Mexborough and Swinton Times September 30, 1938

Obituary – Mr J.T.Collins

Dearne Valley Colliery Chief

Beloved by Employees

A sense of personal loss was experienced by all grades at Dearne Valley Colliery when news was received of the sudden death at Harrogate last Thursday and Mrs John Thomas Colin (62), the White House, Copies Driver, Harrogate, managing director of the firm, and a figure well known to and loved by the oldest employees.

Mr Collins collapsed in the street while making his way from his home to the headquarters of the Oakdale Golf Club of which he was a member, and died immediately. Earlier in the day he had spoken on the telephone to Mr S.G.Shaw, secretary of the Company, at the Colliery.

An inquest was conducted by Colonel Innes and a verdict of “Death by Natural Causes” was returned, the opinion being expressed that collapse was accentuated by the cold weather.

At the colliery a flag was flown at half-mast, and all and please call to pay homage and express sympathy with Mrs Collins..

A note from the officials of the Dearne Valley branch of the Yorkshire Miners Association read, “Will you kindly convey to Mrs Collins on behalf of the Dearne Valley branch officials, underground and surface workers their sympathy for the sad last year suffered.”