<<<In a message dated 24/06/2004 12:50:57 GMT Daylight Time, jem.wickets@btinternet.com writes: Coalminer - off hand (below ground).>>> Hi Jackie, Off Hand Man, Odd Worker, Day Labourer, Day Hand, Dataller, Datal Worker: These are general terms for men or boys employed above or below ground and paid by the day. Those below ground were mostly employed in constructional and repair work, timbering, roofing, laying roadways, clearing away debris, etc. Regards Stan Mapstone