Preece Family Tree

DOUBLE FATALITY.

INQUEST ON CWMAMAN FIREMAN AND ABERDARE REPAIRER.

On Friday Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, held an inquest at the Cwmaman Institute on the bodies of David Thomas, 47, single, 11 Llanwonno Road, Cwmaman, fireman, and Daniel Davies, 11 Graig Place, Aberdare, repairer, 46 years of age, married. Both men were killed by a fall at the Cwmaman Colliery.

Evidence of identification in the case of Davies was given by William Edwards, brother-in-law.

William Gough, a collier, employed in the Ffaldau New Seven-feet Seam, said he was with Davies, Thomas, and a man named David Cox, clearing a fall at the end of the Double Parting. He and David Thomas had previously examined the roof, and it appeared quite safe. Whilst they were clearing the fall at 10.25 a.m. another fall occurred; killed Davies outright, and injured Thomas badly. Witness and Cox were also injured. Both deceased men were pinned under the fall for a short time.

Joseph Evans, haulier, said he was driving rubbish from the fall towards the pit. He had taken ten trams away, and about two trams-full remained on the ground. A second fall came and caught the four men above referred to. The second fall would be about ten trams full. It was on the pit side.

Penry Davies, overman, said he gave instructions to Gough. Cox and Davies to clear the fall, and he and Thomas supervised the clearance of same. Two pairs of timber had discharged with the first fall, and three pairs with the second. He had previously examined the timber on the pit side of the fall, and they appeared perfectly safe. The second fall came without any warning whatever. The timber were 6 1/2 feet arms and 9ft. collars, and the "top" fell up to 6ft.

William Jones, manager, produced a plan of the workings.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

Councillor Owen Powell, miners' agent, was present on behalf of the Miners' Federation, and Guardian Tom Morgan, agent, for the Colliery Firemen's Association.

On Saturday the interment of Mr. Daniel Davies took place at the Aberdare Cemetery. The mourners were: Mrs. Davies, widow; Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies, brother; Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, Blaengwynfi, and Miss E. Davies, Llanarth, sisters; Mr. Plummer, Gorseinon, brother-in-law; Mrs J. C. Plummer. Port Talbot, and Mrs. Howells, Hirwain, sisters-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. Pots, Port Talbot, nephew and niece; Mr. W. Davies, Hay Stores; Mr. and Mrs. T. Davies, Mr. W. W. Price, Mr. Williams, Ferndale; Mr. D. Davies and Mr. J. Davies, Bedlinog, cousins. The Revs. E. T. Evans and D. Silyn Evans officiated. The undertaker was Mr. John Zachariah. Aberdare.

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Mr. David Thomas resided with his sister, Mrs. J. Edwards. His departure is deeply deplored by a large circle of friends. The funeral took place on Monday at the Aberdare Cemetery. The Rev. W. D. Morris, C.M., officiated, assisted by the Rev. I. J. Williams, M.A. The chief mourners were: First coach, Mrs. Jane Edwards, Mrs. Elizabeth Lloyd, sisters; Mrs. Kate Thomas and Mrs. Annie Thomas, sisters-in-law; Mrs. Elizabeth Davies, Llangammarch, and Mrs. Elizabeth Griffiths, aunts; Islwyn Lloyd, nephew; 2nd coach, Mrs. R. James, Llanelly, aunt; Mrs. E. Edwards, Mrs. S. J. Garbett, Crynant; Mrs. M. Griffiths, Mrs. M. Walden, Neath, cousins; 3rd coach, Mrs. Thomas Thomas, Mrs. Lot Rees, Mrs. Edith Griffiths, Mrs. Jane Carter and Mrs. Bess Morris, cousins; 4th coach, Mrs. David George, Mrs. John Rees, Mrs. Evan Owen, Mrs. Owen Owen, and Mrs. T. Isaac; 5th coach, Misses M. J. Griffiths and Phoebe J. Griffiths, cousins; 6th coach, Messrs. David James, John Griffiths, Evan Davies and Thomas Edwards, uncles; 7th coach, Miss Jones, Ferndale; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Aberdare; Nurse Jones, Ferndale, and Miss Millard, friends; 8th coach, Messrs. W. H. Heppell, M.E., William Jones, M.E., and Penry Davies, under-manager, representing the Cwmaman Coal Co. Following the hearse were: Messrs. T. Thomas, brother; W. Edwards and David Lloyd, brothers-in-law; Thomas Thomas, uncle; John George Griffiths, W. Edwards, R. Steadman Davies, David Thomas, Evan Thomas. Evan Hughes, Lot Rees, Stephen J. Griffiths, Evan S. Griffiths, and F. Carter, cousins. The following had sent beautiful floral tokens:—(1) Wreath from the Officials of the Cwmaman Collieries; (2) Nurse Jones, Ferndale.