Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Saturday 30 August 1919

Swinton Miner Ordered to Pay.

Thomas Hartley, miner, Swinton, was summoned at the Doncaster West Riding Court, today, for the maintenance of his mother, who is receiving Poor Law Relief.

Defendant is employed at Manvers Main, and his earnings during one period, said Mr. W. Ayres, relieving officer, amounted to £5 4s. 8d., and during another and later period £4 11s. 8d. per week. Defendant stated that he had been supporting his mother ever since his father died, and there were four brothers, one of whom was in good work and had never subscribed a half-penny.

Mr. Ayres said that the only man except defendant who was likely to be able to pay anything was a brother at Wakefield, and they proposed to proceed against him.

Defendant urged that he could not pay as he was in debt through the strike. He was earning 17s. day, and could not pay 3s. 9d. week.

Mr. Ayres said that the Guardians first allowed the mother 7s. 6d., and later 15s. week. Defendant then said he was willing to pay fair share, and, asked how much, he said 2s. 6d. but the Magistrates ordered him pay 5s. week.

Defendant left the Court saying. I can’t afford to pay it.”