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1904
Dec 15thStarted work at South Randfontein
Dec 29thThis is my 29th Birthday
Dec 30thFinished at Randfontein, having been sent for to start sinking at North Witwatersrand, which is quite near home.
1903 Applied to Commission of Examiners to be examined for Mine overseer’s certificate
Dec 3rd 1904Sent in credentials to Gov. Min. Engineer
Dec 1st 1904Sent in application form to Commission of Examiners to be examined for ^Mine Overseer’s Certificate
Dec 14th 1904My application to be examined for overseer’s certificate accepted by Commission today
Mines department Winchester House Johbg [Johannesburg]
Box 1132 Jobg [Johannesburg]

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SPOTLIGHT on Randfontein Estates Gold Mining Company  describes both South Randfontein and Robinson Randfontein mines approaching full production in 1904.

On Page 60 of the Journal and part of his submission the Phthisis Board William provides extra information – ‘Started at South Randfontein G. M. (Randfontein Central) Timbering. H Oliver Mine Capt. Was sent for to sink Promise shaft’.

William applies for the mine overseer’s certificate which would have resulted in an increased level of responsibility. The state sponsored certificate would only been available to white skilled miners. There was a colour bar which prevented black workers having access to skilled jobs like blasting and hauling as well as supervisory jobs like an overseer.