22 June 1901
OPENING
OF DUKINFIELD TOWN HALL
Great Demonstration of Sunday
Schools - The Mayoress Starts the Clock
In the presence of some ten thousand spectators
the new Town Hall or Municipal Buildings, erected
by Dukinfield Town Council, was opened on Saturday
afternoon. The site occupied is a plot of land adjoining
the old Council Offices, and upon it an edifice
has been reared which, from an architectural point
of view, is not equalled by the municipal buildings
of any town for miles around.
The architects are Messrs John EATON,
Sons and CANTRELL, of Ashton-under-Lyne, and their
skill has produced a structure which adds still
further laurels to their already high reputation.
The contract for the building was let to Mr John
ROBINSON, of Ashton, and he and his sub-contractors
have done their work in a very creditable manner.
The style of architecture adopted
is Gothic, and the material used is red brick,
freely relieved with stonework of an ornamental
character. The interior of the building has been
arranged so as to provide accommodation for all
departments of municipal work, and in future years
the borough officials will be centralised and
the ratepayers will be able to transact business
with greater ease and facility than hitherto.
A commodious Council Chamber and
committee rooms have been provided and the School
Board and overseers will, in future, find habitation
here. It is estimated that the erection and furnishing
of the building will absorb between Ģ14,000 and
Ģ15,000, a sum much in excess of the amount originally
intended when the project was launched. However,
the public have got a splendid asset for their
outlay, and those who have seen the hall admit
that it does credit to the new borough and to
everyone who has been concerned in its erection.
SHOCKING FATAL ACCIDENT
TO MR. GEO. A. B. FISH
A shocking cycling accident occurred on Wilmslow-road,
near Handforth, on Saturday, shortly after four
oėclock, the victim being Mr S A B FISH, solicitor,
of Oldham-road, Ashton. He was riding his machine
in the direction of Alderley, about four oėclock,
in the rear of a wagonette, with the occupants of
which he was conversing. He attempted to get to
the front of the vehicle, but not noticing a trap
coming in the opposite direction, with the result
that the shaft of the trap struck him on the right
side, lifted him off his machine, and carried him
along. He was carried clinging to the shaft for
a distance of about 400 yards, Councillor George
LEIGH of Stockport, the driver of the trap, being
unable to bring the startled horse to a standstill.
Eventually the frightened animal was stopped and
Mr FISH was taken off the end of the shaft. Mr FISH
died on Sunday at noon.
ACCOUNT
OF AN EYE-WITNESS
A member of the Ryecroft Church choir, who
was an eye-witness of the accident, gives the
following account: The members of the choir went
on a picnic on Saturday afternoon to Alderley.
We started from the schools in Ashton at a quarter
to two oėclock in the afternoon in a char-a-banc,
the party consisting of 26 persons. We had gone
as far as Burnage, when we were overtaken by Mr
FISH, Mr H LINDLEY, and Mr G H JONES, who were
on cycles. At a subsequent period Mr FISH again
overtook the char-a-banc and engaged in conversation
with those upon it.
When we were approaching the village
of Handforth, on the Wilmslow-road, Mr FISH apparently
desired to pass in front of the conveyance, and
for this purpose turned aside and put on extra
speed. Immediately a horse and trap coming in
the opposite direction appeared and before Mr
FISH could get out of the way the trap was upon
him. The shaft struck his right side and he hung
suspended in front, with his hands apparently
clutching part of the harness. He was carried
in this way for about a quarter of a mile. The
char-a-banc at once stopped and many of the occupants
ran back when they saw the trap stop, and the
unfortunate gentleman removed from the shaft.
The trap was being driven by Councillor
George LEIGH, of Stockport, along with whom was
his wife and also two lady friends. The driver
exerted himself to his utmost, but the animal
was a spirited one, and could not be readily brought
to a standstill. Mr FISH was then conveyed to
the house of Mrs MOORHOUSE, Fern Bank, Handforth.
Some of those present ran off for a doctor. One
who resides close by was away from home, but ultimately
three doctors arrived. Meanwhile three of the
Ryecroft party, who are ambulance men, went into
the house and did what they could in order to
stop the bleeding. When the doctors arrived they
held out very little hope, and said the only person
who could do anything was a skilled nurse. Later
in the evening a telephonic message was sent to
Manchester Infirmary for a nurse to be sent as
soon as possible.
Deceased was 34 years of age. He
was born in Ryecroft, Ashton, and was the youngest
son of the late Mr George FISH, grocer, Mossley-road.
He served his articles with Mr GARFORTH, solicitor,
Dukinfield, and at the early age of 20 was admitted
a member of the Incorporated Law Association.
Last year he took his degree of LLB at Owens College,
Manchester. After serving with Mr GARFORTH for
about five years he commenced in practice for
himself at premises in Grey-street, subsequently
removing to more convenient ones in Booth-street.
He was unmarried and lived with his mother and
sister at Sunnyhurst, Oldham-road, Ashton. He
was a member of the Ryecroft Independent Chapel,
with which place of worship he had been connected
all his life, and for some time was secretary
of the Sunday school. He was a Freemason and occupied
the position of Worshipful Master of the Royal
Albert Lodge, Stalybridge. Recently he became
a member of the Minerva Lodge, held at the Pitt
and Nelson, Ashton.
He was an enthusiastic cyclist,
and in his time has toured extensively throughout
England, Scotland, and Switzerland. He was a member
of the Cyclistsė Touring Club. It is only recently
that he commenced writing a series of articles
on "Week-end Cycling Tours" for the
columns of the Reporter. In his "spins",
both at home and on the Continent, he was usually
alone, and often would go away he did on the present
occasion without any company whatsoever, sometimes
going long distances and being absent from home
for a prolonged period.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental
death, no blame being attached to the driver of
the dogcart.
HURST
DOG WITHOUT A LICENSE — At the Ashton
County Police Court on Wednesday, Arthur MAIDEN
pleaded guilty to keeping a dog without license
on May 2nd, and was fined 5s 6d and costs. —
James BAILEY also pleaded guilty to a similar charge,
and was fined 5s 6d and costs.
A LAMENTABLE CASE —
Emma ALLCOCK failed to appear at the Ashton County
Police Court on Wednesday, to answer a charge
of committing a breach of the peace. — Superintendent
HEWITT said that the husband of the defendant
had been, and stated that his wife could not appear
as they had a child dying. He asked for the case
to be adjourned for 14 days. — Granted.
HE CARRIED 1OLBs OF MEAT
— A grey-haired man named William LAX was
before the Ashton county justices on Wednesday
charged with being drunk and disorderly at Hurst
on May 31st. — A constable gave evidence
as to seeing defendant drunk, and attempting to
go into the Church Inn. He began swearing and
creating a disturbance. — Defendant pleaded
not guilty and said some boys were throwing stones
at him. He was not drunk. He went to Ashton, and
carried 10lbs of meat back. — (Laughter.)
He had not been out of the house a quarter of
an hour. He had a wife and four children. —
Fined 5s.
I.0.G.T. — The Hope
of Hurst Lodge held its weekly meeting in the
Co-operative Hall, Russell-street, Hurst. The
lodge was opened at 7.35 by Mr SMITH, Chief Templar,
and after the business had been done he called
on Bro. DABBS to take the chair, as he and Bro.
GREENWOOD were responsible for the nightės entertainment.
The programme was gone through by Sisters PARKINSON
and GREENWOOD, Bros. SMITH, DAVIES, WOOD, ROBINSON,
HOWARTH, MARSLAND, GREENWOOD and Sister GREENWOOD.
A concertina solo was given by Bro. DABBS. Bros.
DABBS and GREENWOOD were thanked for the able
manner in which they provided the entertainment.
IN AID OF THE SICK —
A grand concert was held on Tuesday evening at
the Minersė Refuge, Hurst Cross, for the benefit
of Mr George ROBERTS, who has been off his work
for nearly two years through ill-health. The following
local singers gave their services free. Mr James
BROOKES opened the concert with an overture, followed
by Ben ASHTON with "Itės nice to have a home
of your own," the rendering of which was
warmly applauded, and he sang as an encore, "On
her wedding morn." Jonathan FITTON sang in
splendid style "Whisper, and I shall hear,"
and "Death of Nelson." Robt. HANDLEY,
a well-known local baritone, sang "Friends
of the brave" and "Daddy."
A novel feature was Mr BRIERLEYės
gramophone, which was really a treat in the "Hallelujah
Chorus," &c. Mrs Harry MONKS next sang
"Fancy Iėm off the earth" and "Thatės
that." Arnold FIRTH gave two pleasing tenor
songs, "The holy city" and "Ye
that be weary." Silas HAGUEės fine rendering
of "Take back your gold" pleased the
company, and Arthur WRIGHT also sang "Beautiful
working order" which evoked roars of laughter.
Mr Samuel CAMPBELL, in thanking those who had
bought tickets, said that after the money was
in there would be a nice little balance left.
Mr James PASHLEY officiated, and the best thanks
were given to the artistes and others.
THE SINGULAR DEATH AT ASHTON
GASWORKS
Compensation for the Widow and Family
At the Ashton County Court on Thursday, a case
under the Workmenės Compensation Act was tried.
The case arose out of the death of Edward ANDREW,
which occurred on July 17th last at Ashton Gasworks
whilst in the execution of his duty. Mr WILKINSON
(barrister), instructed by Mr J BRADBURY (solicitor),
represented the relatives, and the Ashton Gas Company
was represented by Mr J B POWNALL (solicitor).
Mr WILKINSON said this was a claim
for compensation for the widow and three children
of the deceased, Edward ANDREW, who was employed
by the Ashton Gas Company, and who was found dead
under circumstances which pointed to his having
been struck by a spoke of the fly-wheel of a donkey
engine, of which he had charge, whilst trying
to move the wheel round with a bar of iron in
order to start the engine. There was a mark on
the deceasedės neck as if something had struck
him.
John WIDDOWSON, engineer, said he
had inspected the engine at the Gasworks. If it
stopped on the centre one was obliged to use a
crowbar to start the engine. Witness calculated
that if deceased was struck by the spoke of the
wheel it would be a blow of about half a ton.
— By Mr POWNALL: There was ample time to
pull the bar out on the wheel starting. —
Harry HALL, engineer, spoke to examining the engine,
and agreed with the statement of the previous
witness.
James ANDREW, brother of the deceased,
stated that after the accident he saw deceased
laid on the ground with an iron bar by his side.
— By Mr POWNALL: There was a black mark
on the side of the deceasedės face. — Mrs
MAKIN deposed to washing deceased, and to seeing
a mark extending from the neck to the shoulder.
— Mrs ANDREW, widow of the deceased, stated
that deceasedės wages were about 22s a week. Three
months ago a child was born, and on the right
side of its neck there was a mark corresponding
to that on the deceased.
Joseph TOWNLEY, foreman of the gasworks
in July, stated that he saw deceased at the corner
of the retort house shortly before his death.
The length of the bar was about seven feet. —
Similar evidence was also given by a man named
BENNETT. — Mr POWNALL, for the defence,
contended that there was no evidence to show that
death had resulted from an accident. Had there
been an accident his clients would only have been
too willing to meet all liabilities.
Dr MANN stated that he made a post
mortem examination of the deceased, and there
were no marks of violence on him beyond two slight
bruises on the face, which would not be sufficient
to cause death. Inside the head there was an excessive
amount of fluid, composed of serum and blood.
— Mr WILKINSON asked for Ģ171 12s, as three
yearsė wages at the rate of 22s per week. —
His Honour gave judgement for the plaintiff, the
money to be appropriated: Ģ20 to the widow; 10s
per week for the widow and 4s per week for each
child.
WATERLOO AND BARDSLEY
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY — At the Ashton County
Police Court on Wednesday, Charles ROBERTS pleaded
guilty to being drunk and disorderly at Bardsley
on 31st May, and this being his first offence a
fine of 5s was imposed.
PREFERRED TO GO DOWN —
W H ANDREW pleaded guilty to being drunk at Bardsley
on 15th June, and was fined 5s 6d and costs, or
14 days. — Defendant preferred to go down.
RIDING A BICYCLE WITHOUT LIGHT
— A charge of riding a bicycle without light
was preferred against Fred NIELD on Wednesday.
— Defendant pleaded guilty, and said he
was only about 50 yards from home. — Fined
1s and costs.
WARRANT FOR ARREST —
John SMITH and James COLEARY were charged with
committing a breach of the peace on May 31st.
— Defendant SMITH appeared and said COLEARY
had gone away. — SMITH was bound over to
keep the peace for three months, and a warrant
was issued for the arrest of COLEARY.
NEGLECTING WIFE AND CHILDREN
— A charge of neglecting to maintain his
wife and family was preferred against William
HARRISON on Saturday. — Mr William SIMON
(relieving officer) stated that his wife and children
had become chargeable to the Union to the extent
of Ģ2 3s. — Defendant pleaded guilty, and
was sent to gaol for 14 days with hard labour.
THE ALLEGED OBSTRUCTION
CASE AT ASHTON MOSS COLLIERY
Mr J W BLACKSHAW, who was recently charged at
the Ashton Borough Court with obstructing the police
in the discharge of their duty at the Ashton Moss
Colliery during the recent fire, writes: - I should
be very much obliged if you would allow me to correct
an omission your reporter made in the above case.
In my evidence on oath I strongly denied using any
bad language, it being a habit I do not indulge
in, and I also denied refusing to leave the grounds
when requested.
ASHTON BOROUGH COURT
BETSY ELLEN IN HER CUPS — Betsy Ellen
SIMPSON was fined 5s 6d costs for being drunk and
disorderly in Lower Wharf-street on the 15th.
A DRUNKEN ROACH — A
man named Edward ROACH was in the dock charged
with being drunk and disorderly in Dale-street
on 14th of June. — Constable WILLIAMSON
said the defendant was kicking at a door. —
Fined 5s 6d for costs.
STRAYING HORSES — John
COCKS was fined 5s 6d costs for allowing two horses
to stray in Taunton-road on 6th June. —
Defendant sent a representative who said the horses
had been frightened out of the field by boys playing
cricket.
PLAYING PEGGY IN THE STREET
— A youth named Harry BATES was summoned
for obstructing the free passage of William-street
on the 12th June. He pleaded guilty. — Constable
BARTON said defendant was playing peggy at the
corner of William-street and Hertford-street.
The Chief Constable said he had received many
complaints about lamps and mill windows being
broken. — The Chairman characterised it
as a very dangerous practice, and fined defendant
2s 6d and costs.
WAGSTAFFE WAGS HIS TONGUE
— An elderly man named Alfred WAGSTAFFE
appeared to answer a summons for being drunk on
the Market Ground on the 15th inst.
— Defendant, who was very polite loquacious
and eloquent, said he had never been locked up
in his life, never been summoned in his life during
the 70 years he had lived in the town. —
Mr HULME: A very good record. We discharge you
this time. — Defendant (bowing and scraping):
I humbly and most respectfully beg leave to return
my sincere and heartfelt thanks for your kindness.
AN UNPROVOKED ASSAULT —
Bertha FOOTE summoned Annie HIBBERT for assaulting
her on the 10th June. She pleaded guilty. —
Complainant stated that on the day named, the
defendantės mother was talking insultingly about
her mother, and she went to see what she had to
say about it. — When she got inside the
defendant seized her, threw her hat on the fire,
and threw her out of the house. Defendant said
Bertha came in making a bother. She ordered her
out. She would not go, and said she could not
put her out, and so she did. — Fined 10s
and costs.
HE BELIED HIS NAME —
James Patrick LAMB was summoned for a breach of
the peace in Wellington-road on the 9th June.
— Sergeant BAILEY said his attention was
drawn to the defendant, who had a crowd around
him and shouting. He had the clasp-knife produced
open in his hand, and he was thirsting to run
it into some woman he had been quarrelling with.
— Defendant said the woman pulled some hair
pins out of her head and scratched his face all
over. He did not intend to use the knife. —
The Chief Constable, in reply to the bench, said
defendant had been up 11 times. — The Clerk:
He belies his name. — The bench bound him
over to keep the peace for three months in his
own recognisance of 40s and pay the costs. In
default, seven days.
