DEATH OF ANDREW DISNEY 1929

( Derby Mercury? or Ilkeston Pioneer? 1st February 1929)

STANLEY PIT FATALITY

DYING MAN'S LAST REQUEST

 The jury sitting with the Coroner (Mr A. N. Whiston) at the White Hart, West Hallam, on Wednesday, at an inquest on Andrew Disney (25), a single man of 24 Station Road, West Hallam, who was fatally injured in the Stanley Pit of the Mapperley Colliery Company the previous day and succumbed on reaching the surface, returned a verdict of "Accidental death" but there was no evidence to show how the accident occurred.

 The youth's father, Thomas Disney, said his son was in good health and his sight and hearing were good.

  Disney, the younger, was found by a fellow ganger, Walter Straw, of 14 Milton Road, Ilkeston, who heard moaning and found him lying full length pinned between a tram and the side of the road. The front end of the tram was derailed and the pony stood nearby. The pony, said witness, had been "a bit fast" just lately. Deceased's lamp was underneath the tram. He (deceased) was extricated and repeated several times "I can't get my breath."

 Maurice Eyre, under-manager, said the deceased had worked for the company practically all his life and was regarded as a very good workman. He (witness) had made a thorough examination of the place but without being able definitely to satisfy himself how the accident occurred. Artificial respiration was tried on reaching the surface for 40 minutes without success.

 Dr Archibald Crawford Adams expressed the opinion that Disney died from shock and serious internal injuries. The injuries were consistent with his being crushed between the wall and the tram as described.

 The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives in which Mr F. M. Brown (manager) and Mr Roland Price (representing the National Association of Colliery Deputies) joined. The latter said it would afford some consolation to the relatives to know that everything possible was done to save the life of the deceased.

  Mr Eyre mentioned as typical of the character of the deceased that on the way out of the pit he thrice asked "Will you please give me a drink of water?" In his sufferings he said "please."

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