though at the point where a dead
pony was found there had evidently been some flame which, however, he considered had been
local, not having travelled. He thought there had been a second explosion there caused by the
force of some other explosion. On this 14th. of November he thought the explosion had
originated in the third flat between Nos. 32 and 82 gate, believing the gas to have been lit by the
men in No. 32 gate. After leaving the third flat he went into the second flat, and went along the
level to No. 92 gate. From what he saw there he did not think there had been any great force,
and certainly no flame at that part. Owing to the windway into the first flat he came back on the
level. Having described in greater detail his examination of the pit, Mr. Humble said that he again
visited the pit on the 21st. of November, and after carefully examining the old north level went
into the old north return. He could not find any indication of flame therein. He became on the
day following the explosion satisfied that the blast had come from a point below a fall between
No. 1 and No. 2 flats, and his second examination of the cross-cuts confirmed that impression.
He went into the intake of No. 3 flat and there saw indications of a very strong blast coming out
there. Examining stall No. 33 he found that a portion of the roof had fallen previous to the
explosion, and a little since the explosion. The stones were shattered as if by a heavy and
sudden weight had come on. Some of the props were broken, and there were signs of a great
weight. The face of the coal between stalls 32 and 82 was coked more than was the face is any
other part of the pit. He believed that the heavy weight had come on momentarily between stalls
32 and 82, and that a very large amount of gas was suddenly emitted from the roof. Some
12,000 feet of air would be going in at that particular intake and the escape and mixture with it
of some 600 or 700 feet of light hydrogen gas would cause the explosion, the tail-end of the gas
being probably lit by the lights in No. 32 stall. The great blast would come out of the intake into
the cross-cuts, In no other part of the pit did he find such evidence of an explosion.
Mr. Barker: In your opinion did the first explosion take place somewhere between 32 and
82 stalls?

Mr. Humble: Yes, that is my opinion. I feel quite satisfied about that.
Mr. Barker: You say you feel quite satisfied that is so?
Mr. Humble: Yes, I do. They had been working the black-shale coal in three pits at
Staveley for some years. he did not agree with Parker's evidence, and whilst agreeing with him
that there was an explosion in the first flat, did not believe that was the explosion which did the
damage. If witness was right in his theory there would not, he thought, be any signs of the
weight and escape of the gas that could be noticed by the fireman the night before. He noticed
about seven o'clock on the morning of the explosion that the barometer commenced to fall,
indeed it fell half an inch in a very few hours. That would increase the liability to an explosion.
Between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning the barometer fell a full inch.
[For continuation of report see late edition.]
Friday
(Special telegrams from our Reporter.)
Clay Cross, 12:30 noon.
The inquiry was resumed to-day, when the coroner proceeded to sum up the evidence,
and stated to the jury that he would first of all call their attention to the discipline of the mine
previously to the explosion. Secondly, to the effects of the explosion, thirdly to the subsequent
state of the pit, and the efforts made to recover the dead bodies; and fourthly to the scientific
evidence given by the Government Inspector, the mining engineers, and others bearing upon the
probable cause and origin of the explosion, and showing whether in their opinion sufficient
precautions had been adopted by the Company so far as it was possible to ensure the proper
ventilation of the pit, and the safety of the men and boys in it. This Mr. Busby proceeded to do.
Messrs. Evans, Stokes, Croudace, Jackson, Humble, Barker, and Wardell, were amongst
those present.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 2nd. December 1882
Page 6 Col. 6.
Kilburne - Fatal Colliery accident.
On Monday, Mr. Coroner Whiston held an inquest at the New Inn, Horsley Woodhouse,
to enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a youth named John Muir, a pony
driver, who died a day or two previously from the effects of being injured at Kilburne Colliery by
a bar of iron falling on him whilst he was at work in the pit. The jury returned a verdict of
"Accidental Death".

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 2nd. December 1882
Page 8 Col. 1.
No Headline.
I am glad to hear that the performance of Chesterfield Amateur Dramatic Society last
week, had realised the handsome net sum of £20 to the Clay Cross Explosion Fund, and I also
hear with pleasure that the Society has decided to continue its operations, and not performed the
act of suicide to be deprecated in your article last week.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 2nd. December 1882
Page 8 Col. 1.
No Headline.
The excellent idea at Nottingham of hanging out a cage for the collection of a
subscription to the Explosion Fund, has resulted in the sum of £120 being collected by Mr.
Thompson up to the present, and it is proposed to continue it to Saturday next when it is hoped
that about £200 will have been obtained.
I, last week, suggested that sheets or collecting cages should be hung in Chesterfield
and other towns after the fashion found so successful in Nottingham for the Clay Cross Explosion
Fund. I am glad to be able to state that a local committee is being formed in Chesterfield to
provide collecting cages etc., and also to canvass the town for subscriptions. Amongst the
gentlemen who have already consented to act are Messrs. John Turner (draper), G. Booth, E.
Woodhead, P.H. Chandler. J.H. Millson, T. Wardle, Lawson, Biggin, etc. A meeting was to be held
yesterday (Friday) afternoon at the Livingstone cafe and it is probable that the collecting sheets
or cages will be in operation on this day (Saturday).

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 2nd. December 1882
Page 8 Col. 3.
No Headline.
Peace has its battles no less than War. The perils of pitmen are greater than the dangers
run by soldiers. Just now England is jubilant over the victory at Tel-el-Kebir, and we are making
as much fuss over a hollow stampede as if our troops had faced Napoleon's "Old Guard", who
died by never surrendered, or had won another Waterloo. A Clay Cross coal mine has involved as
much death and subsequent suffering, so far as Englishmen are concerned, as any engagement
on Egyptian soil. But there is no outburst of feeling over that Derbyshire bombardment in the
bowels of the earth, where brave men meet a more pitiless enemy than the scampering cowards
of Tel-el-Kebir. The coal miner is not a picturesque spectacle. There is no panoply of steel and
cuirass, no gleam of gold and silver. But he is a greater hero than the audacious soldier with his
red coat and swagger, and easily earned laurels. Troops from Egypt are reviewed by the Queen,
cheered by the Prime Minister, hoorayed at by a populace of millions, fated by princes, and ?????
in speeches and ?????? by panegyrics as sickening in their high flown adulation. But the Clay
Cross collier fallen in a fight more fiery, and the widowed homes of the Scarsdale hundred, are
almost forgotten amidst this exuberant and martial madness. England warms its hospitable
hearth with the coal wrought by the dead men's bones; whilst charity hangs out its bunting to
stimulate the legions who have been frightening the miserable bean- fed fellaheen of the desert,
and the philanthropic forgets himself amongst festivity and turtle soup. That Clay Cross pit to a
man of Carlyle's reflective mind is a more heroic spot than Cassasin.
Derby, I suppose, has been too much occupied with banquets and junketing to think
much of the Clay Cross calamity. Besides Clay Cross is so remote!!!, if it were only two or three
thousand miles nearer, it would have more trouble pulling our sympathies. We can send religious
pocket handkerchiefs and humane toothpicks to the Hottentots, but we are, somehow,
scandalously neglectful of the needy neighbour who lives in the next street to us, or next door,
even as Mrs. Gellaby, in Dickens' story, loved the heathen populace of Borioboolagba, on the left
bank of the Niger, so much, that her energies were so entirely devoted to her philanthropic
mission in this part of the world, and that she found no time to consider the happiness and
welfare of her own family; and the result was that her children grew up dirty, ignorant, and
uncared for; her house became disgracefully cold, cheerless, and untidy; and her husband
subsided into a dejected and miserable bankrupt. Dickens' character may have been a little too
highly coloured; but to my mind the race of Mrs. Gellaby is no quite extinct. Our sympathies are
too telescopic in their range. What is far off is more dear than what is near. "Distance lends
enchantment to the view" of even the philanthropist.
A well paid parson, who dies in the fullness of his fame, and in the extreme ripeness of
his years, seems to have a greater claim upon the English purse than desolate homes of Clay
Cross, robbed of their bread winners by the perils of the pit. A journalistic friend of mine thus
writes: - "A Subscription has been set on foot, for relieving the widows and orphans of the poor
men who suffered, along side of which list we see another list for erecting or founding a
memorial to the late Dr. Pusey. Sums of one thousand pounds, five hundred pounds, and other
large sums, are very conspicuous in the latter, chiefly from reverend gentlemen, whilst the
former list is a very small one indeed!!! The moral to be drawn from this is, that pride and
ostentation is far more attractive to the disciples of Him who had no place whereon to lay his
head, than assisting the widows and fatherless in their struggle with the world!!!".

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 6th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 4.
The Clay Cross Colliery Disaster.
After the returning of the verdict at the Clay Cross Inquest last week, and the dispatch of
our telegrams, a series of remarks were made by Mr. Barker, which we were unable to insert on
account of want of space. We now subjoin them.
Mr. Barker said that perhaps he might be allowed to say a few words on behalf of the
Clay Cross Company, whom he had represented. After the verdict of the jury, and after the
evidence that they had heard, they would not be surprised when he told them that the
recommendations of the jury and of Mr. Evans, the Inspector of Mines, as to the use of lamps in
that part of the colliery, and in fact in that pit generally, had been already anticipated by the
Company. Although he had no reason to anticipate that there was any danger attached to the
use of naked lights, still they could not help feeling that the explosion might perhaps have been
due to some extent to the use of naked candles, and they at once made arrangements for the
use in the pit of lamps in the future. He might say on their behalf that all of them as a Company,
and each and all individually, deplored the sad calamity which had happened in the pit, and
although it was a matter which would cast gloom on their undertaking for long years to come,
they had the melancholy satisfaction of looking back and thinking that they had left nothing
undone that they could have done for the safety of the people in the mines. And as regarding the
future, every recommendation that had been made by the jury would have the deepest weight
with the Company, and they would continue to do that which they had hitherto done, that was to
spare neither trouble nor expense in making their mines as safe as they could for the people
employed in them. They felt the deepest sympathy for those who were still sufferers by the
explosion, and also for the friends and relatives of those who had lost their lives in their service.
As regards the use of naked lights, he could not help adding that candles had been used in the
mines not only at Clay Cross, but almost universally throughout the district with impunity for a
long number of years, and Her Majesty's Inspectors had not felt it their duty to call the attention
of any of the mine-owners to any anticipated danger from their use. He concluded that he
wished to say that the Company had only one object throughout that enquiry, that was that
there should be a most full and exhaustive enquiry made into the mode of working the mine, and
they had been much assisted by the learned counsel who came down to represent the
Government, by the suggestions made by the Inspectors of Mines. And in final conclusion he had
to thank the coroner, on behalf of the Company, for the very careful, painstaking and impartial
manner in which he had conducted the enquiry.
The coroner thought they ought to express their thanks to Superintendent Coope,
Inspector Handley, and the constables who assisted the preservation of order at the pit on the
occassion of the calamity and the subsequent proceedings.
During the afternoon the jurors attached their signatures to the 45 necessary forms, and
thus the enquiry terminated.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 6.
Butterley.
Upcast shaft blocked at the Collieries.
On Monday morning, part of the upcast shaft of the Butterley Company's pit, near the
Grange, fell, causing an interruption to the ventilation. The men had commenced work at both
pits, but the managers found at nine o'clock that it was necessary for the men to leave work.
Happily no-one was injured by the fall.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 6.
Advert - Valuable Locomotive by Hughes of Loughboro'.
Messrs. Hobson, Richards and Co., will sell by auction at the North Wingfield Colliery, on
Tuesday next, December 12th., 1882, immediately after the sale (by order of the Court of
Chancery) of colliery plant; the valuable four-wheeled coupled locomotive with ???????????
number 331, by Hughes of Loughboro, built in 1879.
Auction Offices, 20 Coleman Street, London, E.C.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 7.
Advert - Clay Cross Colliery Explosion Fund.
Conservative Club, Beetwell Street, Chesterfield.
Miscellaneous, Literary, and Musical Entertainment will be given.
On the Wednesday evening next, December 13th.,
In the large room of the above club, in aid of the Clay Cross Explosion Fund.
Miss Annie Haigh, soprano (of Sheffield), and Miss Effie Kendall, contralto (of Sheffield),
have been engaged and will be assisted by several residents of the town and district.
Admission 1-0d.; and 6d.
Doors open at 7.30: Commence at 8 o'clock.
Full particulars or programmes.
Tickets at the Derbyshire Times or branch office, Market Hall, and at the Club.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 2-3.
Advert - Clay Cross Colliery Explosion.
Widows and Orphans Relief Fund.
The Committee gratefully acknowledge the following Additional Contributions to the
above-named Fund.
£ s d
Amount previously advertised 3427 12 5½
Cage Collection, Nottingham 130 0 0
Messrs. the Stanton Iron Works Co. 100 0 0
Workmen of the Grassmoor Colliery co. 76 15 3
Agents and Workmen of the Stanton Iron Works Co. 52 6 9
Sir Tatton Sykes Bart, Sledmore, York 50 0 0
Mrs. T.H. Jackson, Birkenhead 50 0 0
Messrs. The Netherseal Colliery Co. 50 0 0
Messrs. J. and G. Wells, Limited, Eckington Collieries 50 0 0
Mr. G.H. Strutt, J.P., Bridge Mill, Belper 25 0 0
Workmen of the Pilsley Colliery Co. 25 0 0
Agents and Workmen
of the Clifton Colliery Co., Nottingham 25 0 0
Agents and Workmen of Messrs. James Oakes and Co.,
Riddings. Additional Subscription 21 18 6
Agents and Workmen
of the Alma Colliery (Mr. Holdsworth's) 21 14 3
Mr. Geo. Askew and Friends, Clay Cross 21 13 6
Col. J. Cavendish, Ashford Hall 20 0 0
Proceeds of Performance by the Chesterfield
Amateur Dramatic Society per Mr. F. Cooke 20 0 0
Agents and Workmen at the
Babington Coal Co., Tibshelf Collieries 16 7 10
Lord Belper, Kingston, Derby 10 10 0
Messrs. T.S. and C. Parry, London 10 10 0
Mr. J.B. Wilcox, Ealing 10 10 0
Collection at Methodist New Connexion Chapel,
Clay Cross, per Rev. W. Woodward 10 0 0
Messrs. Thomas Cooke and Sons, St. Ives, Hants. 10 0 0
Messrs. J.B. White and Sons, Chesterfield 10 0 0
Mr. R. Withers, J.P., Liverpool 10 0 0
Mr. Joseph Clayton 10 0 0
Offertory, Hasland Church 7 1 5
Workmen, Hundall Colliery Co. 6 0 0
Messrs. Curtis and Harvey, London 5 5 0
Messrs. W. Colson and Son, Winchester 5 5 0
Messrs. Thomas Salt and Co., Burton-on-Trent,
per Mr. J. Marriott 5 5 0

Messrs. Thomas Martin and Co.,
Weir Brewery, per Mr. Sears 5 5 0
Mr. John Hopkinson, Sheffield 5 0 0
Mr. John Parker, Mansfield 5 0 0
Mr. E. Bromley, Grassmoor Colliery 5 0 0
Mr. E. Renals,
"Nottingham and Midland Counties' Express" 5 0 0
Mr. J.H. Moore, Hope, by Sheffield 5 0 0
Mr. W.W. Jeudwine, Chesterfield 5 0 0
Mr. John Gothard, Chesterfield 5 0 0
Messrs. George Mason and Son, Chesterfield 5 0 0
Employees of George Mason and Son, Chesterfield 2 1 6
Messrs. N.D. Francis and Son, London 5 0 0
The Hon. Mrs. Boyle, Huntercombe, Maidenhead 5 0 0
Offertory, Clowne Church 5 0 0
Offertory, Pilsley Church 5 0 0
Collection at Wesleyan Chapel, Pilsley 4 4 0
Messrs. F.R. Simpson and Co., Oldbury 4 4 0
Workmen of Messrs. B. Lucas and Son, Dronfield 4 2 0
Collection, Tibshelf Colliery School Service 3 12 2
A few friends of the Nottingham Liberal Club,
per Mr. W. Ford 8 3 0
Exors. of the late Mr. John Watson 3 3 0
Mr. Samuel Rickman, jun., Walton 3 3 0
Mr. George Parker, Clay Cross 3 3 0
Mr. John Harrison, Chesterfield 3 3 0
Collecting Sheets at Chesterfield 2 18 1
Teachers and Scholars of the Clay Cross Girl's School 2 14 6
Mr. W. Kitchen, Chesterfield 2 10 0
Congregational Sunday School, Holymoor 2 9 3
Employees of Messrs. Samuel Beck and Co.,
Southwark, London 2 4 6
Mr. Wm. Hardy, The Firs, Kimberley 2 2 0
Mr. James S. Stollard, Wakefield 2 2 0
Mr. G.W. Cummins 2 2 0
Mr. G. Swanwick 2 2 0
Mr. Thomas Sutherns, Nottingham, per Mr. J. Marriott 2 2 0
Mr. William Urton, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Mr. J.T. Booth, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Mr. Tom Cutter, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Mr. John Toplis "Derbyshire Courier" 2 2 0
Mr. Wilfred Edmunds "Derbyshire Times" 2 2 0
Mr. Wm. Crossley, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Messrs. W. and A. Gilbey, London, per Mr. W. Crossley 2 2 0
Messrs. T. Marshall and Son, Leicester 2 2 0
Messrs. Shirley and Aldred, Killamarsh 2 2 0
Messrs. Izod and Son, Birmingham 2 2 0
Messrs. Kay Bros., Stockport, per Mr. J. Smith 2 2 0
Messrs. H. Kent and Co., Brampton 2 2 0
Proceeds of Mr. Richmond's Address at Vestry Hall,
West Bar, Sheffield, per Mr. Skelton 2 2 0
Mr. F.E. Goowin 2 0 0
Mr. J.E. Wood, Derby, per Mr. J.S. Gratton 2 0 0

Collection, Queen Street Chapel, Ilkeston 1 14 0
Mr. and Mrs. Payton, Chesterfield 1 11 6
Collection, Congregational Chapel, Bakewell 1 10 0
Mr. R. Clarke and Friend, Clay Cross 1 2 0
Mr. S. Breeze, Faversham 1 1 0
Mr. J.H. Shardlow, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. F.N. Aiken, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. W. Sears, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. J. Hall, Belper 1 1 0
Mr. N.S. Newlyn, Christchurch 1 1 0
Mr. E. Drake, Derby 1 1 0
Mr. R.H. Redhead 1 1 0
Mr. John Gould, Chesterfield 1 1 0
Mr. T.H. Aldridge, Shepherds Bush 1 1 0
Mr. Haslam, Swanwick Mills, per Mr. Sears 1 1 0
A Friend, Burton, per Mr. Sears 1 1 0
Mrs. E.C. Newman 1 1 0
Miss Shields 1 1 0
Miss Parsons 1 1 0
Messrs. Ballard and Son, Chichester 1 1 0
P.T., Clay Cross 1 1 0
Rev. R.K. Bolton, Newbold 1 0 0
Mr. George Staley 1 0 0
Mr. J.E. Stephens, Basingstoke 1 0 0
Mr. G.M. Wilcockson. additional subscription 1 0 0
Mr. Thomas Irvine, Liverpool 1 0 0
Mr. J. Sirike, hatfield 1 0 0
Mr. O.E. Mason, Chesterfield 1 0 0
Mr. C.L. Mason, Chesterfield 1 0 0
Workmen of the Blackwell Colliery Co.,
balance of subscriptions 0 14 3
Mr. Job Slack and Friend, Clay Cross 0 12 0
Mr. George Lee and Friend, Clay Cross 0 11 0
Mr. W. Nutt and Friend, Clay Cross 0 11 0
Mr. W. Johnson, Clay Cross 0 10 6
Mr. Edwin J. Gilders, Clacton-on-Sea 0 10 6
Mr. John Oxley, Clay Cross 0 10 6
Mr. R.W. Wilson, Clay Cross 0 10 6
Mrs. Whitworth, Clay Cross 0 10 6
Mrs. Jenkinson, Clay Cross 0 10 0
Mr. Macdermott, London 0 10 0
Mr. Thomas Jarvis, Clay Cross 0 10 0
Mr. Matthew Smith, Clay Cross 0 10 0
Mr. John Clegg, Clay Cross 0 10 0
Choirboys of Bulwell 0 10 0
Messrs. the City Brewery Co., Lichfield, per Mr. Sears 0 10 0
Mr. Job Bunting and Friend, Clay Cross 0 7 6
Mr. Henry Jepson and Friend, Clay Cross 0 7 0
T.E.R., Sheffield 0 5 0
E.T., Sheffield 0 5 0
Mr. Henry Russell 0 5 0
Mr. G.E. Glassbrook, Chesterfield 0 5 0
Mr. D'Arcy, Clay Cross 0 5 0

Mr. T. Noton, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Mr. T. Wood, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Mr. L. Spratling, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Mr. J. Ploughright, Grantham, per Mr. Thornton 0 5 0
Scholars of the Clay Cross Infants' School 0 5 0
Collected by Mr. George Bailey, Clay Cross
Mr. George Bailey, Clay Cross 2 2 0
Messrs. H.F. Townrow, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Messrs. W. and A. Gilbey, London 2 2 0
Mr. C. Strong, Langley 1 1 0
Mr. W.A. Bunting, Chesterfield 1 1 0
Messrs. J. Hall and Son, London 0 10 0
Collected by Mr. William Lomas, Clay Cross
Mr. William Lomas, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Miss Gibson, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Miss Ball, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. Wood, Colwyn Bay 1 0 0
Mr. S. Brown, Milford 0 12 0
A. Friend, Wolverhampton 0 5 0
A. Friend, Sheffield 0 5 0
Mr. George Holmes, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Sums under 5-0d. 0 5 0
Collected by Mrs. Smith, Clay Cross
Mrs. Smith, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Messrs. Smith and Son, Langley Mill 1 1 0
Mr. W. Young, Clay Cross 1 0 0
Mr. Wilson, Derby 0 5 0
Mr. Over 0 5 0
Collected by Mr. T.M. Bryan, Clay Cross
Mr. Wm. Bassett, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. Geo. Milnes, Senr., Clay Cross 1 0 0
Mr. John Ball, New Market, Clay Cross 0 10 0
Mr. T.M. Bryan, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Mr. Thos. Haslam, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Mrs. M. Taylor, Flaxpiece Farm 0 5 0
Collected by Mr. Wm. Coldron, Clay Cross
Mr. Wm. Coldron, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Messrs. the Singers Manufacturing Co.,
Chesterfield and Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. H. Brownloe, Old Basford 0 10 0
Mr. E. Glassbrook, Chesterfield 0 5 0
Sums under 5-0d. 0 7 6

Collected by Mr. F. Bradley, Clay Cross
Mrs. H. Sadler, Littlemoor 1 1 0
Mr. J.A. Stirling, Hull 0 10 0
Mr. Thomas Brown, Lowestoft 0 10 0
Mr. F. Bradley, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Sums under 5-0d. 0 6 0
Collected by Mr. R. Longmate, Clay Cross
Messrs. Simon and Pickard, Nottingham 2 2 0
Mr. R. Longmate, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Small sums 0 2 6
Collected by Mr. James Unwin, Clay Cross
Mr. J. Unwin, Clay Cross 1 0 0
Messrs. J. Heap and Sons, Liverpool 1 0 0
Mr. J.H. Unwin, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Small sums 0 2 6
Collected by Miss Longdon, Clay Cross
Miss Longdon, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mrs. Longdon, Clay Cross 0 10 6
Small sums 0 4 6
Collected by Mr. Udall, Clay Cross
Messrs. Chorlton Brothers, Manchester 1 0 0
Messrs. Thos. Cooke and Co., Tamworth 0 10 6
Mr. E. Cuddy, Mansfield 0 5 0
Collected by Mr. Charles Atkinson, Clay Cross
Mr. C. Atkinson, Clay Cross 1 0 0
Mr. A. Bradshaw, Derby 0 10 0
Small sums 0 2 6
Collected by Mr. W. Slack, Clay Cross
Mr. Wm. Slack, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. Wm. Berwick, Bradford 0 10 0
Collected by Mr. Jedediah Wood, Clay Cross
Mr. J. Wood, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Messrs. W. Greaves and Co., Sheffield 0 10 0
Collected by Mr. H. Brakes, Clay Cross
Mr. H. Brakes, Clay Cross 0 10 0
Messrs. Fletcher and Co., Staveley 0 10 0

Messrs. Breckett and Co., Manchester 0 7 6
Collected by Mr. George Gratton, Clay Cross
Mr. A.?. Law, Sheffield 1 0 0
Mr. George Gratton, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Small sums 0 4 0
Collected by Mr. George Lamb, Clay Cross
Mr. George Lamb, Clay Cross 0 10 0
Mr. E.F.B. Mills, Newark 0 5 0
Mr. J.J. Watts, Sheffield 0 5 0
Small sums 0 2 0
Collected by Mr. Wm. Cherry, Clay Cross
Mr. Walter Cherry, Clay Cross 0 5 0
Messrs. Moore and Co., Nottingham 0 5 0
Collecting Sheets, etc., under 5-0d. 0 18 6
Total 4534 17 2½
The above list does not include the Mansion House Fund.
Further subscriptions are earnestly solicited, as the amount received and promised is
totally inadequate to meet the demands that are made on the Committee.
Subscription lists are now lying at Messrs. Crompton and Evans, Union Bank, Limited,
Chesterfield and Derby.
The Sheffield Banking Co., and their respective branch Banks.
The £2-12-0d. advertised as from the teachers and scholars of Endowed School,
Whittington - should be Whittington Moor.
Details of Ashover list will be advertised when received.
A. Linacre, Honorary Secretary.
Clay Cross, December 7th., 1882.
Clay Cross Colliery Explosion Widow and Orphans Fund.
Additional Subscriptions received by Rev. J. Oldham, since 30th. November.
£ s d
Proceeds of Concert at South Normanton,
per Rev. J.C. Massey 6 0 0
Hucknall Torkard Parish Band of Hope 0 10 0
Agents and Workmen of Messrs. James Oakes and Co. 3 14 9
Mr. F.E. Goodwin 3 0 0
Mr. Thomas Hardy 5 5 0

Messrs. Arthur and G. Milner 5 0 0
Miss Ada Coates 0 5 0
Mr. J.P. Goodwin 2 2 0
Mr. W.B. Carter 2 0 0
Mr. Edwin Denman 0 10 0
Mr. George Trussell 0 10 0
Mr. Henry Hoyle 0 5 0
Offertory at Church Mission Services at Newstead Colliery 1 10 6
Mr. John Harris 1 0 0
Miss Sarah A. Cummins 1 1 0

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 5.
Ho Headline.
I observe in the Derby Mercury continues to urge on the obdurate Mayor of that town
the advisability of holding out a helping hand to the poor sufferers of Clay Cross, and I am
surprised to see that his worship (Mr. Russell) requires so much pressing. His predecessor, Mr.
Woodiwiss, would not only have called the meeting ere now but given a bumping subscription to
start a fund. Your contemporary very properly says "We must in this place give it as our opinion
that Derby, the capital of the district in which the disaster occurred, ought not thus to run the
risk of bringing up the rear of a movement, in the van of which she ought by right to be. If the
Mayor will at once convene a public meeting for the purpose of formally setting on foot a relief
fund, in imitation of the action already so well entered upon at the Mansion House, London, we
are sure his initiative will meet with commendation on all hands".
The smallness of the response to the Mansion House appeal is quite inexplicable to me.
If the owners of the colliery had not subscribed handsomely - if the coal owners and colliers of
the district had not given freely - if local aid had not been largely given - I could understand it,
but the local fund amounts to about £4,000, and all classes are doing their utmost to help it, and
yet the great outer world stands aloof and will not help. The miserable response to the Lord
Mayor's appeal is rendered the more striking when we see in an adjoining column of the London
daily paper, thousands upon thousands of pounds subscribed to a memorial to the memory of
the late Dr. Pusey. When I see the widow and orphan thus passed by to provide a memorial to
the dead, I am tempted to ask with Gray
"Can stonied urn, or animated bust,
Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath,
Can honour's voice provoke the silent dust,
Or flattery soothe the dull cold ear of death?"

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 6.
Clay Cross Explosion - Street Collection.
The collecting tubs in the streets of Chesterfield on Saturday last realised but poorly.
That near the Market Hall contained £1-7-7d.; one in Packer's Row, 18-11d.; and one in
Corporation Street, 14- 1d.; total, £3-0-7d. The expenses were 2-6d. and the nett amount paid to
the credit of the fund at Messrs. Crompton's Bank, £2-18-1d.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 6.
The Derbyshire Mining Case - Wake v. Hale.
This celebrated case, which was first tried before Lord Coleridge at the Derby Assizes,
and since then by the Court of Appeal, has this week been brought before the House of Lords,
which sat two days to hear the arguments. The appellants seek to recover damages from the
defendants for a trespass at Great Hucklow, and the case raises some delicate points under the
Acts by which the old Derbyshire mining customs were defined. After a very lengthy legal
argument on both sides from an array of luminaries, the Peers reserved their judgment. The
chief plaintiffs are solicitors at Sheffield, and the leading defendant is a solicitor at Castleton in
this County.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 7.
Important Case under the Coal Mines Act - £10 Penalty.
At the Belper Police Court on Thursday, before Sir John G.N. Alleyne, Bart (Chairman),
the Hon. F. Strutt, and Mr. Herbert Strutt, Mr. George Small, of the Kilbourn Colliery, near Derby,
was summoned by Mr. Thomas Evans, of Derby, Government Inspector of Mines, that being the
owner, agent, or manager of the coal mines at the Kilburn Colliery, he did fail or neglect to cause
the roof and sides of the travelling roads within the said colliery or coal mine to be made secure,
contrary to the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1872. Mr. John Smith, solicitor,
Derby, appeared to support the information, and Mr. Hextall, of Derby, defended. Mr. Smith in
opening the case, said that the defendant was summoned under both capacities of owner and
manager. The present proceedings were taken under the 16th. rule of 35 and 36 Vict. cap 76. He
went on to say that repeated complaints had been made from time to time to the defendant. Mr.
Hextall objected to his friend's statement as complaints made to third persons could not be
proved. Mr. Smith continued that repeated complaints had been made by both Mr. Evans and Mr.
Stokes, the latter gentleman on making a careful inspection on one occasion found the roadways
so narrow that the ponies passing with the skips in the mine rubbed against the side - he thought
it was scarcely necessary for him to point out the danger of such a practice. Mr. Evans,
Government Inspector of Mines, was called, and said that he had complained of the state of the
mine to the defendant on more than one occasion. Previous to the 29th. Sept., in response to a
letter that was addressed to the Messrs. Small, both Mr. Thomas and George Small attended
upon the witness at his house when they then promised to do everything that was necessary.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hextall: He had not been down the mine between 23rd. May and 29th.
September, and of his own knowledge knew nothing of it. At this stage a mass of
correspondence was read that had taken place between witness and Messrs. Small. On the 2nd.
ult. the witness wrote to Small Bros. as follows: I do not intend to waste my time in writing to
you as to the state of your colliery, I shall at once take care to place the facts before Sir William
Harcourt and employ counsel to assist me in getting the law carried out. The firm wrote saying
they were ignorant of any complaint having been received by Mr. Evans or the nature of it when
received. They could only say that no complaint of any kind had ever been received by them or
their underviewer from any workman employed in the colliery, nor were they aware of any
breach of the Act that they had committed and if he would state what was required it should
have their attention at once. With regard to the safety of the men that was their first care, and
the few accidents from the quantity of coals turned out would speak for itself. Writing under date
the 6th. October Messrs. Small wrote: With regard to Kilbourn we can only say if you will point
out what is wrong we will do our best to set it right. Mr. Evans in re-examination said that he had
received confidential complaints from workmen as to the state of the mine. Mr. Arthur H. Stokes,
Assistant Inspector of Mines, said that he inspected the Kilbourn Colliery on the 29th. September
in consequence of the death of Joseph Annable, a youth who was killed in roadway No. 75, by a
fall of the roof. On that occasion the witness found some parts of the mine in very bad order.
Bind was overhanging the sides of the road which were so narrow in places that it took the hair
off the horse's sides in passing. The witness went on to say that there could be no difficulty in
making the roadway wider, he then proceeded to explain the course to be adopted. In roadway
No. 73 he found a setting of timber had just fallen. By the chairman: Two puncheons and a bar
across both had fallen. Witness continued that on investigation he saw a piece of coal had caught
the bar. On the 18th. of October he again inspected the mine, and found it in no better order. On
the 23rd. May last witness bitterly complained to the defendant as to the state of portions of the
mine, and then pointed out that horse hair was adhering to the strata. The defendant, as was his

usual custom, made no remark at that time. The witness further stated that the roof and the
sides were not fit for workmen to pass through. Cross-examined: He had no note of his visit on
the 23rd. May, neither could he speak to any particular roadway visited on that day. He traversed
the main road for one-an-a- quarter miles, which was alright. He denied having stated to the
underviewer that he could find no breach of the Act, but that they were on the edge of it. Saw an
abrasion of timber, which corresponded with a piece of coal on the train, which he ordered to be
stopped. He was present at the inquest when the jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Mr.
Hextall addressed the Magistrates at considerable length, and urged upon the Bench not to let
the melancholy fact of the boy's death influence them in their decision. He quoted the case of
Dickman v. Fletcher, Law Times, vol. 29, page 501, and said his clients stood exactly in the same
position, and he maintained that Mr. Small had taken all reasonable means within his power to
carry out the requirements of the Act. Mr. George Small, the defendant, on being examined, said
that he had been the certified manager at the Kilburn Colliery for ten years. W.C. Parkin had
been employed as underviewer for several years, he believed him to be a competent man.
Witness had received no report respecting the roadway. He had not received any communication
from Mr. Evans what the particular roads were. In the event of the underviewer having reported
a complaint he should have ordered it to receive attention at once. The underviewer and a large
number of deputies were called, and their daily reports were all given in evidence. After a most
patient hearing the Bench imposed a penalty of £10 and costs.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 7.
Chesterfield County Court - Action under the Employer's Liability Act.
(Before W.F. Woodforde, Esq., Judge).
Mr. G.E. Gee appeared in support of an action to recover damages for injury sustained
brought by Ephraim Reed, under the Employer's Liability Act, against the Whittington Silkstone
Colliery Company. Mr. Gee stated that the plaintiff was employed by the defendant company as a
driver, and in driving along one of the roads in the pit he came near a tub which he could not see
before he got to it in consequence of its being placed in a position that it ought not to be. The
tub had been placed there by one of the deputies, and plaintiff being thrown between the tub he
was driving and the tub in question, sustained severe injuries - his ankle being broken - and he
was for many weeks confined to the hospital and unable to work. The action was brought under
the second sub-section of Section 1 of the Employer's Liability Act. His Honour having over-ruled
an objection of Mr. Middleton's that as the Company was being wound up in liquidation it could
not be thus sued, the plaintiff was called and bore out Mr. Gee's opening statement. In answer to
Mr. Middleton, however, he said he was only nineteen years of age, and thereupon Mr. Middleton
took objection that being still an infant the plaintiff could not sue in his own name save for
wages, but must sue by his next friend. His Honour expressed himself willing to add a next friend
to the cause, but Mr. Gee having no such friend present, the case was adjourned for a month to
give him an opportunity of obtaining one and adding his name to the statement of claim.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 6 Col. 4.
The Clay Cross Colliery Disaster.
After the returning of the verdict at the Clay Cross Inquest last week, and the dispatch of
our telegrams, a series of remarks were made by Mr. Barker, which we were unable to insert on
account of want of space. We now subjoin them.
Mr. Barker said that perhaps he might be allowed to say a few words on behalf of the
Clay Cross Company, whom he had represented. After the verdict of the jury, and after the
evidence that they had heard, they would not be surprised when he told them that the
recommendations of the jury and of Mr. Evans, the Inspector of Mines, as to the use of lamps in
that part of the colliery, and in fact in that pit generally, had been already anticipated by the
Company. Although he had no reason to anticipate that there was any danger attached to the
use of naked lights, still they could not help feeling that the explosion might perhaps have been
due to some extent to the use of naked candles, and they at once made arrangements for the
use in the pit of lamps in the future. He might say on their behalf that all of them as a Company,
and each and all individually, deplored the sad calamity which had happened in the pit, and
although it was a matter which would cast gloom on their undertaking for long years to come,
they had the melancholy satisfaction of looking back and thinking that they had left nothing
undone that they could have done for the safety of the people in the mines. And as regarding the
future, every recommendation that had been made by the jury would have the deepest weight
with the Company, and they would continue to do that which they had hitherto done, that was to
spare neither trouble nor expense in making their mines as safe as they could for the people
employed in them. They felt the deepest sympathy for those who were still sufferers by the
explosion, and also for the friends and relatives of those who had lost their lives in their service.
As regards the use of naked lights, he could not help adding that candles had been used in the
mines not only at Clay Cross, but almost universally throughout the district with impunity for a
long number of years, and Her Majesty's Inspectors had not felt it their duty to call the attention
of any of the mine-owners to any anticipated danger from their use. He concluded that he
wished to say that the Company had only one object throughout that enquiry, that was that
there should be a most full and exhaustive enquiry made into the mode of working the mine, and
they had been much assisted by the learned counsel who came down to represent the
Government, by the suggestions made by the Inspectors of Mines. And in final conclusion he had
to thank the coroner, on behalf of the Company, for the very careful, painstaking and impartial
manner in which he had conducted the enquiry.
The coroner thought they ought to express their thanks to Superintendent Coope,
Inspector Handley, and the constables who assisted the preservation of order at the pit on the
occasion of the calamity and the subsequent proceedings.
During the afternoon the jurors attached their signatures to the 45 necessary forms, and
thus the enquiry terminated.
On Monday last full work was resumed at the Parkhouse Colliery for the first time since
the disastrous explosion on November 7th. On the preceding Saturday 300 Belgian safety lamps
arrived at the pit from Manchester and these were located in a room at the top of the shaft and
given out to the men and boys, none of whom were allowed to go into the workings without one.

Mr. George Dunn was in the pit for a greater portion of the day, and it was also visited by Mr.
T.D. Croudace, the general manager.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 1.
False Alarm at Clay Cross.
A report was circulated on Monday in the Clay Cross district, that a colliery explosion had
occurred at the Pilsley Company's pits at Pilsley, near Clay Cross, and the greatest alarm was
thereby occasioned, especially at Danesmoor. Happily the affair was nothing more than a
miserable hoax.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 1.
Mundy v. the Duke of Rutland.
In the Court of Appeal on Wednesday this case was mentioned to Lord Justices Cotton
and Bowen. Mr. Dibdin said that Mr. Warrington Smyth, the referee appointed by the Court in
this action, would be unable to act, and the parties had agreed to the substitution of Mr. Lewis,
of Aberdare, agent to the Marquis of Bute. Their Lordships, understanding that the former order
had been drawn up, made a supplementary order appointing Mr. Lewis in place of Mr. Smyth.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 4.
The Alleged Threats by a Derbyshire Miner's Agent.
Magisterial Decision Reversed.
In the Queen's Bench Division on Wednesday, Mr. Justice Field and Mr. Justice Stephen
heard the appeal Haslam v. Straw. This was a case stated for the opinion of the Court by the
magistrates of Chesterfield. At the Petty Sessions held at Chesterfield on the 22nd. June, Straw,
who is the manager of the Boythorpe Colliery, near Chesterfield, preferred a charge against
Haslam, who is the secretary of a branch of the Derbyshire Miners Association, of using the
following threatening language towards him while addressing a meeting of miners at the Sun
Hotel at Chesterfield: - "That if Mr. Straw was where Pat M'dermott came from he would get his
head blown off. Many a man had got shot for less than he had done". Although Straw admitted
in cross-examination that he was not in fear of bodily harm being down to him by the appellant
personally, the magistrates decided to bind Haslam over to keep the peace. Against this decision
the appellant appealed on the ground that the magistrates were erroneous in point of law, and at
his request their Worships stated a case.
Mr. Hatherley Jones appeared in support of the rule, while Mr. Moseley was against.
Their Lordships, after hearing the learned counsel, allowed the appeal, with costs.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 4.
Bad News for Colliers.
Owing to an alleged extensive falling off in the demand for coal a movement is already
under foot for reducing the wages paid to miners. Nothing will, it is understood, be done in the
matter until after Christmas; but when the holidays are fairly over it is believed the men will be
called on, it is believed, to forgo some, if not all, of the 10 percent recently conceded by the coalowners
of the various districts, it is believed, intend combining, in order that the stop may be
general.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 1 Col. 1. - Third Edition.
Strike against Lamps at Clay Cross.
At the commencement of work at the Parkhouse Pit, Clay Cross, after the explosion every
part was put on to work with safety lamps. The men readily adopted the same, and although
somewhat to their disadvantage as regards coal getting, they were convinced that the use of the
lamps conduced to their safety. The Clay Cross Company, with a view of carrying out to the
fullest extent the suggestions of the inspector and the recommendations of the jury, have made
arrangements for their No. 2 pit to be partly worked with lamps, and yesterday morning over 200
men were ordered to be put on with safety lamps, the Belgian being, as in the Parkhouse Pit, the
lamp provided by the company. On the previous evening a meeting for the purpose of
considering the lamp question was called. The meeting was confined to miners, consequently
their deliberations are not known; but yesterday morning the bulk of the men refused to descend
the shaft, consequently the pit for the day was thrown idle. Today the pit is off work, in
accordance with the company's order.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 9th. December 1882.
Page 1 Col. 4. - Third Edition.
No Headline.
It is stated that coal-masters in South Yorkshire are obliged to take down prices, for the
demand is slackening, and that it is in contemplation to reduce colliers wages by the 10 percent
advice recently conceded.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 13th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 4.
(also Saturday 16th. December 1882. - Page 3 Col. 1.)
Theft of Coal at Whittington.
Joseph Gascoyne, scholar, and Frederick Gascoyne, labourer, father and son, residing at
Whittington, were summoned, the former for stealing coal of the value of 3d., the property of the
Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Company, and the latter for receiving the same, well knowing it to
have been stolen on the 23rd. of November. P.C. Baker said that he received instructions from
Mr. Samuel Higginbottom, traffic manager of the Company, to watch the coal. On the day named
witness saw the youth in company with several others on the Company's premises. The youth
looked about to see if anyone was looking and afterwards took the coal off the truck and ran
home with it. Other youths also took a quantity with them. Witness followed Gascoyne home and
found the coal in the house which defendant admitted he had stolen. The youth also told the
constable that if he did not take some coal home his father would not give him any dinner. The
Bench said that as the Sheepbridge Company did not wish to press the case but only wanted to
stop the practice which had now become prevalent in the district, the cases would be dismissed
on payment of the costs, but hoped it would be a warning to them.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 13th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 6.
(also Saturday 16th. December 1882. - Page 3 Col. 4.)
The Clay Cross Colliery Disaster.
Meeting in London.
On Thursday, the 7th. inst., a meeting, convened by the Lord Mayor, was held at the
Mansion House in aid of the Clay Cross Colliery Relief Fund. The Lord Mayor presided, and
amongst those present were Mr. John Baggalley, treasurer of Bridewell Hospital, Mr. ex-Sheriff
Burt, Mr. J. Forster Porter, Mr. J. Spicer, and Mr. Deputy Bass. The Revd. J. Oldham, vicar of Clay
Cross, and Mr. Walter J. Clare attended as a deputation from the local committee. The Lord
Mayor said that when the intelligence of the disaster reached him, and his aid was invoked by the
committee at Clay Cross, he consulted his colleagues, and by their advice he opened their fund.
It was a distressingly dull time of the year, but the circumstances were so very unfortunate that
he hoped that an adequate response would have been made. The result had been the collection
of £1,300, and on that day he had received £52-10-0 from the Messrs. J. and R. Morley, £10-10-
0 from Mr. Spicer, £21-0-0 from Messrs. J. Mowlem and Co., £21-0-0 from Messrs. Barclay, and
Bevan and Co., £10-10-0 from Messrs. Forster, Porter and Co., and £10-10-0 from Mr. Baggalley.
The Revd. J. Oldham expressed the gratitude of the district for the Lord Mayor's help, and Mr.
Clare, of Clay Cross, said the local fund only amounted to £4,300 and the resources were now
drying up. Looking at the terrible state of trade recently, this result was not bad. The disaster
was a pure accident, as the jury had found. The pit, like all Derbyshire collieries, had the
reputation of being as safe as a man's own parlour. There were 31 widows and 3 widowed
mothers, and 91 children under 13 years left entirely destitute. The actuarial calculation showed
that to give each widow 5-0d. a week and each child 2-6d., a sum of at least £10,000 would be
wanted. Replying to questions, Mr. Clare stated that every man employed at the colliery was
obliged to belong to the Sickness Fund, but not to the Fatal Accident Fund. The day of the
disaster was providentially an off- day, when few miners were at work, and the only people in
the pit were bricklayers and carpenters repairing the staging. These people would not subscribe
to the Accident Fund. Mr. Baggalley, treasurer of Bridewell, offered to take in gratuitously into
King Edward's School, at Witley, in Surrey, four boys and four girls to be boarded, clothed, and
educated for four years, and the offer was very gratefully accepted. The Lord Mayor thought the
meeting would aid the Fund considerably. A vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor closed the
proceedings.
The Lord Mayor's Fund.
On Wednesday a second list of subscriptions, amounting to £437-15-4d. was advertised
in the London papers.
Derby - the Fund.
On Friday afternoon the Mayor of Derby presided over a meeting at the Guildhall, called
for the purpose of raising a fund in Derby for the relief of the sufferers by the Clay Cross Colliery
Explosion. The meeting was called by circulars, which were sent to many leading men in the
town and county, but there was a small attendance, the only representatives from the county
being Mr. Busby, clerk of the peace. It was announced from there ????????? ??????????

equested some time since to take steps to raise a fund in the town, but it had been decided to
await the result of the inquest before calling the meeting. The Revd. Canon Abney moved that
this meeting desires to express it's sympathy with the sufferers by the recent accident at Clay
Cross No. 7 Colliery, and recognises the duty of providing, by means of public subscriptions, a
fund in aid of the widows, orphans and families of those whose lives have been lost. Alderman
Hobson seconded the motion, which was supported by Alderman Smith and passed. Mr. Evans,
the Government Inspector of Mines for the district, at the request of the chairman, gave some
particulars of the accident and its effects, and said that he was quite convinced that the owners
of the Company were not in the least to blame for the terrible disaster. He just received a
telegram from Mr. Jackson, the managing partner, stating that there were 91 children under 13
years of age left orphans, 31 widows, and 3 others receiving widow's allowance. It was to enable
them to give 5-0d. per week to the widow's and 2-6d. per week for each child under 13, a sum of
about £10,000 would be required. The amount raised up to the present time was about £4,000.
Mr. Evans mentioned that some years ago Mr. Jackson and a few others got up a Society with
the object of providing a permanent fund for meeting such emergencies as this, but only about
£700 was raised. Alderman Longdon moved that the gentlemen present be a committee for
organising a subscription in Derby, viz.,: - The Mayor, the ex-Mayor (Mr. Woodiwiss), Aldermen J.
Smith, Hobson, Longdon and Turner, the Revd. Canon Abney, the Revd. C.H. Molineux, the Revd.
W.H. Tetley, Mr. Jobson, J.P., Mr. Buchanan, J.P., Mr. C.S.B. Busby (Clerk of the Peace for the
County), Mr. H.F. Gadsby (Town Clerk), Mr. Joseph Jones, Councillors Whittaker, Jackson, and
Stevenson, Mr. Edward Fryer, and Mr. S. Hall. Mr. Longdon commented on the absence of county
gentlemen from the meeting, and hoped if they were not doing amongst themselves they would
send subscriptions to the Derby Fund. Mr. Woodiwiss seconded the motion, which was supported
by Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Whittaker, Alderman Smith and Mr. Fryer, and carried unanimously. Mr.
Gadsby was appointed secretary to the committee, and Mr. Woodiwiss, treasurer.
The Safety Lamp Dispute at Clay Cross.
On Monday morning the men at the No. 2 pit of the Clay Cross Colliery, who refused to
work with lamps on Friday last, resumed work with the lamps. The Company set the pit idle on
Saturday for want of orders, and work was resumed as usual on Monday. The Company is
supplying the Belgian lamps to many of their men in the deep workings.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 1.
Advert - Wanted.
Wanted for the South Normanton Colliery, near Alfreton, a Blacksmith able to shoe
horses well. Application to be made at the Colliery office.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 6.
Advert - By Mr. Henry Cupit.
South Normanton. A valuable freehold property.
To be sold by auction by Mr. Henry Cupit, at the house of Mr. William Bent, "The Shoulder of
Mutton Inn", in South Normanton,
on Tuesday, the 2nd. day of January, 1883, at six o'clock in the evening precisely,
Subject to such conditions of sale as shall be then produced: -
All those two freehold closes, pieces or parcels of land situate at South Normanton, in the County
of Derby, called respectively the Big Carr, and Nether Hen Close, containing together 5a 3r 28p
or thereabouts, and now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Peat.
The Minerals under the said land are subject to an agreement letting the same to the West
Staveley Colliery, for eighty years from the first day of January, 1864, determinable by the
lessees at the end of the seventh, fifteenth, thirtieth, and fiftieth years of the said term, and
reserving a minimum rent of £1 per acre, and the following acreage rents, that is to say: £40 per
acre for the Waterloo seam, £50 per acre for the Deep Soft, £60 per acre for the Deep Hard, £40
per acre for the Furnace Bed, £20 per acre for the Threequarter Bed, and £60 per acre for the
Blackshale Bed, and reserving a royalty of 6d. per ton of 2,240 pounds for ironstone and fireclay
worked, and also reserving a way-leave rent of £25 per annum for any shafts sunk on the said
lands.
The land is in a high state of cultivation, and is very eligible for building purposes.
Further particulars may be obtained of Mr. Robert Peat, butcher, South Normanton, or
the auctioneer, Alfreton, or the offices of Mr. Frederick Stanley Rickards, solicitor, Alfreton.
Alfreton, 13th. December, 1882.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 2.
The Clay Cross Colliery Explosion.
Widows and Orphans' Relief Fund.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges the following Additional Contributions to the
above- named Fund.
£ s d
Amount previously advertised 4534 17 2½
Subscribed by the Clay Cross Co's Workmen, viz.
No. 2 Colliery 14 1 0
No. 3 Colliery 15 12 9
No. 4 Colliery 14 3 10
No. 5 and 6 Colliery 22 10 11
No. 9 Colliery 5 0 0
Foundry Men and Pattern Shop 8 6 6
Workmen Iron Works 6 3 0
General Office Clerks 2 14 6
Workmen at Ambergate and Crich 5 7 0
Mechanics and Enginemen 30 0 0
Coke Burners 5 0 6
Banksmen and Labourers 7 11 7
136 11 7
Workmen of Annesley Colliery, Nottingham 50 0 0
Offertory, Parish Church, North Wingfield 31 0 0
Collected at Wollaton Colliery, Nottingham 26 5 0
New Hucknall Colliery Co. Limited 25 0 0
Mr. C.P. Morewood, Alfreton Hall 25 0 0
Agents and Workmen of Mr. C.P. Morewood 25 8 3
Officials and Workmen of the Netherseal Colliery Co.,
per Mr. Robert Howe 21 4 0
Messrs. Lea and Co., London 10 10 0
Derbyshire Silkstone Coal Co. 10 0 0
Workmen of the Derbyshire Silkstone Coal Co. 12 0 0
C.H. Chater and Co., Brampton Brewery 10 10 0
Proceeds of Concert by the North Wingfield Cricket Club 8 4 10
Offertory Rowsley Church 7 5 0
Mr. Joseph Robinson and Friends, Clay Cross 7 0 6
Offertory, Parish Church, Ilkeston 6 17 9
Proceeds of Concert, at South Normanton 6 0 0
Mr. W. Batteson 5 5 0
Mr. A.W. Cowdell, Chesterfield 5 5 0

Mr. Thomas Hardy, Kimberley Brewery 5 5 0
Messrs. Trinder and Romer, London 5 5 0
Mr. Joseph Smith and Friends, Clay Cross 5 4 6
Mr. John E. Barker, barrister, Sheffield 5 0 0
Workmen of Temple Normanton Colliery 5 0 0
Messrs. A.and G. Milner, Stretton 5 0 0
Messrs. T. Forman and Sons, "Nottingham Daily Guardian" 5 0 0
Messrs. Allen and Swift, Mansfield, per Mr. Eli Slater 5 0 0
Messrs. C. and J.A. Potter, Darwin, per Mr. James Unwin 5 0 0
Rev. W.H. Arkwright, Rowsley 5 0 0
Agents and Workmen of Messrs. James Oakes and Co.,
Riddings. 3rd. Subscription 3 14 9
Mr. W. Taylor, Cremorne Hotel, Nottingham 3 10 0
Offertory, Blackwell Church 3 4 3
Mr. S. Birkumshaw, Clay Cross 3 3 0
Proceeds of a Concert at Clay Cross, given by
Mr. E. Slack and Friends, of Chesterfield 3 2 0
Mr. F.E. Goodwin 3 0 0
Collected at Stonegravels 2 8 6
Cinderford Miners, Dean Forest 2 4 9
Mr. E. Tinker, Clay Cross 2 2 0
Mr. W.D. Adlington, Skegby 2 2 0
Mr. J.P. Goodwin 2 2 0
Mr. S. Withers, Wren House, Selston 2 2 0
Captain C.G.A. Mayhew, Bakewell 2 2 0
Dr. Carnegie, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Messrs. W. Haslam and Sons, Clay Cross 2 2 0
Messrs. J. Berger, Spence and Co., Manchester 2 2 0
Rev. Y.L. Greame, Sewerby House, Hull, per Mr. Haywood 2 0 0
Mrs. Greame, Sewerby House, Hull, per Mr. Haywood 2 0 0
Messrs. West, Biddles, and Co., Market Harborough 2 0 0
Mr. P.J. Fitzgerald, London 2 0 0
Mr. Edmund Taylor, Chesterfield 2 0 0
Mr. John Burton, Chesterfield 2 0 0
Mr. W.B. Carter 2 0 0
Offertory, Church Mission Service, Newstead Abbey 1 10 6
Mr. Joseph Glossop, Ambergate 1 10 0
A Friend, per W. Haslam and Sons 1 1 0
Mrs. Birkumshaw, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. J.H. Birkumshaw, Clay Cross 1 1 0
Mr. T. Clegg, Clay Cross, per Mr. F. Kenning 1 1 0
Mr. W. Clegg, Clay Cross, per Mr. F. Kenning 1 1 0
Mr. G. Clegg, Clay Cross, per Mr. F. Kenning 1 1 0
Mr. J. Wolf, M.P., Ferrybridge, per Mr. F. Kenning 1 1 0
Mr. J. Rooth, Stretton 1 1 0
Mr. G.E. Edge, Chesterfield 1 1 0
Mr. A. Kirby, London, per Mr. J. Marriott 1 1 0
Mr. Farlham, Clay Cross, per Mr. J. Marriott 1 1 0
Mr. John H. Hirst, Clay Cross, per Mr. J. Marriott 1 1 0
Mr. W. Dore, Clay Cross, per Mr. J. Marriott 1 1 0
Mr. J. Bown, Clay Cross, per Mr. J. Marriott 1 1 0
Miss Sarah A. Cummins 1 1 0
Mrs. Gorman, Chesterfield, per Rev. Daniel Meenagh 1 1 0

Messrs. Bakewell and Wilson, Derby, per Mr. H. Brakes 1 1 0
Messrs. T. Cooper and Co., Burton-on-Trent,
per Mr. J. Marriott 1 1 0
Mr. G. Horseley and Co., West Hartlepool 1 1 0
Mr. G. Dore and Friends, Clay Cross 1 0 6
Mr. Hall, Mansfield, per W. Haslam and Sons 1 0 0
Mr. Greenhill, Alfreton, per W. Haslam and Sons 1 0 0
Mr. Joshua Roberts, Alfreton, per W. Haslam and Sons 1 0 0
Mr. John Harrison 1 0 0
Mr. John Hudson, Clay Cross 1 0 0
F.B.D. 1 0 0
Rev. R. Fisher and Friends, Sewerby Vicarage,
Hull, per Mr. Haywood 1 0 0
Messrs. W. Heapy and Son, Liverpool, per Mr. Unwin 1 0 0
Collecting Sheets
From Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Bates, New Basford 48 11 3
Messrs. W. Haslam and Sons, Clay Cross 4 11 0
Mr. Udall, Clay Cross 2 12 0
Mr. W. Foster, Clay Cross 1 18 0
Mr. Eli Slater, Clay Cross 1 13 6
Mr. F. Kenning, Clay Cross 1 10 6
Mr. D. Hadfield, Wingerworth 1 5 6
Mr. W. Purdy, Clay Cross 1 3 0
Mr. W. Clarke, Clay Cross 1 2 6
Mr. N. Dawes, Clay Cross 1 0 6
Mr. F. Bacon, Clay Cross 1 0 0
Messrs. Revell and Blackwell, Ashover
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Ashover 2 2 0
Mr. Parker, Ashover 2 2 0
Mrs. and Miss Nodder, Ashover 2 2 0
Messrs. R. Tomlinson and Son, Ashover 2 2 0
Mrs. J.B. Nodder, Ashover 1 1 0
Mrs. Palmer (additional) 1 1 0
Mrs. Hutton 1 0 0
Mrs. Chesterman 1 0 0
Sums under £1 12 15 11
Messrs. Gregory and Bollington, Ashover
Mr. Potter, Ashover 1 1 0
Mr. Marsden, Ashover 1 1 0
Mr. Fisher, Ashover 1 1 0
Sums under £1 9 17 0
Messrs. Bradley and Wilmot, Ashover
Messrs. W. and R. Cundey, Ashover 1 1 0
Sums under £1 5 4 6

Mr. B. Allen, Ashover
Mr. Pendleton, Ashover 2 2 0
Sums under £1 5 15 6
The Rev. J. Oldham, Clay Cross
Offertories Annesley Church 9 10 7
Part Proceeds of Concert 3 0 0
12 10 7
Offertory Brackenfield Church 3 6 0
Mr. Edward Lulley 3 3 0
Miss Annie M. Derbyshire 3 1 6
Other Collecting Sheets and Sums under £1 9 12 6
The above list does not include the Mansion House Fund.
5252 12 1½
The total amount subscribed in the Parish of Ashover is £111-15- 11d., of which sum
£59-7-0d. has been previously advertised.
Amounts collected by Mr. Richardson, of Chesterfield, arrived too late for publishing in
this List.
Further subscriptions are earnestly solicited, as the amount received and promised is
totally inadequate to meet the demands that are made on the Committee.
Subscription lists are now lying at Messrs. Crompton and Evans, Union Bank, Limited,
Chesterfield and Derby; at the Sheffield Banking Company, and at the Sheffield Union Bank,
Chesterfield and Sheffield; and their respective Branch Banks; Cheques and Drafts may also be
made payable to
A. Linacre, Honorary Secretary.
High Street, Clay Cross December 14th., 1882.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 7.
The Clay Cross Explosion.
Sudden Death of another Widow.
On Tuesday morning, another widow of a miner killed by the Clay Cross Colliery
explosion died. In the pit, at the time of the explosion, two men, named Henry Beeson and John
Holmes, were at work together in the engine plane. These men got some distance from their
place of work before they were overtaken by the after-damp, Holmes being the first to succumb
to the fatal effects. Henry Beeson, was found and conveyed some distance to the pit bottom
where he also died. A fortnight ago Beeson's widow died, broken hearted, and left three orphans,
two sons being also lost in the explosion. On Thursday morning Holmes' widow was found dead
in bed. Her son went to work about six o'clock, before doing so spoke to his mother, who then
appeared all right. Between nine and ten o'clock the children, finding their mother did not rise as
usual went to her bedroom and found her dead. The relief committee held a meeting and
decided to grant £5 for the expenses of the funeral.
Extra details in Page 8 Col. 5 (Second Edition).
The Clay Cross Explosion.
Sudden Death of another Widow.
On Tuesday morning, another widow of a miner killed by the Clay Cross Colliery
explosion died. In the pit, at the time of the explosion, two men, named Henry Beeson and John
Holmes, were at work together in the engine plane. These men got some distance from their
place of work before they were overtaken by the after-damp, Holmes being the first to succumb
to the fatal effects. Henry Beeson, was found and conveyed some distance to the pit bottom
where he also died. A fortnight ago Beeson's widow died, broken hearted, and left three orphans,
two sons being also lost in the explosion. On Thursday morning Holmes' widow was found dead
in bed. Her son went to work about six o'clock, before doing so spoke to his mother, who then
appeared all right. Between nine and ten o'clock the children, finding their mother did not rise as
usual went to her bedroom and found her dead. The relief committee held a meeting and
decided to grant £5 for the expenses of the funeral.
The Inquest: Painful Disclosures.
The inquest on the body was held yesterday (Friday), before the deputy coroner, Mr.
Spofforth, at the Queen's Head Inn, Clay Cross. The following evidence was taken.
Mary Jane Holmes, of Thanet Street, Clay Cross, daughter of the deceased, said she last
saw her mother alive the previous morning about 6 o'clock. On Wednesday night she complained
of pains in her side, and asked witness to put flour bags in the affected part. She went to bed
about 11 o'clock, remarking that she should not come down stairs many more times. Dr. Kay saw
deceased about a week ago and said she was suffering from pleurisy in her side. On Wednesday
morning deceased asked her to fetch fivepence worth of gin. Witness asked her if brandy would
not do better, and deceased said she had no more money. Witness put a penny to and fetched
sixpence worth of brandy. She drank it all neat. Witness slept in the same bed as deceased and

her sister. The latter remarked to her that her mother's feet were cold. Witness shouted to her
mother, but she made no answer, and on looking found she was quite dead. Her face was cold
but not her bosom. She smoked and used to send children for drink. She had been receiving 11-
0d. per week from the Clay Cross office, 11-0d from the permanent relief fund, and her son's
wages.
Annie Holmes, another daughter of the deceased, said that before her father was killed,
she used to go every day for sixpence or fourpence of brandy for her mother. She used to go
sometimes twice a day. Her brother also fetched the same quantities of gin. Deceased often
drank it neat especially when it was cold weather. The previous week the deceased sent her to
the pawn shop with a pair of boots and got 2-6d. on them. Deceased then sent her brother for 2-
5½d. worth of gin and brandy. Witness had often been to the pawn shop before, and taken
jackets, waistcoats, frocks, and purchased liquor with the money. There was a quartern bottle
under the pillow of deceased when she was found dead, which had contained sixpence worth of
brandy.
The jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of "Death through excessive
drinking".

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 1.
No Headline.
The Hon. Mrs. Hunloke has sent £100 to the Mansion House Fund for the Clay Cross
sufferers. Up to Wednesday that fund amounted in all to about £1,800 - a very small sum for a
month's collection, especially as it includes £500 from the Clay Cross Company.
I am glad to observe that the Mayor of Derby has called a meeting in aid of the explosion
fund, and opened a subscription list. It is evident that the local resources are becoming
exhausted, and the sum of four or five thousand pounds more is yet needed. How is it that those
in Sheffield do not hold out a helping hand. A rich town like the cutlery metropolis must surely do
a little for its neighbours on such sad occasions.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 4.
New Whittington - Meeting of Colliers.
On Tuesday night a meeting of colliers was held at the Dusty Miller Inn, New
Whittington, for the purpose of hearing addresses relative to the advantages of a miner's union
in the county, and likewise a discussion of general topics affecting colliers work. Mr. D. Cutts,
who presided, said the miners union had done much for them in the past in improving their
condition. They sought by self-improvement a knowledge of political economy, and acquired
general knowledge so as to fit themselves for proper use of the county franchise, they would
more skilfully guide their unions, and derive greater benefits. They would be able to enforce the
due observance of carrying out the laws which had been obtained by former unions, and get
more wages for their labour. Mr. Haslam, of Clay Cross, a delegate from the Derbyshire Miners
Union, said they did not want any collision with the employers. Capital had too many guns to
shatter unorganised labour. Strikes were destructive to men and masters. He had seen strong
men reduced by want of food during strikes to decrepitude. During the prosperous years too
many strangers had been introduced into the pits who, after a while, began to get coal before
they understood the work. The result was increased danger. In one instance a £100,000 damage,
besides loss of life, was done by such unskilled workmen. No man ought to be allowed to get
coal, unless, by examination, he proved capable of guarding himself, and not injuring his fellow
workmen. It was stated, he said, that the advance of 3d. a ton given to the workmen was
producing a stagnation of trade, and masters were thinking of taking it off again. If 4d. per ton
advance was sufficient to produce such a stagnation, then it would be well to let the country go
to ruin. A better plan would be to produce less coal, by capital workmen doing less hours. A
colliers life was a dangerous one, and a union was needed for his protection. A miner urged the
desirability of having one union for Derbyshire, with Chesterfield as the centre and the residence
of an efficient secretary. This suggestion was received with great favour.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 1 Col. 3. (Third Edition).
In re the North Wingfield Colliery Company.
Before Mr. Justice Chitty, in Chancery, on Wednesday, an application was made on
behalf of the landlord for liberty to distrain upon the colliery and plant for rent, notwithstanding
that a receiver had been appointed in an action of O'Hagan v. North Wingfield Colliery Company.
The applicant was unable to state the precise amount of his claim because it depended upon the
quantity of coal raised, but he estimated it at about £66. Mr. Field made the application. Mr.
Bradford, for the company, intimated that the receiver would undertake to pay whatever might
be found due to the landlord, and upon the undertaking Mr. Justice Chitty ordered the motion to
stand over till Friday.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 16th. December 1882.
Page 1 Col. 4. (Third Edition).
Unstone - Fatal Colliery Accident.
Last evening Edward Gill, aged 43, of Unstone Green, was killed at the Unstone Silkstone
Colliery whilst shunting some wagons. He was unhooking a horse from a wagon, and got crushed
between a post and a wagon. He was taken home, and died shortly after his arrival. Mr.
Congdon, assistant doctor, attended him.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 20th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 6.
Strange Scene at an Inquest at Unstone.
On Monday afternoon an inquest was held by Mr. Spofforth, deputy coroner, at the
Fleur-de-Lis Inn, on the body of Edward Gill, who died on Friday from injuries received whilst
shunting wagons at the Unstone Silkstone Colliery. After hearing the evidence touching the death
of deceased, the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". A contemporary says: - The
enquiry before its close was rendered of special interest by the appearance of a woman named
Eliza Gill, who claimed to be the wife of deceased, Edward Gill, to whom she alleged she was
married at Chesterfield in the year 1870, and in proof of which she produced the marriage
certificate. This unexpected claim on the part of Eliza Gill was seen for a time to have a stunning
effect on a second wife of deceased, Sarah Ann Gill, who, after she had recovered from the
nervous confused state to which she had been thrown, proceeded to give the necessary proof
that she had been married to deceased 2 years and 10 months ago at Sutton-in-Ashfield, in proof
of which she also produced the necessary legal document, exciting no little surprise by
confessing that she had another husband living in Sheffield when she married Gill. The deceased
at the time of his death furnished a house in Unstone Green, and was in an insurance society,
and also a club in the colliery where he worked, and the question of the disposal of the effects
formed the subject of an interesting discussion. Eliza, the first wife of the deceased, asked a
special favour that she might have a pawn ticket for a watch ????? given to her, and further
expressed a wish to be permitted to sleep in the house of the deceased the last night before his
internment. Sarah Ann, the second wife did not object, whilst the jury was from time to time
excited to laughter but the affectionate terms of "Dear", "My Dear", and "Yes, Love", used by the
rival wives in addressing each other. In was ultimately arranged, at the suggestion of the
coroner, that Mr. Fisher, colliery manager, and police constable Byrne should discharge the
expenses connected with the funeral of deceased, and the residue to be hereafter equally divided
between the two wives.
The Funeral.
The remains of the unfortunate man were interred on Tuesday afternoon in the new
cemetery, at Dronfield, in the presence of a large concourse of spectators. The deceased was
followed to his grave but his two widows - Eliza Gill and Sarah Ann Gill. Eliza walked first in the
????? of the procession, as chief mourner, with her son, a fine looking boy of thirteen years, the
issue of Eliza's marriage with the deceased. The next in the following was Sarah Ann, the second
wife, who leaned upon the arm of Mrs. Gill, deceased's mother, the rest of the procession being
his relatives. Both his widow's manifested much grief.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 20th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 7.
The Miners' Conference at Leeds.
At the miner's conference at Leeds, today, it was resolved that the working miners ought
to regulate the production of coals in order that their interest might to be properly protected and
wages raised to a higher standing than at present.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 3.
Claim against the Steetley Colliery Society.
William Storey, miner, of Cresswell Street, Worksop, sued William Smith, miner, Steetley,
Stephen Gooley, Darfould, Thomas Price, Worksop, Edward Hallam, Worksop, Richard Newton,
Whitwell, and Reuben Bunny, Darfould, being respectively the treasurer, secretary, and
committee of the "Steetley Colliery Sick and Accident Club", for the sum of £5-19-0d. being 17
weeks allowance of 7-0d. per week, due and payable to him as a first class member of the above
Society in consequence of unfitness to follow his regular occupation. Mr. Coulson was for the
plaintiff, and Mr. W.S. Hodding for the defendants. Mr. Hodding contended that plaintiff had no
case, inasmuch as the Society was not registered under the Friendly Societies Act, and therefore
he could not sue the defendants as officers of the Society; he could not prevail himself of the
provisions of that Act unless the Society was registered under it. The proper course was to enter
a case against all the partners to a contract in equity. Mr. Coulson said the defence set up was a
most shabby one on the part of the Society against a working man. His Honour adjourned the
case to enable plaintiff to amend proceedings.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 5.
The Clay Cross Miners and the Safety Lamp Question.
An Advance to be asked for.
A large meeting of the miners employed by the Clay Cross Company was held on Monday
night, at the Angel Inn, Clay Cross, for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken
respecting the use of safety lamps. Mr. James Brailsford presided. The attendance from No. 7 pit
was large. There were also many of the No. 2 pitmen present. The chairman said that he was
fully convinced that the use of the safety lamps was disadvantageous to the men. There ought to
be 3d. per ton advance for the use of the lamps, and another 3d. per ton for wedging down
where shots could not be fired. He deprecated the fact of the miners in the district working
through their holidays, etc. It was said that great quantities of coal had been sent to bank during
the period where lamps had been in use, but a quantity of this had been stock, or loose coal. Mr.
T. Whyman said that Mr. Croudace had intimated that he would arrange a meeting between Mr.
Jackson and a deputation of men at an early day, probably Thursday, as to the advance
demanded. He (the speaker) thought all pits ought to be worked by candles; more shafts should
be sunk to render this safe. Mr. John Smith said the pits were worked on too large an area with
too much length of "face". there were men in the pit to whom safety lamps would mean a
reduction of from 2-0d. to 2-6d. per day. The chairman moved, and Mr. G. Lavelle seconded, the
following resolution: - "That this meeting is of the opinion that we are fairly entitled to ask for an
advance of 3d. per ton on the present tonnage, for all places at the Clay Cross Company where
lamps are used". An amendment that the Company be asked to take off the lamps, was moved,
but found no seconder, and the original resolution was carried unanimously.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 2.
Advert - To Be Sold, Coal Trade.
To be disposed of, goodwill, seven railway wagons, two horses and carts, wood office, or
part of plant to suit purchaser. A steady and respectable trade done, which could be much
increased. - For particulars apply to Mr. C. Silcock, Coal Merchant, Chesterfield.

erbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 3.
Advert - Charity Commissioners.
In the matter of the charity called the Grammar School, of Henry Fanshawe, Esq., in the
Parish of Dronfield, in the County of derby, and in the matter of "Charitable Trusts Acts, 1853 to
1869".
By direction of the Board of Charity Commissioners for England and Wales, notice is
hereby given that a proposal has been submitted to them by the trustees of this charity for the
sale of the coal underlying the property of the charity mentioned in the sub-joined schedule for
the sum of £100, the purchaser accepting the title and paying the expenses of the trustees in the
matter.
Any objection to the proposal of the said sale, may be notified to the commissioners in
writing, addressed to their secretary, Whitehall, London, S.W., within 21 days of the publication
of this notice.
Schedule.
Dated the 11th. day of December, 1882.
Signed, Henry M. Vane, Secretary.
The seam of coal, called the Tupton coal, underlying the field containing 1a 3r 18p or
thereabouts, situated at Newbold, in the Parish of Chesterfield, in the County of Derby, adjoining
the road from Newbold to Chesterfield.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 7.
Clay Cross Colliery Explosion Widow's and Orphans Relief Fund.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges the following Additional Contributions to the
above- named Fund.
£ s d
Amount previously advertised. 5252 12 1½
Messrs. the Hucknall Colliery Co. 50 0 0
Officials and Workmen of the Hucknall Colliery Co. 32 7 6
Messrs. Hird, Dawson, and Hardy,
Low Moor Iron Works, Bradford 25 0 0
Workmen of the Wingerworth and Hardwick Colliery Co. 19 3 0
Derbyshire Constabulary, per Capt. Parry 18 5 4
Proceeds of Concert given in the Girl's School,
Bakewell, per Mr. W.G. Gaiger 13 5 0
Messrs. W. and S. Burkitt, Chesterfield 10 10 0
Workmen of Wingerworth Iron Works 9 6 2
Manager and Workmen of Marehay Collieries, Ripley 7 0 0
Workmen of Renishaw Colliery 6 6 0
Cage Collection, Nottingham (additional) 5 8 7
Mrs. F.A. Barker, per Mr. Salisbury 5 5 0
Mr. Joseph Archer, Sheffield 5 5 0
Mr. George Bradshaw, Manchester 5 0 0
Mr. George Bradshaw, From Friends 5 2 6
Mr. Stephen Melland 5 0 0
Mr. A. Jacoby, Normanton-on-the-Wolds 5 0 0
Mr. R. Wildgoose, Lea Mills, Cromford 5 0 0
A Friend, per Mr. Geo. Barker, London 5 0 0
Mr. H. Jessop and Employees, Locomotive Department,
Hasland 4 15 0
Proceeds of Ball, Assembly Room, Chesterfield 4 12 0
Offertory, South Wingfield Church 3 15 3
Offertory, Methodist Free Church, Heage 3 13 6
Workmen of the Langley Mill Engineering Wheel
and Waggon Company Limited 3 4 4
The Warpers' Association, Nottingham per Mr. Stevens 3 3 0
Mr. Thomas Moy, Colchester 3 3 0
Mr. Joseph Humble, Staveley 3 3 0
Messrs. C. King and Son, Micheldever Station 3 3 0
Mr. J.C. Hayes and Employees, Clay Cross Station 2 11 2
Offertory, Wingerworth Church 2 10 9
Mr. W. Tilforth and Employees, Traffic Department,
Hasland 2 4 0
Collection, Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Pilsley 2 3 5
Messrs. Bradford and Sons, Eastbourne 2 2 0
Mr. John Unite, Edgeware Road, London 2 2 0

Mr. James Maude, Mansfield 2 2 0
Mr. J.M. Salisbury, Chesterfield 2 0 0
Messrs. R. Margereson and Son, Wingerworth 2 0 0
Rev. H.A. Martin, Laxton, Newark 2 0 0
Miss Robinson, London, per Mr. W.G. Gaiger, Bakewell 2 0 0
Miss Jackson, Promenade, Southport 1 10 0
Workmen of the Scarsdale Brewery Company, Chesterfield 1 10 0
Mr. George Mee and Friends, Clay Cross 1 3 6
Mr. E.B. Clarke, Sheffield 1 1 0
Mr. W.E. Millward, Sheffield 1 1 0
Mr. W. Wilkinson, Norwich 1 1 0
Mr. Langdon, Derby, per Mr. J.A. Gratton 1 1 0
Mr. W. Smith-Milnes, Dunston Hall, per Mr. J. Warner 1 1 0
Mr. Oates, Chesterfield 1 1 0
Mr. John Hancock, Crich 1 1 0
Mr. Isaac Nadin, Tupton 1 1 0
Mr. F.G. Hazzledine, Nottingham, per Mr. J. Robinson 1 1 0
Messrs. Whitmarsh and Co., Sheffield,
per Mr. Jedediah Wood 1 1 0
Messrs. D.H. G. Haggie, Sunderland 1 1 0
Rev. J. Marshall, Cromwell House, Hampstead 1 1 0
Mrs. White, London, per Mr. J.M. Coope 1 0 0
Miss Helen E. Alsop 1 0 0
Mr. Stephen Holmes 1 0 0
Mr. Henry Farnsworth, Clay Cross 1 0 0
Other sums and collecting sheets under £1 10 16 8
Collecting Sheets
From Mr. James Oliver, 99 Fortress Street, London
Messrs. Rickett, Smith and Co. 25 0 0
Messrs. J. and H. Girling 10 10 0
Messrs. Radford and Co. 5 5 0
Messrs. Gorrall and Co. 5 5 0
Messrs. Meger and Co. 6 5 0
Messrs. Charrington, Sells, Dale and Co. 5 5 0
Messrs. Thomas Boam and Co. 3 3 0
Mr. G.H. Addy 3 3 0
Mr. W. Parker 3 3 0
Mr. F.A. Wells 3 3 0
Messrs. Hall and Co. 3 3 0
Messrs. B.M. Tite and Sons 2 2 0
Mr. James Oliver 2 2 0
Mr. A. Pileh 1 1 0
Mr. T. Lockwood 1 1 0
Messrs. J.B. Kershaw and Co. 1 1 0
Messrs. MacPherson 1 1 0
Messrs. Jeayes, Kasner and Co. 1 1 0
Messrs. R. Betts and Son 1 1 0
Sums under £1 2 10 0
Mr. Richardson, Chesterfield

Messrs. Goundry and Gill, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Mr. John Bunting, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Mr. J.A. Clarke, Chesterfield 1 1 0
Mr. J.R. Thompson 1 1 0
Mr. W. Pinder 1 1 0
Mr. W. Smith 1 0 0
A Friend 1 0 0
Sums under £1 5 14 0
Mr. H. Cupit, George Hotel, Alfreton
Mr. W. Wilson, Alfreton 2 0 0
Mr. J.G. Wilson, Alfreton 2 0 0
Rev. J.C.H. Deacon, Alfreton 1 1 0
Sums under £1 9 7 0
Messrs. Parsons and Haslam, Alfreton
Mr. J. Hopkinson, Alfreton 1 0 0
Sums under £1 2 12 6
Mr. James Shields, Rhymney
Sums under £1 3 10 0
Mr. B. Owen, Stonebroom
Rev. J. Hartsone and Friends, Ripley ? 18 9
Sums under £1 0 7 0
Mrs. Hewitt, per Rev. J. Oldham 5 0 0
Offertory, Whitwell Church, per Rev. J. Oldham 8 10 9
Offertory, Stretley Church, per Rev. J. Oldham 1 14 4
Mr. W.J. Marshall, per Rev. J. Oldham 1 1 0
The above does not include the Mansion House Fund.
5713 3 6½
Further subscriptions are earnestly solicited, as the amount received and promised is
totally inadequate to meet the demands that are made on the Committee.
Subscription lists are now lying at Messrs. Crompton and Evans, Union Bank, Limited,
Chesterfield and Derby; at the Sheffield Banking Company, and at the Sheffield Union Bank,
Chesterfield and Sheffield; and their respective Branch Banks; Cheques and Drafts may also be
made payable to
A. Linacre, Honorary Secretary
High Street, Clay Cross, December 21st., 1882.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 2.
Leader - The Clay Cross Disaster.
Whilst we gratefully acknowledge the manner in which this great disaster has been met
by the public, especially locally, we must for the information of those at a distance, call attention
to the fact that the amount already subscribed and promised is quite inadequate for the
necessities of the case. It is not surprising to see that local subscriptions are beginning to fall off,
because there are comparatively few in the district who have not done their part already, and
there is naturally a limit to the resources near at hand. But we must say we are both surprised
and disappointed that the response to the Lord Mayor's Fund, which is certainly far smaller than
upon any similar occasion, and is less than has been subscribed for objects of a much less
pressing character. We trust the aid of the great London newspapers will be given to call public
attention to this fund, and we are sure that when it is stated that upwards £5,000 have been
subscribed to the local fund, and only about £1,000 to the metropolitan (excluding the Clay Cross
Company's donation of £500 which the Company gave to each fund as a nucleus) it will be seen
that the London press have a case laid before them well within their powerful assistance. We
think also that when it is seen that the fund is inadequate and the sources of supply are drying
up, our wealthy neighbours at Sheffield will be disposed to aid, but we have little doubt that the
worthy Mayor of that great town would, if appealed to, call a meeting on behalf of the fund. To
make an adequate provision for the fatherless children and widows, several thousands of pounds
more are required, and it is quite evident that Derbyshire cannot find this sum unaided. We
therefore appeal with confidence to the generosity of the English people at large, feeling certain
that if the requirements of the case are only made widely known, the response would be
commensurate.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 2.
Local Law Case.
The Queen against Swanwick and Barrow, ex-parte Michael Straw.
This was an application to the Court of Queen's Bench to make absolute a rule for a writ
of Certiorari which had been granted on the 6th. day of November last to show cause why a writ
of Certiorari should not issue to remove from the Queen's Bench Division a certain record of
conviction under the hands and seals of Frederick Swanwick, and John Burton Barrow, Esquires,
two of her Majesties Justices of the Peace acting in and for the County of Derby, and bearing
date of or about the 8th. day of July, 1882, whereby one Michael Straw was convicted for that he
then being the manager of a certain coal-mine situate in the said county and known as the
Boythorpe Colliery, unlawfully did not afford every facility to one Patrick McDermott for
performing his duties as check weigher at the said colliery, contrary to Section 18 of the Coal
Mines Regulation Act, 1872, and was adjudged to pay the sum of 10 shillings for his said offense
and £2-1-6d. costs, and why his said conviction should not be quashed at the instance of the said
Michael Straw.
Straw.
Mr. Tonman Mosley, instructed by Mr. John Cutts, solicitor, Chesterfield, appeared for Mr.
After hearing the arguments of the learned counsel, the Court made the rule absolute.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 2.
The Clay Cross Disaster.
Benefit Concert in Bakewell.
A concert held at the Girl's School, Bakewell in aid of the Fund. No other interesting
information so not done.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 7.
Advert - Francis Rokeby Appleby, deceased.
Pursuant to the Act of Parliament of the 22nd. and 23rd. of Vict., c 35, intitled "An act to further
amend the Law of Property, and to relieve Trustees".
Notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having any debts, claims, or demands
upon or against the estate of Francis Rokeby Appleby, late of Broomhill House, Sheffield, in the
County of York, Gentleman, and before the year 1871 trading as an ironmaster, and coalmaster
at Renishaw Ironworks, in the County of Derby, as "Appleby and Company" (who died on the
3rd. day of June, 1882, and whose will was proved in the Wakefield District Registry of the
Probate Division of her Majesty's High Court in Justice on the 13th. day of July, 1882, by George
Wilson, of George Street, Sheffield, aforesaid, Stock and Share Broker, (since deceased), John
Walter Staniforth, of Fairholme, in the parish of Sheffield, aforesaid, merchant, and Emily Ann
Appleby, Broomhill House, parish of Sheffield, aforesaid, spinster, the executors named in such
will), are hereby required to send the particulars of such debts, claims, or demands to me, the
undersigned Herbert Bramley, solicitor to the said executors, on or before the 20th. day of
February next, after which day the said surviving executors will proceed to distribute the assets
of the deceased against the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims which they
shall then have had notice. And all persons who stood indebted to the said Francis Rokeby
Appleby, at the time of his death are required to pay the amount of their respective debts
forthwith to me as such solicitor aforesaid.
Dated this 21st. day of December, 1882.
Herbert Bramley, 6, Paradise Square, Sheffield,
Solicitor to the said Executors.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 23rd. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 2.
Chesterfield Board of Guardians.
(Only one item done)
The Alterations of the Workhouse.
Amongst the offers to lend the Board the sum of £1,400 required for the proposed
alterations at the Workhouse, was one from the Clay Cross Explosion Fund Committee, the
interest to be at the rate of four and one quarter percent per annum. The money has to be
repaid by instalments extending over a period of ten years.
Mr. Linacre observed that in ten years time many of the widows and orphans would be
off the fund.
On the motion of Mr. Glossop, seconded by Mr. Manlove, it was decided to borrow the
money from the committee on the terms mentioned.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 27th. December 1882.
Page 2 Col. 7.
Clay Cross Colliery Explosion Widow's and Orphans Relief Fund.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges the following Additional Contributions to the
above- named Fund.
£ s d
Amount previously advertised. 5252 12 1½
Messrs. the Hucknall Colliery Co. 50 0 0
Officials and Workmen of the Hucknall Colliery Co. 32 7 6
Messrs. Hird, Dawson, and Hardy,
Low Moor Iron Works, Bradford 25 0 0
Workmen of the Wingerworth and Hardwick Colliery Co. 19 3 0
Derbyshire Constabulary, per Capt. Parry 18 5 4
Proceeds of Concert given in the Girl's School,
Bakewell, per Mr. W.G. Gaiger 13 5 0
Messrs. W. and S. Burkitt, Chesterfield 10 10 0
Workmen of Wingerworth Iron Works 9 6 2
Manager and Workmen of Marehay Collieries, Ripley 7 0 0
Workmen of Renishaw Colliery 6 6 0
Cage Collection, Nottingham (additional) 5 8 7
Mrs. F.A. Barker, per Mr. Salisbury 5 5 0
Mr. Joseph Archer, Sheffield 5 5 0
Mr. George Bradshaw, Manchester 5 0 0
Mr. George Bradshaw, From Friends 5 2 6
Mr. Stephen Melland 5 0 0
Mr. A. Jacoby, Normanton-on-the-Wolds 5 0 0
Mr. R. Wildgoose, Lea Mills, Cromford 5 0 0
A Friend, per Mr. Geo. Barker, London 5 0 0
Mr. H. Jessop and Employees, Locomotive Department,
Hasland 4 15 0
Proceeds of Ball, Assembly Room, Chesterfield 4 12 0
Offertory, South Wingfield Church 3 15 3
Offertory, Methodist Free Church, Heage 3 13 6
Workmen of the Langley Mill Engineering Wheel
and Waggon Company Limited 3 4 4
The Warpers' Association, Nottingham per Mr. Stevens 3 3 0
Mr. Thomas Moy, Colchester 3 3 0
Mr. Joseph Humble, Staveley 3 3 0
Messrs. C. King and Son, Micheldever Station 3 3 0
Mr. J.C. Hayes and Employees, Clay Cross Station 2 11 2
Offertory, Wingerworth Church 2 10 9
Mr. W. Tilforth and Employees, Traffic Department,
Hasland 2 4 0
Collection, Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Pilsley 2 3 5
Messrs. Bradford and Sons, Eastbourne 2 2 0
Mr. John Unite, Edgeware Road, London 2 2 0

Mr. James Maude, Mansfield 2 2 0
Mr. J.M. Salisbury, Chesterfield 2 0 0
Messrs. R. Margereson and Son, Wingerworth 2 0 0
Rev. H.A. Martin, Laxton, Newark 2 0 0
Miss Robinson, London, per Mr. W.G. Gaiger, Bakewell 2 0 0
Miss Jackson, Promenade, Southport 1 10 0
Workmen of the Scarsdale Brewery Company, Chesterfield 1 10 0
Mr. George Mee and Friends, Clay Cross 1 3 6
Mr. E.B. Clarke, Sheffield 1 1 0
Mr. W.E. Millward, Sheffield 1 1 0
Mr. W. Wilkinson, Norwich 1 1 0
Mr. Langdon, Derby, per Mr. J.A. Gratton 1 1 0
Mr. W. Smith-Milnes, Dunston Hall, per Mr. J. Warner 1 1 0
Mr. Oates, Chesterfield 1 1 0
Mr. John Hancock, Crich 1 1 0
Mr. Isaac Nadin, Tupton 1 1 0
Mr. F.G. Hazzledine, Nottingham, per Mr. J. Robinson 1 1 0
Messrs. Whitmarsh and Co., Sheffield,
per Mr. Jedediah Wood 1 1 0
Messrs. D.H. G. Haggie, Sunderland 1 1 0
Rev. J. Marshall, Cromwell House, Hampstead 1 1 0
Mrs. White, London, per Mr. J.M. Coope 1 0 0
Miss Helen E. Alsop 1 0 0
Mr. Stephen Holmes 1 0 0
Mr. Henry Farnsworth, Clay Cross 1 0 0
Other sums and collecting sheets under £1 10 16 8
Collecting Sheets
From Mr. James Oliver, 99 Fortress Street, London
Messrs. Rickett, Smith and Co. 25 0 0
Messrs. J. and H. Girling 10 10 0
Messrs. Radford and Co. 5 5 0
Messrs. Gorrall and Co. 5 5 0
Messrs. Meger and Co. 6 5 0
Messrs. Charrington, Sells, Dale and Co. 5 5 0
Messrs. Thomas Boam and Co. 3 3 0
Mr. G.H. Addy 3 3 0
Mr. W. Parker 3 3 0
Mr. F.A. Wells 3 3 0
Messrs. Hall and Co. 3 3 0
Messrs. B.M. Tite and Sons 2 2 0
Mr. James Oliver 2 2 0
Mr. A. Pileh 1 1 0
Mr. T. Lockwood 1 1 0
Messrs. J.B. Kershaw and Co. 1 1 0
Messrs. MacPherson 1 1 0
Messrs. Jeayes, Kasner and Co. 1 1 0
Messrs. R. Betts and Son 1 1 0
Sums under £1 2 10 0
Mr. Richardson, Chesterfield

Messrs. Goundry and Gill, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Mr. John Bunting, Chesterfield 2 2 0
Mr. J.A. Clarke, Chesterfield 1 1 0
Mr. J.R. Thompson 1 1 0
Mr. W. Pinder 1 1 0
Mr. W. Smith 1 0 0
A Friend 1 0 0
Sums under £1 5 14 0
Mr. H. Cupit, George Hotel, Alfreton
Mr. W. Wilson, Alfreton 2 0 0
Mr. J.G. Wilson, Alfreton 2 0 0
Rev. J.C.H. Deacon, Alfreton 1 1 0
Sums under £1 9 7 0
Messrs. Parsons and Haslam, Alfreton
Mr. J. Hopkinson, Alfreton 1 0 0
Sums under £1 2 12 6
Mr. James Shields, Rhymney
Sums under £1 3 10 0
Mr. B. Owen, Stonebroom
Rev. J. Hartsone and Friends, Ripley ? 18 9
Sums under £1 0 7 0
Mrs. Hewitt, per Rev. J. Oldham 5 0 0
Offertory, Whitwell Church, per Rev. J. Oldham 8 10 9
Offertory, Stretley Church, per Rev. J. Oldham 1 14 4
Mr. W.J. Marshall, per Rev. J. Oldham 1 1 0
The above does not include the Mansion House Fund.
5713 3 6½
Further subscriptions are earnestly solicited, as the amount received and promised is
totally inadequate to meet the demands that are made on the Committee.
Subscription lists are now lying at Messrs. Crompton and Evans, Union Bank, Limited,
Chesterfield and Derby; at the Sheffield Banking Company, and at the Sheffield Union Bank,
Chesterfield and Sheffield; and their respective Branch Banks; Cheques and Drafts may also be
made payable to
A. Linacre, Honorary Secretary
High Street, Clay Cross, December 21st., 1882.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 27th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 5.
Claim for Wages.
George Gore, a collier, of Clay Cross, sought to recover the sum of £1-4-6d., wages due
to him from another collier, named William Pemble. Defendant did not appear, but claimant
stated that his wife had since paid him the money, and he now applied for costs, 11-0d., which
the magistrates granted. Richard Corbett, another collier, also sought to recover the sum of £1-
12-6d. due to him for wages from the same defendant. An order for the amount claimed was
made, and also the costs 11-0d.

Derbyshire Times.
Wednesday 27th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 5.
Theft of Coal at Bolsover.
Frank Watts, collier, of Bolsover, was summoned by John Minnikin, for stealing a quantity
of coal, the property of the Bathurst Main Colliery, on the 12th. inst. Defendant was seen with
the coal, about 56 lbs., on his head coming from the direction of the colliery. The company did
not wish to press the case, but only wanted to put a stop to the practice which had become
prevalent in the district. Defendant was only ordered to pay the costs 15-0d., but it was hoped
the case would be a caution to him.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 1-2.
The Coal Traffic by Railway to London.
Since the agitation for an advance of miners' wages in October last, and the concessions
made by colliery owners, considerable changes have taken place, that not unlikely may bring the
wages question once more to a foremost place. If the metropolis is taken as a guide, it appears
that there was a marked decrease in the quantity of coal forwarded there in November as
compared with the previous month, while prices have gone down considerably, and the congress
that was to have been arranged for a general limitation of the output of coal has not met at yet.
No doubt during October the merchants made most extensive purchases in anticipation of a
strike and the stoppage of a good many collieries, and were consequently fairly off for stocks in
the early part of November at least, and as consumers did not appear so eager to buy when
things settled down in mining districts there was a considerable decline in the demand. Large
consignments of coal, however, continue to be sent by the various lines of railway, and the result
was that the agents of the colliery owners were obliged in most instances to accept reduced
rates, so as to liberate the wagons, and thus keep the pits going, for the men at some places
have been obliged to stand owing to a want of the latter. In addition to the decline in our leading
home markets there has been a considerable falling off in the quantity of coal exported in
November as compared with the previous month. The price of it was of course increased, and
thus gave an advantage to the German and some other continental owners of coal mines who
compete with us in their own as well as in other markets. The decline in the home as well as in
the foreign markets is a serious matter, and shows what effect even a small advance in the price
of coal has on the trade. Another appeal it is said is likely to be made to the railway companies to
induce them to reduce the rate to the metropolis, and by which the tonnage carried by them
would be considerably increased, as it is, the consumption of coal within the metropolitan area
was considerably less during the last eleven months than it was in the corresponding period of
1881, showing that there is a great difference in the quantity used when it is at what may be
termed a fair price, and when it is high. Of this we have numberless proofs. Amongst them may
be taken the consumption in London in November, 1881, which was 676,573 tons, whilst last
month it was only 606,367 tons, or a falling off of upwards of 70,000 tons, despite the increase
which must have taken place in the population during the 12 months. A reduction of 1-0d. per
ton in the carriage rate to London would be appreciably felt by the coal owners, and also by the
public, seeing that the coal which at the pits even now selling at 8-6d. per ton is charged 24-0d.
per ton when it reaches the cellars of the consumers. Such a reduction would place the collieries
in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in a position to compete with those in the North of England
sending by sea. It would also make it better for those in the West Riding, Lancashire, and Wales.
Greater uniformity is also required in the rates, making all allowances for districts nearest to the
Metropolis, but there is no reason why from one locality the charge should be at the rate of
0.43d. per ton, whilst from another much further from London the rate is 0.50d. per ton per mile.
Such is the case with respect to the Midland field, the lower rate being from the southern portion
of it, and the higher from the northern, the West Riding. But the existing rates have been in force
about ten years, during which great changes have taken place in the coal trade, but the railway
companies remain in the same position as they were. The quantity of coal carried by the Midland,
London and North Western, and some other lines has greatly increased between the periods
named, but the increase would have been much heavier had the companies been a little more
liberal in dealing with those who are amongst the best customers, so that there would have been
a mutual advantage. But now with increased wages to pay the colliery owners in what may be
termed the winter season, find themselves not much better off than what they were in the

summer, when they had to sell their household coal at a price that left little or no profit, whilst
some of them were looking forward to the winter to recoup them for actual losses incurred.
Steam coal during the summer months was not of much benefit to them, seeing that prices were
low, the railway companies having held back from entering into contracts as long as they could in
the hopes of getting better terms than were offered to them in the first instance. Various
proposals may be said have been made to get the steam coal of both Derbyshire and the West
Riding onto the Thames, but as yet without effect; but it is by no means improbable that such
will ultimately be accomplished. as it is, nearly all the coal sent to the metropolitan market by
railway is for household purposes, and the following figures will show the difference in the
quantities sent during the last three months:
Tons. Tons. Tons.
Sept. Oct. Nov.
Midland 199,170 213,327 199,750
London and N.W. 139,464 153,427 147,326
Great Western 80,228 101,536 93,899
Great Northern 86,074 121,699 94,340
Great Eastern 71,121 56,818 63,350
Other Lines 7,907 8,501 7,702
583,967 654,308 606,367
It will be seen that the principal part of the decrease of last month was shared by the
Midland and the Great Northern Railway Companies. Of the decrease of nearly 14,000 tons by
the Midland, nearly 6,000 tons relates to the Clay Cross Companies' pits, whilst less was also sent
from Eckington and Staveley. Langley Mill of late has been making up lost ground, and last
month sent a larger tonnage than usual to London by the Midland as well as by other lines. From
Grassmoor, Blackwell, Pilsley and Tibshelf, a fair quantity was also forwarded during last month.
The London and North Western took a considerable tonnage from the pits in the Aberdare
district, as well as from other parts of South Wales: but singular to say, it took the most from the
Riddings Colliery in Derbyshire, which would be put on to it by the Midland. Indeed it took
upwards of 5,000 tons from the colliery named, being 800 tons more than it carried from the
Wigan Coal and Iron Company's pits. South Wales furnishes the Great Western with most of the
coal that it takes to the metropolis, taking 8,400 tons from Blaina alone in November, and 5,000
tons each from the local Iron Company's pits, and Merthyr Crawshaw. The Great Northern has
both South Yorkshire and Derbyshire from which to obtain traffic, but during the year it has been
paying more attention to the latter which is so much nearer to the metropolis than its old field of
operations, which is now shared in by the Great eastern by means of its running powers to
Doncaster. It will be seen that the Great Northern carried 27,000 tons less in November than it
did in October, but this has certainly not affected the South Yorkshire, as it has done some other
districts, the largest quantity having been taken from Newton, Chambers, and Co., then follows
Birley Silkstone. Of the thick coal peculiar to South Yorkshire the largest quantity of coal was
taken from Thrybergh Hall and Mitchell's Main, each being credited with 2,500 tons. Then follows
Darfield, The Oaks, Monk Bretton, and Carlton Main. Not so much was done with the Silkstone
Collieries in the West Riding last month, the owners not caring to run the risk of selling the coal
on its arrival in London, when they can obtain orders more closely allied to the price list. Taking
the year so far it appears that 197,216 tons less were sent to London than in the eleven months
of last year. However the new year is likely to see some changes, for unless prices are advanced
it is evident that colliery owners will not be in a position to pay the present rate of wages, and
the other charges as they exist at the present time. The trade is in anything but a satisfactory
state, for of late we have had a diminished consumption at home, despite the severity of the
weather, whilst there has been a marked decline in our exports. The tonnage carried by the
various lines of railway for the eleven months of 1881 and 1882 was as follows: -

Tons
Tons
1881 1882
Midland 2,014,769 1,937,354
London and N.W. 1,431,725 1,373,837
Great Western 981,778 955,?62
Great Northern 965,161 940,237
Great Eastern 656,206 639,988
Other Lines 78,360 86,275
6,129,969 5,932,752
Decrease in 1882
197,216 tons.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 4.
Cromford - Lecture on behalf of the Clay Cross Explosion Fund.
On Monday evening a popular lecture was given in the Boy's School, Cromford, by Mr. T.
Walker, manager of the High Peak Railway (L. and N.W.). The subject of the lecture was "Our
Coal, How it is got, and the lives of those who get it", which was handled with great skill, and
showed practical acquaintance with the modus operandi of coal mines and coal mining. The chair
was taken by F.C. Arkwright, J.P., who introduced the lecturer by saying that he (Mr. Arkwright)
had appeared many times on that platform, but on no occasion had he had such a great pleasure
as at the present when they were met together to render aid to the afflicted ones. On the
present occasion they could combine the pleasure, profit, and charity, and he had no doubt they
would be pleasurably entertained by their friend, Mr. Walker. Mr. Walker, who was greeted with
hearty applause, then commenced his able lecture, which was very clearly illustrated throughout
by means of excellent diagrams and charts. In his opening remarks he gave a rapid survey of the
geological facts concerning the formation of globe, leading judiciously to the carboniferous
period, lucidly describing the vegetable origin of the coal. After speaking of the manner in which
the gigantic vegetable growth of primal ages had by subsidence, and otherwise, become
submerged, and after being covered by the silt carried by rivers and currents, had been formed
into the strata of coal which today supplied us with a store of light and heat, and in the matter of
aniline dyes, ever with the colours of the world. The lecturer then spoke of the various coal beds
of Derbyshire, which were shown by diagrams and fully illustrated. The various kinds of coal were
then shown, and explained. In reference to the causes of explosions similar to the terrible one at
Clay Cross, Mr. Walker, having successfully shown how gas was generated in disused workings,
by means of an experiment upon gas collected in a glass jar, the action of three standard safety
lamps, kindly lent for the occasion by the Clay Cross Company. The Davy lamp was shown, also
the "Clanny", and the new Belgian lamp, which extinguishes itself when dangerous gas is
present. The different methods of boring for coal, the sinking of shafts, and mining in general
were explained with clearness and minuteness which showed the lecturer to be practically
acquainted with his subject, the variation of personal reminiscences, and anecdotes of heroic
deeds done by miners on behalf of endangered comrades (which were related with great
pathos), was observed to keep the audience deeply interested to a late hour, and even then the
subject was by no means exhausted. On the termination of the lecture, Mr. Walker was greatly
complimented upon the success attending his maiden effort, which it was hoped would be the
first of a series of similar efforts. A collection was then made towards the relief fund when
upwards of four pounds was collected.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 3 Col. 6.
Liquidations.
John Gilmour, Gavin Anderson, James Wood and Alan Gilmour, trading together as the
Maryport Haematite Company.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 1.
Advert - Wanted.
Wanted an Enginewright to look after the engines and pumps at a small colliery near
Chesterfield. Wages 28s. per week. Application to be made by letter addressed A.B., "Derbyshire
Times" Office, Chesterfield.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 5.
Advert - By Mr. G. Siddall.
New Whittington, Chesterfield.
To Boiler Makers, Engineers, Brokers, and others.
G. Siddall is favoured with instructions from Mr. Sykes (who is leaving the
neighbourhood) to announce that he will sell by auction at the Boiler Works, as above.
On Monday, January 8th., 1883,
The following valuable plant, etc., comprising - 6 horse engine, with boiler and fittings
complete; plate bending machine, punching machine, boiler testing pump, water gauge, taps,
crab, shafting, pulleys, belting, bellows, rivetting hearths, weighing machine, levelling block,
dishing block, anvils and bosses, boiler, plates, about three tons; fan, vice and bench, extra
boiler, 36 feet by 4 feet, grindstone, steel, and a numerous assortment of tools, etc.
Sale at 12 o'clock.
Offices :Dronfield and Chesterfield.
N.B. A House and premises to be sold or let, apply to Mr. Sykes, New Whittington, or to
the auctioneer.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 4 Col. 6.
Clay Cross Colliery Explosion Widow's and Orphans Relief Fund.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges the following Additional Contributions to the
above- named Fund.
£ s d
Amount previously advertised 5713 3 6½
Messrs. J.C. Abbott and Co., and their Birmingham Friends 100 0 0
Messrs. Barber, Walker and Co., Eastwood Colliery, Notts. 100 0 0
Workmen of Eastwood Colliery, Notts. 42 8 10
The Directors of the Staveley Coal and Iron Co., Limited 50 0 0
Workmen of the Staveley Coal and Iron Co., Limited
Foundries, Mechanics, etc 37 14 8
Seymour Colliery 22 10 0
Barlboro' Colliery 11 0 0
Ireland Colliery and Coke Works 10 17 4
Springwell Colliery 7 4 10
Hollingwood Colliery 7 1 10
North Staveley Colliery 5 13 0
Hartington Colliery 5 0 10
107 2 6
Workmen of Messrs. J. and G. Wells, Limited, Eckington
Renishaw Park Colliery 37 15 3
Holbrook Colliery 14 0 11
Hornthorpe Colliery 11 18 2
63 14 4
Messrs. Wilbraham, Bros., Engineers,
2320, Frankfort Ave., Philadelphia, U.S.A. 25 0 0
Messrs. The Tharsis Sulphur and Copper Co., Glasgow 20 0 0
Messrs. the Midland Iron Company, Rotherham 20 0 0
Mr. Jepson Rowley, Sheffield 5 0 0
Mr. Walker, M.D., Chesterfield 3 0 0
Mr. W. Reynolds, Chesterfield 2 3 0
Mr. T.W. Ward, Sheffield 2 2 0
Proceeds of Entertainment at the
Conservative Club, Chesterfield 1 5 9
Mr. J.T. Harrison, Stonebroom 1 1 0
Messrs. J. Wigfull and Sons, Sheffield,
per Mr. John Bunting 1 1 0

Mrs. Bingham, Chesterfield 1 0 0
Collecting Sheets and other sums under £1 5 5 11
Collecting Sheet from Mr. J.B. Fox, Chesterfield 1 11 5
The above list does not include the Mansion House Fund.
6,264 19 3½
Further subscriptions are earnestly solicited, as the amount received and promised is
totally inadequate to meet the demands that are made on the Committee.
Subscription lists are now lying at Messrs. Crompton and Evans, Union Bank, Limited,
Chesterfield and Derby; at the Sheffield Banking Company, and at the Sheffield Union Bank,
Chesterfield and Sheffield; and their respective Branch Banks; Cheques and Drafts may also be
made payable to
A. Linacre, Honorary Secretary.
High Street, Clay Cross December 28th., 1882.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 5.
No Headline.
A paragraph in the daily papers, of local interest, says that "The leading coal-owners of
Lancashire, and many of those in Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and surrounding district, have formed an
association with limited liability, and incorporated it under the Companies Act of 1882, to provide
an exchange or mart, with library and reading room, and other accommodation, which persons
engaged in the coal and other trades more or less identified therewith in Manchester and the
neighbourhood may meet for the transaction of business, and to promote the interests of the
coal and other trades. Temporary arrangements were made for the Coal Exchange three years
ago, and so much encouragement has been met with, that a permanent exchange is now
completed. The association has obtained a special licence from the Board of Trade to omit the
word "Limited" from its title. The first committee is representative of the various districts
concerned". I had always though the chief coal exchange for Derbyshire men was in London,
judging by the large number of colliery owners and agents who go to London every Monday by
the morning express. But no doubt some of them take Manchester as well.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 6.
No Headline.
I observe that the London Echo copied your last weeks article on the need of further help
for the Clay Cross widows and orphans. I hope it may help to swell the Mansion House Fund.
Among the movements in aid of the Fund, I see that a concert is to be given at Chatsworth
House on New Years Day, under the patronage of the Cavendish family, the Duke of Rutland,
and the local gentry.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 7.
Clay Cross Miners and the Safety Lamp Question.
On Thursday evening a meeting of the men employed at the Clay Cross Company's pits,
was held at the Angel Hotel, Clay Cross, to consider the report of the deputation which had been
appointed to wait upon the employers in reference to the use of safety lamps in the pits. Mr. J.
Haslam said that the deputation which met the masters that morning was composed of two men
from each pit, and Mr. Jackson and Mr. Croudace were the representatives of the employers who
met them. The request of the men was for 3d. per ton advance, on account of the use of lamps.
The seam which they had to work was a very dirty one, and the use of the lamps greatly
increased the difficulties of working it. The deputation explained that the use of safety lamps
would mean to the men a greater loss than 3d. per ton. The employers considered that the using
of lamps increased their working expenses, which, of course, it did, as they found the men with
oil, whilst previously the men supplied their own candles. Mr. Jackson said that he could not give
anything at present owing to the depressed state of trade. He did not directly dispute the
argument of the men, but he made remarks to the effect that as much coal could be got with a
lamp as with a candle. Incidentally, the wages question was mentioned, and Mr. Jackson
intimated that it might become necessary to withdraw the advance recently granted. The
following resolutions were carried by the meeting: "That in the future reporters be admitted to all
meetings". "That we, the employees of the Clay Cross Company. most earnestly protest against
the principle of accepting lamps without remuneration; and, furthermore, that we are determined
to use all legitimate means to secure remuneration". "That we, as a meeting, cannot recognise
the right of the disadvantage accruing from the use of the lamps falling solely upon the
workmen, as the wages of the miners are so small that they are thoroughly unable to stand it".

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 6 Col. 6.
No Headline.
As the cage was descending one of the pits of the Cannock Chase Colliery on Saturday
morning, with three men, the wire rope broke. The cage in falling broke through 9 inch boarding
which covered a well several yards deep. The ???? being sufficiently emptied in the afternoon,
the bodies were recovered, so misshapen that every bone appeared to be crushed. One of the
men leaves 6 children, and another was married on the previous Monday.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 8 Col. 2.
No Headline.
The failure is announced of Messrs. Gilmour, Anderson, Wood and Gilmour, trading as
iron-smelters, colliery owner and iron ore merchants at Maryport, and elsewhere in the county of
Cumberland, and at Ayr, Scotland, under the title of the Maryport Haematite Iron Company. The
debtors, who have filed a petition for liquidation, return their liabilities at about £282,000.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 5 Col. 6.
Clay Cross Colliery Disaster.
We understand that Messrs. Wilbraham, Brothers, engineers, of Philadelphia, U.S.A.,
have sent a donation of £25 to the Fund being raised in aid of the sufferers by this disaster. It is
most gratifying to find that Messrs. Wilbraham, Brothers, have thus shown their sympathy with
their native town. It may be mentioned that the parents and part of the family left Clay Cross in
1842, and the others have followed since. Their success in America has been due to their
persevering exertions, and now they are placed in opulence it is pleasing to know that they have
not overlooked the distress this calamity has caused in the land of their birth.

Derbyshire Times.
Saturday 30th. December 1882.
Page 1 Col. 3. (Third Edition).
The Removal of Dronfield Steel Works.
The continuance of the steel works at Dronfield beyond the period when it is believed
they will be removed has had the effect of causing many persons to believe they might be
permitted to remain at Dronfield, and reports have been circulated from time to time, not only of
the probability of them not being taken away from the town, but also their extension. The wish
has in this case no doubt been the father to the thought. On Wednesday morning the first
ominous evidence of the beginning of the end of the steel-works was afforded the inhabitants by
the dismantling of the large shed which was occupied by a steam hammer, and is said to be of
the same width and in other respects similar to the shed now occupied by the machinery at the
rail-mill. This shed will. it is said, be removed to Workington, where it will be put up in readiness
to receive the machinery now at work. It is believed that the removal of the shed and its being
put up again at Workington will be accomplished by the end of January next, at which time or
shortly after, the works will be set down for the removal of the machinery with such other
matters as are required for the new works, and it is understood that the end of March will be the
end of the exodus of this important hive of industry from Dronfield. It is a matter of deepest
regret to the old inhabitants of the town that the exodus of the works will not include the
proportion of the money borrowed for public purposes caused by the steel works being brought
to Dronfield, which for many years to come will have a crushing effect upon its property, ruining
many small property owners, and greatly reducing the incomes of the more wealthy. It has been
reported that the new Dronfield Silkstone Coal Company have been in treaty with the proprietors
of the steel works for the purchase of the coal underlying the site of the works. Next to the
removal of the works from the town this is the most serious matter to the inhabitants, as the
taking out of the coal will also take away the possibility of the ground being occupied by works
either of a similar character or indeed of any kind, although it has been declared by the most
competent judges to be one of the best sites for works for some of the branches of the Sheffield
trade with many miles of the town. It is hoped that the proprietors of the works will at least
exercise such an amount of consideration for the town as will save its burdened inhabitants the
hope and chances of some other works at some future time taking the place of it's greatly to be
regretted moved ones.