In consequence of the breaking of the shaft of the "friction gear", which is worked by the main haulage rope, Croft Pit was knocked idle before the first shift had finished their day's work on Monday.

 

The back shift and night shift workmen had, therefore, to remain at home.  The management, endeavouring to get the pit re-started with as little delay as possible, had a temporary shaft put in, intending to only work the Bain's winning section for the remainder of the week, at the same time intending to place as many men as possible in this section, and thoroughly repair &c., the friction gear at the week-end.

 

On Tuesday morning about one-half of the workmen commenced, to all appearances the temporary repairs being satisfactory.

 

However, as soon as a commencement of "hauling" was made, the friction gear again gave up, the men down the pits suffering to a great extent, making little or nothing that day.

 

The men of the back shift and night shift had again to remain at home.

 

The machinery was again repaired on Tuesday, and it was expected that work would again be resumed in the Bain's winning section yesterday (Wednesday) morning.  The loss, both to the men and the Colliery Company, is indeed great.

 

On Monday the haulage rope at Wellington Pit got fast round a drum, and the men of the night shift had to remain at home.