Prevention of Accidents Ubberley 1851 In response to the Ubberley Pit Explosion 1851
Meeting in Hanley: The melancholy accident at Ubberley colliery on the 25th August 1851influenced some parties to present a requisition to Joseph Cleminson Esq., chief bailiff of Hanley, to call a public meeting. The requisition, signed by the jurymen on the late inquest and a number of others, inhabitants of the township of Hanley and Shelton, called upon the Chief Bailiff “to convene a public meeting, to consider the conduct of Her Majesty’s Government in reference to that enquiry and to adopt a memorial to Her Majesty praying that she will rigidly impose the provisions of the Act 13 and 14 Vic., on all future occasions and also appoint a resident Inspector of Mines for the County of Stafford” In compliance with that requisition a meeting was called and held on Thursday evening last, in the Town Hall Hanley. At seven o’ clock, the hour appointed for holding the meeting, about 40 people only were in attendance, but before the proceedings had terminated the body of the hall was filled. The parties composing the meeting were, with very few exceptions were miners, colliers, and other labouring men, John Ridgway Esq., proprietor of the Ubberley colliery was present, and, it will be observed took part in the proceedings.
The CHIEF BAILIFF having taking the chair explained the circumstances under which the meeting had been called, and read the requisition which had been presented to him. He also said he was unacquainted with the law as respected the duty of Government Inspectors, but he was thoroughly satisfied in his own mind that every means which human prudence, skill, and foresight could dictate, should be put in operation for the preservation of human life and the proper ventilation of mines. When everything had been done in this respect, those engaged in mining operations were exposed to many dangers of which those unacquainted with mines knew little about; and it therefore became the especial duty of all who had to do with mines, proprietors, agents or butties to take care that the mines were rendered as safe as possible. In making these remarks he would not have it supposed that he attached blame to anyone connected to the late accident; or any other accident; but he was simply actuated by a desire to see every precaution used for the preservation of the lives of their fellow men.
Mr. HOMER, a working man, who came forward and moved the resolution, to the effect that the spirit of the Act of Parliament relative to the inspection of coal mines “had been disregarded by the appointment of only 4 Inspectors for the whole Kingdom, a number quite inadequate to properly discharge the duties required by the Act”. He said that in his opinion 4 Inspectors were quite insufficient for the Kingdom. It would take that number 6 years to go round the mining districts.
Mr. CHARLES KELSON, a working collier, seconded the resolution, remarking that if there were more Inspectors there would be fewer accidents in mines. If the mines were properly inspected, the air holes would be kept in better condition and they would not see, not big enough for a cat to go where a little horse ought not to be able to travel. That was one reason why so many accidents happen and especially in Staffordshire, but not just in the Potteries, but also in the south of the county. He new instances in which the mines were so badly ventilated that men could scarcely take their breath for the impure gases. It was necessary that the Inspectors to see there was proper air holes. He verily believed that with proper ventilation in mines, the colliers would live much longer. If men asked why proper air holes were not made, the reply was that the expense was so great. This was a common phrase, especially with some masters; but while they saved their pockets they cared nothing about saving men’s lives. The speaker, after some further remarks said he had to be at work at ten o’ clock and concluded by seconding the resolution.
J. RIDGWAY Esq., said, before the resolution was put; he wished to make a few observations. He had little to say respecting the resolution, except with their general tenor he agreed; but as they dated that meeting from the recent accident at his colliery, it was only natural that he should give some explanation in reference thereto. He came to that meeting under feelings very different from those with which he generally attended public assemblies, but it was not his custom to shrink from the discharge of his duty, he would not do then, painful as that duty was. He was a potter by trade as was well known, but he took to the colliery in order that the manufacturers might be supplied with a good article, which otherwise they were likely be without; and he was thankful that so far he had been of use to the trade. It had been his wish to treat his men with every consideration, and to provide for their safety in every possible way, as he attached as much importance to tier lives as he did to his own. To attain this object, application had been made, regardless of expense or trouble, to skilful, scientific men, and it had been his orders to his butties to give him information respecting the state of the workings and air holes weekly. It had also been his order, that where risk was to be run, the butty should run that risk, it was his duty to examine the pit and report upon it, before any of the workmen went down. These had been his directions, and he was there to declare it to the public at large. These acts came out in evidence before the coroner but he had heard that some of the witnesses were tutored what to say. He should be ashamed to tamper with a man’s oath and would not like the responsibility of answering for it before God. Mr Ridgeway then related the circumstances connected with the fatal accident, and remarked on the imprudence of the men going down the pit with lighted candles. Who, he asked, could prevent men acting so rashly? An excellent servant of his acted most imprudently, but he would say nothing of the dead as he was not able to defend himself. Whether the accident was occasioned by the breaking of the lamp or through the lighted candles taken into the pit, it was not for him to say, that must ever remain a mystery as those who only knew it had perished. It was the most distressing thing he had ever experienced
When taking his breakfast on the Monday morning, he heard of the accident and almost fell out of his chair. The state of the pit was reported on Friday as usual. The men were down on Saturday and the fire lamps were burning on the Sunday and on Monday. This being the case, it was impossible to say from what cause the accident happened. As they might suppose he had felt much, and should continue to feel deeply as long as he lived about the accident. He had wished he was not a collier and he knew not whether to be so long, as he had almost made up his mind to retire from a business which involved so much danger to human life. He had been a collier for 25 years and this, he thanked God, was the first accident that had happened in his pits and he earnestly prayed it might be the last. In saying thus he was actuated by a desire to stand well with his fellow men, and not because he believed the parties calling that meeting cast any imputations upon him.
Mr. Ridgway then intimated that his warmest sympathy was with the newly made widows and the fatherless, and next explained the reason of the none attendance of Mr. Dickinson, the Government Inspector, at the inquest. The day following that of which the inquest was held and at the very time he was in the act of writing to Sir George Grey about the Inspectors absence, Mr Dickinson called upon him and expressed his regrets that he was not present at the inquest, at the same time manifesting surprise that the inquiry had not been adjourned. It seemed that there had been 8 colliery accidents within the last 2 or 3 months at Bristol and Mr. Dickinson who was doing double duty, (one of the Inspectors having suddenly retired) had been engaged in making inquiries in that district, and was at Bristol when he received information, of the accident at Ubberley and as the communication was in the first case sent to London, Mr Dickinson attended as soon as he well could. The day after his arrival, added Mr. Ridgeway, the Inspector went down into the pit and made a though examination, being in the pit 6 hours. When he saw Mr. Dickinson again he asked him what fault he had to find with the pit, or what improvements he could point out. In reply Mr. Dickinson said he had no fault to fined with the colliery, as it was in good order, but he could point out an improvement by which more air could be given. He (Mr. Ridgeway) said it should be done, but his butty objected it would be too much expense; He however said, “Never mind the cost- cost what it may, it shall be done”. He had given his word and the improvement should be made.
He next submitted that the Inspector was not to blame, and suggested that the clause of the resolution attaching blame to the Government should be omitted, remarking that they had with great difficulty past the measure. Having inserted he thin edge of the wedge, it should be easy for them to it home, especially when it is backed by the memorials such as they were about to present. He was an advocate for the fullest inspection of mines, and he would not have simply a formal visitation, but he would like Inspectors to take them unawares, in the rough as it was called and see what the real state of the mines was He also though that a resident Inspector be appointed for this county. He would have every precaution taken that could possibly be adopted, but when this was done it became the men themselves to show a regard for their own lives, and not contrary to orders, rush recklessly into danger. All the precaution taken by others would be of little avail if the men would not take care of themselves. In conclusion, Mr Ridgway said he was determined to have a regular Inspector for his own mines, and he would pay him himself. He hoped to do better in future and by adopting the methods, science, skill and experience pointed out, he trusted that the mines would become as safe as the sea had been made and the railroads along which they travelled.
The CHIEF BAILIFF said he wished to observe that when the requisitionists called upon him, they made no complain against Mr. Ridgeway.
Mr. MERRIMAN Said that meeting was nor responsible for the rumours affecting Mr. Ridgeway. He added that no new Act would be necessary for the object they contemplated, power being given for the appointment of any number of Inspectors.
The Rev. Mr. FISHER thought that the resolution might be modified to meet the object of Mr. Ridgeway without affecting the principle of it.
Mr. MATTHEW PARKS a working collier, as one interested in calling the meeting said that the meeting was not held because the accident happened at Mr. Ridgeway’s colliery; the meeting would have been held at any other colliery. As a collier himself he new the necessity for adequate ventilation of mines, and sufficient air holes ought to be made, regardless of expense. A two foot air hole was insufficient, it ought to be a yard and a quarter, but in some instances with which he were acquainted, the air holes were not even two feet, a man could scarcely get along them when lying his length. If there were a sufficient number of Inspectors and a proper inspection of mines, the defect would be remedied.
Mr. MAYER a working collier said that he was given to understand that the air holes at Ubberley colliery were insufficient.
Mr. RIDGEWAY said he respected the honest opinion of every man; but in position to the statement of the last speaker, who had not worked at Ubberley, he would put the evidence to Enoch Mountford, who had been employed at the colliery for 25 years and he stated that the air holes were sufficient and were kept in good order.
The CHIEF BAILIFF remarked that upon most things a difference of opinions would exist between parties. He thought the statement of Mr. Ridgeway, that he would do all he could to provide for the proper ventilation and the safe working of the pit, must be very satisfaction to the meeting. With respect to some of the remarks made by some parties about the Ubberley colliery, that meeting was not responsible for them.
The resolution was then amended to the effect that the provisions of the Act could not be properly carried out until a larger number of Inspectors were appointed, as that number was quite inadequate to discharge the duties imposed by the Act. The resolution, in this modified form was carried unanimously. He then advised the colliers to exercise more discretion when descending the pits to their work, especially on the Monday morning and after the pits had ceased to be worked for a time.
The Rev. Mr. FISHER rose and observed he was very much pleased with the satisfactory manner in which the proceedings of that meeting had been so far conducted. The observations made by Mr. Ridgeway were highly gratifying to him, and he was sure it must be to them. They did credit both to the head and the heart. The Rev. Gentleman the move a resolution to the effect that “the meeting expressed disappointment and regret that no Inspector or other scientific person was present at the inquest to aid the jury in their deliberations and considered the verdict unsatisfactory in consequence all together unsatisfactory.”
Mr. Heath seconded the resolution
Mr. RIDGEWAY said he must express his descent to the resolution as it stood, as it called into question the verdict of the jury, thereby intimating that the coroner and the parties composing the jury had not done their duty. To impose the verdict would be totally unfair and un-English. He was surprised that individuals who were themselves on the jury should thus be a party to stultify their own proceedings. He was sure that everyone who read the evidence must be of opinion that the jury gave evidence in accordance with that evidence.
The Rev. Mr. FISHER said that the resolution was not intended to bare that interpretation. It was simply meant to express regret, at the absent of the Inspector or other scientific person from the inquest. He would suggest the word relating to the verdict be omitted.
Mr. RIDGEWAY said if that were done the resolution would have his concurrence. Some explanations were entered into, respecting the inquest, from which it appeared that the jury expressed their regret that the Government Inspector was not present. Mr. Ridgeway offered to bring any further witnesses that might be required, but no request was made for any additional witnesses.
Mr. MAYER said it was reported that the attendance of two parties were proposed as witnesses was refused; but
Mr. BARKER foreman of the jury said, nothing of the kind took place, no one was refused, who wished to come. After hearing the evidence which they considered satisfactory, the jury gave a verdict of accidental death. A message was sent out of doors requesting if anyone who had information to gave to attend before the jury and give it. Ultimately the resolution was modified omitting all references to the verdict with a clause added, that “the meeting expressed a hope that upon future occasions the inquests would be adjourned to allow the attendance of an Inspector.” The resolution was carried unanimously.