Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 21 May 1921

Controversy at Goldthorpe

Y.M.A.  Officials Prevent Trouble

There was some likelihood of disturbance at Goldthorpe last week and, in connection with pumping at the Goldthorpe Colliery.

The surface stocks of coal are been exhausted, and to keep steam up some coal was raised from the pit bottom. Later, supplies were obtained from a neighbouring colliery at Barnburgh.

Some local miners, of the extremist type, heard of this and raised an objection, calling a meeting to “demand the withdrawal of every man from the Goldthorpe Colliery.”

As is well-known, this colliery would flood in 48 hours if the pumps were left.

Further, pickets were put out the idea of stopping the safety men from continuing at work. As a result police were sent into the district to protect these men.

On Monday Mr Sam Robert and Mr John Potts came down from Barnsley and advise the miners not to interfere, pointed out that it was necessary to keep the pit supply with call for the purpose of pump in the workings.

This advice was quietly accepted, the pickets were withdrawn, and so also were the police.