22
March 1902
ASHTON TOWN HALL: THE LADIES’ CLOAK ROOM
Sir, – Having often had the pleasure of attending
dances and other forms of social entertainment
at the Ashton Town Hall, I should like, through
the medium of your paper, to call attention to
the small ante-room which is used as a ladies’
cloak room. May I ask if anyone knows why the
hooks are placed in such close proximity to the
ceiling as to make it impossible for a woman of
average height to hang anything upon them?
The room used by gentlemen is a commodious apartment,
fitted with a good supply of numbered pegs, which
are well within the reach of an eight year old
child. Ladies, however, who are of course less
in stature than the favoured sex, have to perform
a series of gymnastic feats in order to lodge
their garments upon the hooks provided for them,
which are also insufficient in number.
Then again, there is no mirror. Imagine a ladies’
dressing-room without this most necessary appendage!
We don’t ask for any ornaments for the mantelpiece,
but we do want a mirror. If the Mayor has any
superfluities of this description in his parlour,
I am sure he will be only too pleased to confer
a lasting favour on the ladies of Ashton. If not,
I trust the Town Hall Committee will see their
way to the expenditure of a few shillings in this
direction before the concerts and dances of next
season commences.
Not only would a looking-glass be a convenience
for the ladies, but it would also be appreciated
by the opposite sex on certain occasions, although
they are supposed to be above such weakness. In
any case, it would prove a valuable adjunct when
public meetings are held, enabling temperance
orators, political combatants, &c, to take
a last look at their intellectual faces, and to
rearrange their ties satisfactorily before entering
the arena. – Trusting this matter will some
time receive the attention it deserves, and with
anticipatory thanks, I am, faithfully yours,
VELUTI IN SEPCULUM
A CHILD’S
FATAL MISTAKE AT ASHTON
Drinking Turpentine and Ammonia
An inquest was held at the Junction
Inn, Turner-lane, Ashton, on Monday morning, by
Mr J F PRICE, district coroner, on the body of Elizabeth
GREEN, aged one year and ten months, daughter of
Samuel and Lizzie GREEN, Turner-fold, off Turner-lane,
Ashton.
Lizzie GREEN, wife of Saml. GREEN, outdoor labourer,
said that the deceased child was her daughter, and
had been a healthy child. On Wednesday evening last,
about six o’clock, witness was in the scullery
washing clothes. Her daughter, Hannah, was at the
slop-stone, and deceased was standing close by.
On turning the handle of the wringing machine she
looked round and saw the child towards her and she
fell on the floor crying. It seemed hard to take
her breath, and she changed colour.
Witness screamed out “Oh Hannah, she’s
taken ammonia!” and on picking her up she could
smell ammonia. Witness saw the bottle (produced)
on a low shelf within reach of the child. The cork
had blown out and witness heard the noise as it
did so. She could not find the cork. She ran out
with the child and told a man about what had occurred.
She went for Dr BOWMAN who gave the child an emetic,
and she vomited blood. The doctor continued to attend
the child up until its death, which took place on
Friday at 12 o’clock noon.
The bottle originally contained a half-penny worth
of ammonia and a half-penny worth of turpentine,
but she had used some for working purposes. The
doctor told her that the poison had been got from
her stomach, but that inflammation had been set
up in the system. It was not her custom to keep
a liquid of this character in the house, and she
only obtained this as a special case.– The
Foreman remarked that it seemed a little careless
to keep a poisonous liquid of this character within
the child’s reach.
Mary Hannah GREEN, daughter of the last witness,
said she was standing at the slopstone when the
child drank the liquid. Her brother was sent for
the liquid from the chemist’s shop. Witness
put half of it in the kitchen boiler. On hearing
her mother scream she turned round and saw the child
on the ground. The shelf containing the liquid was
only about two feet from the ground. Her father
afterwards threw the bottle away.
The Coroner said it was unfortunate that the mother
did not put the bottle away instead of on the shelf.–
A Juryman: It should have been elevated.– The
Coroner: It is a dangerous practice. If children
see a bottle they will try to drink out of it. A
little forethought was what was required. The jury
returned a verdict of misadventure.
UNITED IRISH
LEAGUE ANNUAL BALL
On Saturday evening last the
sixth annual St Patrick’s Ball, held under
the auspices of the William O’BRIEN No 1 Branch
of the U.I.L., took place at Ashton Town Hall, when
a large number assembled and spent a most enjoyable
evening. There was a profuse display of the “chosen
leaf and bard and chief.” Mr Tom CHEETHAM’s
Orchestral Band provided some very spirited and
pleasing dance music, not least popular, of course,
being selections of familiar Irish airs. The M.C.s
were Messrs A FARLEY, J DOHERTY, and Jos WILSON,
while various other duties were performed by Messrs
DALY, JORDAN, MULLIN, FINAN, HENNESEY, DORAN, DUFFY,
HONE, BYRNE, BRENNAN, HALL, and BROADHURST.
CRUELTY TO
A PONY AT NEW MOSS COLLIERY
At the Ashton Borough Police
Court, on Monday, a young fellow named Thomas EDWARDS
was prosecuted by the RSPCA for cruelty to a horse
on the 21st ult.– Mr J B POWNALL said he appeared
for the New Moss Colliery Company, and they desired
to acknowledge the assistance given to the company
in this case by Inspector POCOCK on behalf of the
company he represented. The company considered it
a duty they owed to the public, and to the other
men and horses employed in the mine that the defendant
should be brought, and if the bench were satisfied
with the facts he asked them to inflict such punishment
upon defendant as would deter him and others from
inflicting cruelty upon the ponies such as had been
done in this case.
Under an arrangement in the colliery at a certain
time the boys came up the haulage of the No 2 brow
with their ponies, and they were entitled to come
out first, and take their ponies to their proper
places and leave the pit first, which was only fair
as they were boys, the men to leave afterwards.
One boy named ATHERTON was bringing his pony out
and had to pass the defendant. In passing him the
pony happened to graze against him. That was all
the provocation that seemed to have been given for
what the defendant did. He deliberately jumped upon
a tub and kicked the pony three times in the eye
causing it to bleed and suffer injury.
More cruel conduct without any reasonable provocation
was almost impossible to conceive, and he asked
the bench to deal with the defendant in a summary
way.– Harry ATHERTON was called, and bore out
Mr POWNALL’s statement. He said others saw
the act beside him.– The Chairman: Is the pony’s
eye permanently injured? – Mr POWNALL: Perhaps
Inspector POCOCK can tell that better.
Inspector POCOCK was then called. He stated that
in the 28th ultimo, in consequence of information
received from the New Moss Colliery Co, he went
down the pit and saw the pony in question. It was
in excellent condition, and seemed to be well cared
for, in fact, the whole of the ponies were in similar
condition. He found the pony had a deep incised
wound three-quarters of an inch in length, and cutting
down in the bone. It was very tender about the face.
He ascertained how the wound had been caused, and
no doubt it could have been done by kicks of considerable
force with clogs.– Mr POWNALL: You saw the
pony a week afterwards.– Inspector POCOCK:
Yes, and the pony would scarcely allow me to touch
it.– Defendant’s statement was that ATHERTON
was bringing the pony along a narrow place between
two tubs, and if he had not done something the pony
might have killed him.– The Clerk: You could
have not have kicked the pony on the eye if you
had been down. You must have been at about the same
elevation.– Defendant: Yes. I had to jump from
the ground, as the pony was on top of me.–
The Bench considered the case proved, and fined
defendant £1 and costs, or one month, and
allowed expenses to the five witnesses.
ASHTON
MNC SCHOOLS, STAMFORD-STREET.
– The members
of No 1 Select Class (males) held their annual party
on Tuesday evening last. A first-class tea was provided,
and afterwards the evening was given up to amusement.
The programme consisted of songs by Miss Lily CLAY,
Messrs Jas. WRIGLEY and W ROBERTS; readings by Councillor
W A YOXALL (teacher); and Lancashire sketches by
Mr A COCKCROFT. The entertainment was divided into
three parts, and a ping-pong tournament was held
during the intervals. Winner of the ladies’
prize, Miss Lily DYSON; gents, Mr Jas. WRIGLEY.
The committee are to be complimented on the great
success attending their efforts, as the party was,
without doubt, one of the most enjoyable ever held
in connection with the schools.
LICENSE TRANSFERS.– At the Ashton Borough
Police Court, on Monday, the following licensed
houses changed hands:– Caledonia Inn, Warrington-street,
from Joseph RILEY to Harold MOSS. Mr WATSON (EATON
and WATSON) made the application, and said when
temporary permission was granted evidence to character
was called.– The Chief Constable said there
was no objection. He had got a letter from the police
at Dukinfield stating that the applicant’s
character was satisfactory, granted.
Friendship Inn, Booth-street from Robert FORD to
Thomas WOOD; Walk Mill Tavern, Victoria-street,
from Ellis E HAMER to Robert HARROTT; Delamere Castle,
Old-street, from David GARFORTH to Edward TAYLOR;
Queen Inn, Oldham-road, from James BROADLEY to Alice
BROADLEY.– Mr WATSON applied on behalf of Thomas
George KAY for a music license for the Buck and
Hawthorn Inn, and it was granted.
LECTURE ON THE SUN.– On Sunday last
Mr CROSSFIELD, of Ashton, delivered a very interesting
lecture on the above subject to the members and
friends of the Star Field Naturalists’ Society,
held at the house of Mrs LOMAS, Star Inn, Cotton-street.
Owing to the death of Mr James MAWDSLEY (one of
the vice-presidents), Mr Herbert ARMITAGE occupied
the chair. He said that himself and the rest of
the members were very sorry to lose the services
of Mr MAWDSLEY, who took a great interest in the
society, and they all sympathised with the wife
and family he had left behind.
The lecture was of a very instructive character,
and was illustrated by diagrams. Great credit must
be given to Mr CROSSFIELD for the intelligent manner
in which he handled the subject.– On the motion
of Mr HOLT, seconded by Mr H THORNLEY, a hearty
vote of thanks was tendered to the lecturer, and
a like compliment was paid to the chairman, which
terminated the proceedings.
FATAL FALL
FROM A BEDROOM WINDOW AT ASHTON
A Victim of Sleep-Walking
The Ashton Police were apprised
of the death of Harriet COLLINS, an old lady aged
82 years, which took place at her home, 97 Burlington-street,
on Monday morning, under rather singular circumstances.
Deceased had enjoyed perfect health up to about
six months ago, when she complained of dizziness.
Dr WALLACE was called in, and gave the cause as
old age.
Deceased had been in the habit of walking in her
sleep. She complained of dizziness on Saturday afternoon,
and when she retired to bed the bed-room door was
fastened as a precautionary measure in case she
should get up in her sleep. About 1.30 on Sunday
morning Constable ROBINSON was going on his beat
when he heard groans as if someone was in pain,
and on climbing over the gate going into the backyard
of the house he saw the deceased woman lying on
the ground, having apparently fallen through her
bedroom window.
She was then unconscious, and the Constable blew
his whistle, and after awakening the inhabitants
of the house he ran off for a doctor. On examination
it was found that the woman was suffering from a
compound fracture of the left shoulder. She gradually
sank and died as aforestated.
THE INQUEST
Was held at the Buck and Hawthorn, Katherine-street,
on Tuesday noon by Mr J F PRICE, district coroner.
Julia COLLINS, wife of Joseph COLLINS, cotton spinner,
said the deceased was her mother-in-law, and lived
with her. She was a widow, and had very good health
for an old woman, but about six months ago she complained
of dizziness, and she had been subject to it on
and off ever since. About three weeks ago Dr WALLACE
was called in and said she was breaking up as a
result of old age. Her memory failed her and she
had been known to get up in the night-time and dress
herself in order to go to a party. She had done
this several times, and in consequence the bedroom
door had to be fastened.
Witness last saw her at 3.30 on Saturday afternoon,
when she complained of feeling dizzy. Tea was taken
to her at 5.30 and 8.30. Witness was aroused by
a constable about 1.25 on Sunday morning who told
her that deceased was lying in the yard. Witness
went down and helped to carry her into the house,
and put her on the couch. She was quite sensible.
Witness asked her what she had done, and she said
she must have been soft, as she should not have
done it had she known. She said she had fallen through
the coal-hole, but there was no coal-hole to fall
through.
Dr WALLACE came and examined her, and said that
her shoulder was broken. She was sensible all day
on Sunday, but could not say how she got through
the window. The door was fastened with a hook and
staple outside. Witness afterwards examined the
bedroom, and found the window open, the curtains
hanging down, and the bed moved out of its place.
A looking glass and several pictures were twisted
on one side. Deceased slept by herself.
The Coroner: Someone should have slept with her,
and then this perhaps would not have happened. It
has all been done for the sake of her health.–
A Juryman: I think the lady and the master of the
house have done all that they could to procure the
woman’s safety.– The Coroner: Somebody
ought to have been in the room, judging by the state
she was in.– Mr FINNERTY (juryman): Working
people cannot engage a day and night nurse.–
Witness: I am very grieved by it.– A Juryman:
You have shown that you have been careful.
The Coroner said there was no doubt as to what was
the cause of death. The shock was sufficient to
kill her, considering her age. There was no doubt
that she had fallen through the window.– A
Juryman: She had evidently been rambling in her
sleep. The jury returned a verdict of accidental
death.
HURST
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.–
George ETCHELLS pleaded guilty, at the Ashton County
Police Court, on Wednesday, to being drunk and disorderly
in Higher King-street, Hurst, on March 2nd, and
was fined 5s.
DOG WITHOUT LICENSE.– At the Ashton
County Police Court, on Wednesday, Emma ELLIOTT
was charged with having a dog without license at
Hurst.– Defendant sent a letter pleading guilty,
and stating that she was unable to attend.–
A fine of 5s 6d and costs was imposed.
LICENSE OF THE OLD BALL INN.– At the
Ashton County Police Court, on Wednesday, Mary ANDREW,
Ernest ANDREW, Frank ANDREW, and Alice KENNERLEY,
exors of the will of Wm. AUDREY, deceased, were
granted the transfer of the license of the Old Ball
Inn, Broadoak-road, Hurst.
BREACH OF THE PEACE.– Henry JONES and
Sarah Ann JONES were brought before the Ashton County
justices, on Wednesday, charged with committing
a breach of the peace at Hurst on March 1st.–
Defendants pleaded guilty, and were bound over in
40s to keep the peace for three months.– Clara
LYONS also pleaded guilty to a similar charge, and
was bound over.
A VIOLENT
BEGGAR
Yesterday a special police court
was held at Dukinfield before Alderman PICKUP and
Mr W UNDERWOOD when a man named James KEVILL, said
to be a collier, of Ashton, was charged with collecting
alms in King-street and assaulting Constable COUTH
whist in the execution of his duty.
The Officer stated that at 5.30pm he saw the prisoner
coming from a shop in King-street. He accosted him
and asked him why he had been in the shop as he
looked a suspicious character. He said he had been
to buy a packet of “tabs.” Doubting the
statement the officer took prisoner into the shop,
and the tenant said he had been begging. He was
then taken into custody. The prisoner resisted the
arrest and a large crowd assembled. After considerable
difficulty, the police, with the assistance of the
civilians, secured the prisoner, and he was conveyed
to the police station.– The bench sentenced
him to 14 days’ imprisonment in each case.
HOOLEY HILL
AND AUDENSHAW
DOG WITHOUT LICENSE.–
At the Ashton County Police Court, on Wednesday,
the following were each fined 4s 6d and costs for
having dogs without licenses: Thomas MILLWARD, Sophia
HYDE, Thomas EDWARDS and William LANGLEY.
BREACH OF THE PEACE.– George SPEDDING
was before the Ashton County Justices, on Wednesday,
charged with committing a breach of the peace at
Audenshaw on February 22nd. Defendant pleaded guilty,
and was bound over in 40s to keep the peace for
three months.
HOUSEBREAKING.– At the Ashton County
Police Court, on Wednesday, John Edward HULME was
in the dock, charged with being found on enclosed
premises for an unlawful purpose at Audenshaw the
previous night.– Prisoner pleaded not guilty.–
Walter KNIGHT, 20 Ashton-road, Audenshaw, said that
the previous night, he and his wife left home, locking
up the house, and returning about 10 minutes to
10 he heard a noise in the house. On going round
to the back he saw the prisoner climbing another
backyard door to get into another yard, and subsequently
he crossed over in the direction of the Moss.
The backyard gate was open and a window had been
broken by a stone which was lying in the kitchen.
He caught the prisoner and detained him. He had
known him six or seven years.– Prisoner said
he was returning from Ashton, and he happened to
go round the back. He was a bit drunk. When he was
drunk, he always went through the back ways for
a near cut. He was not getting over the wall.–
Superintendent HEWITT said that prisoner had been
previously convicted for housebreaking.– The
magistrates committed him to prison for two months
with hard labour.
AN ASHTON
BANKRUPT’S AFFAIRS
At the Ashton County Police Court,
on Thursday, before his Honour Judge Reginald BROWN,
K.C., Mr C N PRATT, solicitor, made an application
for discharge on behalf of William PENNY, paint
and varnish merchant, Ashton, bankrupt. The report
of the official receiver (Mr DIBB) stated that the
receiving order was made on March 27th, 1895, on
the creditors petition. The liabilities to rank
for dividend were estimated at £1,376 9s 11d.
The assets were estimated to produce £437
17s, but they realised only £299 2s 11d. The
balance available for costs and distribution was
£209 16s 4d, instead of £417 16s 6d,
as estimated by the bankrupt, and a final dividend
of 1s 3d in the £.
The report said that the bankrupt appeared to have
commenced business in Manchester, with a view to
supplying goods to a company he floated, the Egret
Mill Co Ltd, Old-street, Ashton, which was practically
a one-man company, and in order to evade an agreement
he had entered into with the company. It was submitted
that the bankrupt was guilty of misconduct of a
somewhat fraudulent character, misconduct which
resulted in a loss of about £430, and which
had fallen wholly on his creditors.– Mr PRATT
said that the debtor was exceedingly sorry for what
he had done and of the way in which the creditors
had suffered.– His Honour suspended the discharge
for three years, dating back 12 months.
PAINTING
ASHTON BARRACKS
Government Contracts and Fair Wages
Mr H WHITELEY asked the Secretary
of State for War, in the House of Commons, on Thursday,
whether he was aware, in connection with the carrying
out of a painting contract at Ashton-under-Lyne
Barracks in July last, that the Ashton-under-Lyne
and District Trades and Labour Council made complaint
to the military authorities as to the employment
of unskilled labour, and the payment of less than
the standard rate of wages for the district, and
that the military authorities immediately ordered
the dismissal of the men in question, and later
on caused the work to be done again by skilled workmen,
paid the standard wages; and seeing the that the
contractor admitted having acted contrary to the
spirit of the intention of the House of Commons
resolution of 1891, could he explain why the authorities
refused to exclude the offending contractors from
tendering in future for Government work?
Mr BRODERICK: I am aware of the complaint mentioned.
Provided a contractor pays the current rate of wages
when warned, he is not held to be disqualified for
future tendering. The circumstances, however, are
noted against him. |
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