Leeds news on today's date (Oct 7) in 1872 and 1873.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Sun 07 Oct, 2012 11:47 am

The following are from John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire':-October 7 1872. "A dreadful explosion, by which 34 persons were killed, and a many, more or less injured, occurred at the Morley Main Colliery, belonging to Messrs. W. Ackroyd Brothers. The pit in which the accident took place was called the "Deep Pit," and was one of three where about 500 men and boys were employed. About 150 descended the pit this morning, and there were between 50 and 60 men, and lads engaged in that part of the workings where the explosion occurred...". The news item named those killed and had other information.October 7 1873. "At a meeting of milkmen held in Leeds, it was resolved to raise the wholesale price of milk, to 1s. per gallon, and the retail price to 1s. 4d."For those too young to know (or remember) 1s (one shilling) is equal to 5p and a British gallon is about 4.55 litres (a U.S. gallon is apparently only about 3.79 litres).

somme1916 · Post by **somme1916** » Sun 07 Oct, 2012 1:33 pm

Leodian wrote: The following are from John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire':-October 7 1872. "A dreadful explosion, by which 34 persons were killed, and a many, more or less injured, occurred at the Morley Main Colliery, belonging to Messrs. W. Ackroyd Brothers. The pit in which the accident took place was called the "Deep Pit," and was one of three where about 500 men and boys were employed. About 150 descended the pit this morning, and there were between 50 and 60 men, and lads engaged in that part of the workings where the explosion occurred...". The news item named those killed and had other information. The Morley pit disaster always captivated me Leo and I spent a lot of time reading all the news up from microfiche in Morley library which contains many newspaper reports of the accident and subsequent inquests and investigation.Generally,the blame was never pinned on one individual but several cases of working practises and shortcomings.As a result,safety was much improved throughout the district and many mining companies started to have their own mines inspectors.The industry was still very fragmented though with many different individuals and companies owning one or several concerns.Smoking was not allowed underground but was not uncommon.In this case matches and pipes were found near the scene after the explosion whilst it was inconclusive that this is what caused the disaster.Incorrect use of safety lamps was also a possibility.For anyone who is interested,there is an excellent little book entitled "Coal Mining in Morley" by Jim Thorpe,published June 2009 by The Northern Mine Research Society,Nelson,Lancashire.ISBN 13:978-0-901450-65-4 and of course the records in the local library.Thanks to Leo for the timely reminder.

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Sun 07 Oct, 2012 1:56 pm

Leodian wrote: The following are from John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire':-October 7 1873. "At a meeting of milkmen held in Leeds, it was resolved to raise the wholesale price of milk, to 1s. per gallon, and the retail price to 1s. 4d."For those too young to know (or remember) 1s (one shilling) is equal to 5p and a British gallon is about 4.55 litres (a U.S. gallon is apparently only about 3.79 litres). A story that has been repeated recently, with Arla one of the main protagonists. Some things never change, eh?

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Sun 07 Oct, 2012 7:50 pm

Thanks somme1916. The full item in the Annals named the 24 'Men' and 10 'Youths' that were killed. It is a very sad event.Hi raveydavey. Yes the news does have a similarity to that today with such as Arla. As you say, some things never change.

somme1916 · Post by **somme1916** » Sun 07 Oct, 2012 8:30 pm

Leodian wrote: Thanks somme1916. The full item in the Annals named the 24 'Men' and 10 'Youths' that were killed. It is a very sad event.Hi raveydavey. Yes the news does have a similarity to that today with such as Arla. As you say, some things never change. Cheers leo....yes,youngest was only a lad...14.Keep up the posts....interesting stuff.