Barnsley Chronicle, etc. – Saturday 12 January 1907

A Defaulting Workman

John William Shaw, miner, Thurnscoe. was summoned under the Employers and Workmen Act for haring unlawfully absented himself trom work at the Rockingham Colliery, and his former employers, Messrs. Newton. Chambers, and Co., Limited, now claimed damages from him.

Defendant admitted the offence.

Mr. Rideal, who prosecuted, said defendant worked the colliery until the November, 1906, and the next day sent the following note to the manager; Please, air, I cannot attend my work to-day, as l am ill.”

His place was kept open for him, but it was afterwards found that at the time he was supposed to have been ill was working the Hickleton Colliery, where he is still employed.

John Taylor, under-manager, said that on the 13 October, 1903, defendant signed the rules, which stated, amongst other things, that 14 days’ notice should be given and taken by either aid.

Mr. Wardell (manager) said he found out about Christmas that defendant’s statement respecting his illness was untrue. Someone else had to put defendant’s place, and the claim for 2s. per day was only a nominal amount.

Defendant said he could not earn enough to keep himself and his family, so was forced to shift. It would not have done to have served 14 days’ notice and run the risk of being out of work.

The Bench ordered defendant to pay £1 10s compensation and the costs of the case.