Colliery Slackers Prosecuted, 30th June 1917

Five local miners appeared before the magistrates at the Shire Hall on 30th June 1917 charged with absenteeism. Hucknall’s William Williamson’s poor record cost him £4 10s.

“COLLIER SLACKERS.

“Five More Notts. Men to Pay Damages and Costs.

“DISORGANISING THE PITS.

“Five more Notts. colliers were ordered to pay damages and costs at the Nottingham Shire Hall today for absenteeism [30th June 1917].

“The Digby Colliery Company claimed £6 from William Miller, aged 19, of Kimberley, and £7 15s. from Reuben Rook, of Basford. Mr. F. Berryman (for the company) said that in six weeks (from February 27th to April 3rd) Miller made only one full week, and lost two and three shifts a week during the remainder of the period. Rook was absent altogether one week, had rarely made a full week, and had lost 16 out of 48 shift, whilst Miller had lost 12 out of 26 shifts. The chairman (Mr. T. L. F. Edge) pointed out that on account of the importance of their work miners were exempt from military services, and it was due to them to do their work as willingly as the men in the trenches. The claims would be allowed, with costs.

“The Sherwood Colliery Company claimed £4 from Arthur Jackson (21), £3 10s. from Ernest Wright (23), and £4 10s. from William Williamson (45), all of Hucknall. Mr. R. A. Young, in prosecuting, said that absenteeism disorganised the routine of the pit, and prevented the willing workmen from doing their work to the best advantage. Williamson had lost 82 shifts (an average of 16 a month), Jackson 29 and Wright 33. In again allowing the claims with costs, Mr. Edge remarked: “I only wish I could make you join the Army straight away. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves”.”

‘The Nottingham Evening News’, 30th June 1917.