Talk:Hurrying

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A fact from Hurrying appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page in the Did you know? column on February 20, 2007.
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[edit] Trappers

Some expansion of this should include the fact that children would sit, in complete darkness, for many (eg: twelve) hours. The doors were used as a way to regulate air flow, helping keep the mine ventilated. DanBeale 11:38, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

Trappers were already mentioned under the "Roles" section, but I have expanded the text a little now. violet/riga (t) 14:44, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Naked Flame?

Would candles have been given to people in a mine? Wouldn't naked flames be too dangerous? The reference given makes no mention of candles. DanBeale 11:42, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

I used the wrong reference - sorry about that - I've changed it now. The National Coal Mining Museum external link includes an image of some of the candles used. violet/riga (t) 14:44, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

Candles were widely used in coal mines depsite the dangers. The miners were paid by the ton and as the light provided by safety lamps was poor they would use candles or tamper with the safety lamps to increase their productivity. They relied on the ventilation system to keep them safe, this was not often the caseGmac101 12:20, 5 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Wider topic

I am considering that this might become a "Child labour in the mining industry" article as it could include several other professions not directly related to hurrying, including Couplers, Greasers, Putters (including trams, headsmen, foals, and half-marrows), Wailers, and Windroad boys.[1] I don't think that they warrant individual articles and the title "Hurrying" does not cover all of the roles. violet/riga (t) 14:49, 19 February 2007 (UTC)


I think what might be a way forward would be to change the article to cover all historic mining occupations Trapper, Hurrier, Hewer. In that order as that was often the "career" progression in a mine. The article might also deal with support occupations such as Fire Trier, Pit Deputy etc. The article title could be changed to Historic Coal Mining Occupations, though we should note that in parts of the developing world occupations may be current. I look forward to any comments Gmac101 12:20, 5 September 2007 (UTC)