Catalogue

Interview
224, DW400/013
David Wood Collection

Speaker: Gallagher, J. T., - , Interviewee, Male, Gas fitter
Speaker: Wood, D., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Describes work with the Hinckley Gas Works from 1926. Gives details of starting work in main laying before becoming a works maintenance fitter and foreman. Talks about the need to turn a hand to anything if required. Detailed description of tasks entailed in maintenance, looking after such things as coal conveyers, coal hoppers, retorts, water, gas and electrical systems, pumps and pipes. Describes the conditions in the retort house, the work done there and the wages. Compares wages in the gas industry with those of the shoe trade and hosiery industry. Talks about the provision of rented housing for gas workers and where they were located. Describes how the tar well in the works was used to help cure whooping cough. Describes the first steps towards modernisation in the gas industry and how the work became less hard. Describes Mr Lee, Mr Britton and George Rimmer, consecutive works managers. Recalls the difficulties caused by the Second World War, the Gas Works own Home Guard and Fire Watch Duty. Describes the by-products of gas production particularly Benzole, from which a motor fuel was made, and the products made from tar. Talks about the closure of the Gas Works shortly after nationalisation of the Gas industry in 1948, resettlement work, but no offer of resettlement pay. Describes the buildings being knocked down and a fire bringing the works chimney down. Mentions the various social activities enjoyed by the gas workers based at the Prince of Wales public house.
Place of birth:
Education:
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Hinckley
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s
Language: English

Recording Date: 15/11/1984
Playing time:
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: D. Wood
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.