14 November 2011, The Pretoria Pit Disaster, Mr Alan Davies

In December 1910 344 miners of a workforce of 889 in the mine were killed by a gas explosion followed by a coal dust explosion. Mr Davies explained the layout of the pit situated on the northern boundary of Atherton  fitted with the latest ventilation fans although they were sited underground and not on the surface. Rescuers fought to reinstate ventilation and three men were brought out alive. Mr Davies showed graphic photos of the rescue attempt, the grieving families waiting for news and the organisations who provided help – the Salvation Army and St Johns Ambulance. A relief fund was set up by the local council and donations were received from all parts of the country. At the subsequent enquiry it was found there had previously been problems with gas and that there were some poor management systems. These findings led to changes in mining legislation. The mine closed in 1934 and traces of the old buildings, now overgrown, can be seen. Mr Davies also showed a film taken in 1911 of a mine in Wigan with its workers.