Barnsley Chronicle January 23, 1909

Compensation claims: Judge’s Warning

Compensation business occupied His Honour’s attention for the greater part of Thursday.

George Fox, Miner, Hill Street, Darfield was a claimant in respect of the loss of his son, Thomas, who died in October last as the result of an accident at Houghton Main colliery in July.

It appears that Fox had originally claimed for £40, but when interviewed by a representative of the Coalowners Indemnity company, he signed an agreement, to accept £15.

Fox now asserted, however, that he did not understand the part of this agreement, and it was suggested on his behalf by Mr Shepherd, that he must have thought he was simply signing for the funeral expenses.

Is Inquired into Funeral Expenses, and Observed, “You Gave a Funeral Supper, I Suppose? – Fox: Yes

And You Gave Them Ham? – Fox: Yes

Is on It: I Thought so, It Is the right thing in this country to be buried with ham, the rights of the church, and then ham for supper!

After a long hearing, the judge said he was satisfied that the applicant did know the contents of the agreement he signed, but at the same time, it was the duty of the judge under the Act to see that the compensation paid was adequate. He had not much sympathy with the way in which the applicant had presented his case, but he must award him £40. He declined to allow costs to either side.