The Avoca miners were also likely to have had a similar esoteric belief in the sound of knocking in their underground workplaces. It was and probably still is believed by many miners that as a pre-warning of imminent disaster knocking noises were made by the………….. Tommy Knockers Hades a forefather of spirits deep A keeper of miners in long-term sleep. Within the world of miners since earliest days A knowledge existed of Goblin ways. With respectful awareness of this fairy life Retold in stories from Cornwall to Fife. Bluecaps in Yorkshire and other Dales Coblyns in Wales amidst mining vales. All are Witchlein or of fairy stock Warning of danger with signalling knock. The Basilisks pre-empting situations dire Appear before explosion or underground fire These beings long blamed for a host of tricks From throwing stones to the theft of picks. Woe betide the whistler too loud In earshot of Knockers this isn't allowed But recompense in token could be made With gifts of food left in the fairy glade