Coal Mining Print - Dozing Wagonway Man

38cm x 28cm signed print

"Joe Smash Rowe was a fore-shift wagonway man.  His job was to keep the haulage system moving, maintaining and splicing wire ropes, repairing damaged rails and sleepers etc, but above all, to keep his district supplied with empty tubs.  He was dedicated to his task and kept the lads that worked under him on their toes.  "Smash" never sat down, but once he saw the coal teeming off the conveyor belt and into the tubs he would position himself on the 'hack' (a long shafted claw hammer) with his feet apart, forming a tripod.  If he nodded off he would lose his balance then jerk upright to regain his three legged stance and continue his vigil."
 

© Robert Olley Artwork 
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