January 1906 ushered in my parting with school […] [and] my dad was adamant that I go to the pit because I will earn six-and-sixpence a week there […] [O]n a cool winter night I descended the mine to earn my living  […] There seemed to be wild excitement everywhere: overmen shouting, cursing and hurrying everyone into greater effort so that the precious coal could get to the surface and meet the demand of its buyers. All was hustle and bustle, nowhere peace and quiet […] Yet men and boy did not go insane but rose above the terrible scene and became the peculiar breed of humans. Down the pit they appeared to be demoniac, up above other qualities came out of them. The churches and chapels were full. The organs given full, delightful music that encouraged the many choirs to give forth their best.