Mexborough and Swinton Times December 17, 1937

Here is Mr. James Oates, who has been appointed under-manager of the Parkgate and Fenton seams at Wombwell Main Colliery.

A native of Wombwell, Mr. Oates attended John Street Council School, where he gained a scholarship taking him to Barnsley Grammar School. At 23 years of age he was appointed a deputy at Darfield Main Colliery and had held the post for five years when he was made an overman, in which capacity he was subsequently transferred to Mitchell Main. He has therefore had experience of most of the seams in this district.

Under the Mines Act the youngest age for a deputy is 25 unless he holds a first or second-class certificate.  Mr. Oates possessed that qualification.

Mr.Oates was captain of the mines’ rescue team at Mitchell Main and performed commendable service in two underground fires. He is a teacher of mining subjects at the Wombwell Technical School.