Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 27th, 1932
Tact at Kilnhurst
Constable Complimented
Police Constable Kirk, of the Rotherham West Riding Constabulary, stationed at Kilnhurst, was complimented by the Rotherham West Riding magistrates on Monday for the way he had handled a case.
The case was one in which Charles J. Oates, 48, haulage contractor, of 89, Main Street, Ryecroft, was charged with stealing coal and coke the property of the West Riding County Council Education Committee at Kilnhurst. There were seven charges against Oates, but when the magistrates had found him guilty on the first two, Supt. T. Horton offered no evidence on the others.
The coal was sent from Wath Colliery by rail to Kilnhurst where Oates delivered the coal to the schools. The prosecution alleged that several times Oates altered his tare weight and was seen taking coal and coke to his garage at Clay Pit Lane, Rawmarsh.
Mr. W. Popplewell (magistrate) said the police constable has used a great deal of tact in the case.
Mr. S. C. Ward (Chairman) also paid a compliment t the work of the officer and Supt. Horton said he would see that the compliment was conveyed to the proper quarter.