Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 8th, 1932
Anglers Dinner Gone
Kilnhurst Miner’s Lament
Four Kilnhurst miners, three of whom caught trout in the Doncaster Corporation’s reservoir at Thrybergh on June 5th were summoned at Rotherham on Monday for having fished without a permit.
The following fines were imposed: Joseph Roper of North Terrace, 10s: William Thompson of Meadow Avenue 20s; Charles Gilbert of Victoria Street 20s; and Clement Hoyle of Victoria Street 10sThey were each ordered to pay 7s 6d.
Mr. C. Phythian, prosecuting on behalf of the Doncaster Corporation said at seven o’clock on the morning of June 5th a police constable on duty on Hooton Road, Hooton Roberts, saw the accused coming from the reservoir. At 7-40 a.m. he again saw defendants. Each had a fishing basket and their boots were muddy.
P.c. Makin stated that when he asked the men where they had been they said they had been fishing in the reservoir. He asked them if they had permits and they replied “No.” Roper handed witness three trout and Gilbert and Hoyle one each. Roper said “That’s my _____ dinner gone.” Gilbert replied “That’s right.” Hoyle said “Don’t let my father know.” Thompson said “I have caught nowt. My rod broke before I had been fishing long.”
In court Thompson pleaded that he had never fished at all.