Sheffield Independent April 8, 1937

Timbering Urged

A suggestion by Mr T Cook, Inspector of Mines, that after the holiday special attention should be given to timbering at the coalface, was approved by Mr T.W. Illsley, Houghton Main branch of the YMCA at an inquest at Darfield yesterday on Sidney Richardson (22), Packer, 51, Westfield Crescent, Thurnscoe.

Richardson was killed by a fall of roof in the Beamshaw seam at Houghton Main Colliery, on Monday.

William Henry Mickelson, a deputy, agreed that there was a tendency for a face to “settle” during a holiday. He thought Richardson must have disturbed something while moving a stone. When he examined the place earlier he considered it safe.

The Coroner (Mr C J Haworth) endorsed the suggestion, and said that the place appeared to have been timbered in accordance with regulations.

A verdict of “Death by misadventure” was returned

Mr Illsley paid tribute to Richardson as a “fine young man pitman.”