Mexborough and Swinton Times October 26, 1912
Cruelty to a Pit Pony.
A charge of cruelty to a horse belonging to the Hickleton Main Colliery Company was preferred against John Mills (19), a pony driver, living at Bolton-on-Dearne.
Mr Baddiley, prosecuting, said that the prisoner should have appeared on August 31st two, in answer to a summons, but as he failed to be present a warrant was issued. The charge was one of cruelty to a pony, but the case, in itself, was not such a bad one us some which were sometimes brought before the magistrates.
Shortly, the facts were that the lad was at the top of a “jinny” with a train of empty tubs, to which were attached three tubs full of dirt. Another train, which was loaded, was in the vicinity and they came into each other, with the result that one of the tube was thrown off. He was told by the corporal to back the pony, and while doing this he gave the animal a kick on the belly. The corporal spoke to him, but in return he only swore, causing the corporal to smack his face. After this the lad left the pony altogether.
The colliery company brought the case because it was the only way to stamp out the nuisance. Emma Adsetts bore this statement out.
The prisoner had nothing to say and was ordered to pay 30s. inclusive, or 21 days.