Evidence at the Blantyre Pit Disaster Inquiry was given by local man John Watson in November 1877. This insight shows what a hard life John must have had and how as a survivor, may have been down to a lucky, simple request to work in a different part of the pit beforehand. Questioned by Mr Strachan, John told the inquiry:
“I am a miner, residing at Maxwell’s Land, High Blantyre and am 59 years old. I have worked in pits for 50 years (since aged 9) including pits where there was firedamp, but have acted myself as fireman. About 3 months ago, I went to work in No 2 pit, Blantyre. I worked a fortnight in Moore’s dook. There was no gas. The coal being too hard for an old man, I asked for a softer place; I went to Clyde’s door. My place was about 50 fathoms down the dook. “
“On one occasion, I fired a shot there which did not bring the coal down. On my returning, the gas fired on me. I put my lamp down and worked the coal without powder. Next morning bratticing was put in. I was then sent to get air through another place. I knew Moses Larkin in the pit. He put in the bratticing. He is dead. About a fortnight or 3 weeks before the blast, he came to me and said that about 15 men had gone home on account of gas at the stoops. Two men from another place were discharged for going out with the stoopers. I left the pit on the Friday before the explosion.”
“When the stoopers went out, Larkin told me there was enough gas to blow the whirlies off the pit head, I filled my hutch and left. I knew two men named Dobbie. Their place fell and a little gas came. They left, being afraid of the coal falling on them. They used to take me to see their place and give my advice.”
Turning to Mr Dickinson, “After hearing of the gas at the stooping and going out of the pit, I returned next day. The men had then gone back to the stoopings, and I thought if it were safe for them it was safe for me.”
