Leeds Mercury – Wednesday 01 March 1939

Theft Explosives

Mine Manager’s Kind Action

Bernard E. Hays, miner, Washington Road, Goldthorpe, was fined £5 at Doncaster to-day for stealing quantity of gunpowder, the property of the Highgate Colliery Company, being in unlawful possession of high explosive, and storing high explosive without a police certificate.

Hays said he took the explosive to kill weeds and grubs. Supt. Gordon said there was nothing of a political nature in the case. The Chairman (Mr. F. Ogley) said he did not believe Hay’s story that he took the explosive to kill weeds.

Mr. J. Rhodes, manager of the colliery, said he dismissed Hays because he admitted he took the explosive home.

Mr. E. W. Pettifer (magistrates’ clerk); If the Bench take a certain course would you be prepared to set him on again?—lf the magistrates wish it I will.

When the Chairman had announced the Bench’s decision, Mr. Pettifer told Hays, You have got off very lightly, and the first thing you should do is to thank the manager for offering to give you your job back.”

Hays: I thank him from the bottom of my heart