Newspaper Transcription MM19

1923, 6th November

WALTER DOUGLAS NIVEN

FATALITY AT KIRKCONNEL PIT.

Yesterday forenoon a distressing accident, which ended fatally, occurred in the Bankhead section of No. 3 Fauldhead Colliery, Kirkconnel. The unfortunate man was Walter Niven, shot-firer, who resides at New Buildings, Main Street. He was employed as shot-firer in this particular section, and he was in the act of preparing a shot for blasting coal when a stone came away from the roof and fell on top of him, crashing him to the pavement. Willing assistance was given by the miners employed in the vicinity of the accident, and he was conveyed to the surface with all possible care and speed. On examination by Dr T. Bowman Edgar it was found that his injuries were of a serious character, his pelvis being fractured. He was conveyed to Dumfries Royal Infirmary by the colliery motor ambulance, Dr Edgar accompanying him. Niven passed away shortly after being admitted to the Infirmary.
Deceased was a capable workman, was of a quiet and unassuming disposition, and was highly respected. He was well known in bowling circles, being a noted exponent on the green and on the carpet. He was 52 years of age, was unmarried, and had resided in Kirkconnel for upwards of 12 years, having come with other members of his family from the Douglas district of Lanarkshire. His remains were brought back to Kirkconnel yesterday afternoon, and the funeral will take place to-morrow (Thursday) to Kirkconnel Cemetery.

Dumfries & Galloway Standard 11/07/1923 / W / 4 / E - MM19