| 1939,
20th May
JAMES HUNTER
COLLIERY FATALITY
Man Killed At Gateside Pit
Gateside Pit, Sanquhar, was the scene of a distressing fatality on
Saturday, the victim being a young miner, James Hunter, aged 31 years,
who resided at Howie’s Road. The unfortunate man was a practical
miner, and came of a well-known Sanquhar family of colliers, several
generations of his forbears having been employed in the Sanquhar pits.
Hunter was working in the Burnfoot section of the pit and was just
finishing his shift for the day when the accident occurred. His mate,
William Thomas, had gone to the lye with the last hutch, and Hunter
remained behind to put up some props at the coal face. When he was
doing so a stone fell from the roof and knocked him to the ground.
He sustained a fractured spine and death was practically instantaneous.
He was discovered by his mate, who returned to the “face”
to see what was detaining him. The alarm was raised and workmen in
the section rushed to the place, but he was beyond human aid.
Deceased was well-known and greatly esteemed. He was one of the leading
lights in the Sanquhar Dramatic Society and was a good singer. He
was married but leaves no family. The sympathy of the entire neighbourhood
is extended to his widow in her tragic bereavement.
In accordance with custom the men employed at Gateside Pit remained
idle on Monday as a token of respect to their late fellow workman.
Dumfries & Galloway Standard 24/05/1939 / W / 6 / D -
MM79
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