Newspaper Transcription MM71

1923, 4th August

NEIL CAIRNS

FATAL COLLIERY ACCIDENT.

KIRKCONNEL MINER KILLED.

A distressing accident, which resulted in the death of a miner, occurred in the Tower Mine, Kirkconnel, during the early hours of Saturday morning. The unfortunate man was Neil Cairns, who was, 35 years of age, and resided at No. 1 Kelloholm. He was working on the night shift, and was employed as a gummer with one of the coal-cutting machines. The machine was operating and had passed a roadhead when deceased went to bring some timber. As he was returning a large stone weighing over two tons slipped from his side, and crushed him to the ground.
Deceased was a steady workman, and was held in the highest esteem in the district. Of a quiet and obliging nature, he was much thought of both by his employers and his fellow-workers. The tragic occurrence coming at an early hour in the morning created considerable anxiety in the district, and the men on the day shift on learning of the fatality refrained from going to work, and wended their way back home.
Deceased leaves a widow and one child, to whom the sympathy of the community is extended in their sad and sudden bereavement.

Dumfries & Galloway Standard 08/08/1923 / W / 4 / B - MM71

KIRKCONNEL MINER'S DEATH

SHERIFF’S INQUIRY AT DUMFRIES

Sheriff Campion and a jury conducted an inquiry in the Sheriff Court House, Dumfries, on Monday, into the circumstances attending the death of Neil McCairns, miner, 1 Kelloholm, Kirkconnel, which occurred as a result of an accident in the Tower Mine, Kirkconnel on Saturday, 4th August. The following jury was empanelled: Robert John J. Sloan, Skivo, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries. Mrs John Ann Gordon, Glenae, Amisfield; Mrs Martha Adam, 2 Leafield Gardens, Dumfries; James Thomson, 7 Wellwood Place, Dumfries; Miss Ella K. McIntosh, Thorndean, Lockerbie Road, Dumfries; Charles McDonald, 62 Cardoness Street, Dumfries; and Thomas Young, 16 Carnegie Street, Dumfries.
The inquiry was conducted by Mr R. Y. Mackay, procurator-fiscal, and there were also present Mr Borland, Ayrshire Coal Owners' Association, and Major Hudspeth, inspector of mines.
Tho evidence was to the effect that about half-past three in the morning of Saturday, 4th August, deceased was engaged in the Clydewell section of No. 2 road, where the coal was being cut by a coal cutting machine, putting up props to support the roof. A stone weighing approximately two tons fell from the roof on to deceased killing him instantaneously, death being clue to shock, following rupture of the bladder and rectum and other internal injuries, and probably fracture of the spine.
The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

Dumfries & Galloway Standard 08/08/1923 / W / 4 / B - MM71