On Monday an inquest was held at St. George's before Mr. J. W. Littlewood (deputy coroner) touching the death of James Edwin Guy, aged 28 years, a collier, who was killed by a fall of earth when at work under the Lilleshall Company at the Woodhouse Pit, the previous Friday. Mr. Beech appeared on behalf of the Lilleshall Company, and Mr. Makepeace (his Majesty's Inspector of Mines) was also present.

Benjamin Guy, employed as fireman at the pit, identified the body as that of his son. He left home early for his work and all went well until just before 12 o'clock, when he heard a noise and the "fall" come down.— In reply to Mr. Makepeace, witness said that he had made the usual examination of the deceased's working place, and it appeared to be quite safe. It was well timbered. The timber was set about 3 feet apart. Witness said that there was a slip just beyond where the deceased was working, and they all knew of it, and also of another small slip at the end of the rails. The double coal had been worked just below, about 7 yards. There were posts set and there was no room to put any more timber. Witness found his son buried under the fall of earth. In answer to the foreman, witness said that his son was a very competent man.

Edward Austin said he was working with the deceased on the morning of the accident, and had only left him about 2 minutes when it happened. The props were all put in an the ordinary manner. The "fall" came without any warning. In answer to the Inspector witness said the last witness made a careful examination of the place, and made a remark that he thought it was quite safe, and witness said he thought so too. Deceased had set two posts that morning. There was no room to set any more, until he had got the coal. They could have put another temporary post up, but they did not think it necessary. They were about twenty minutes in getting the deceased out. He was then quite dead, and had received injuries on the head, face, and body.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally killed".