| 31
May 1902
THE PARACHUTE ACCIDENT
The adjourned inquest on Miss Edith BROOKES, the
lady parachutist who lost her life at Sheffield,
demonstrated pretty clearly how the fatality occurred.
The cords had been purposely twisted before the
ascent in order to prevent them being blown against
the lady during the ascent. The wind might also
have given them a further twist as the closed parachute
ascended.
Then instead of sliding off her perch at the proper
time, she appears to have fallen forward, possibly
in a faint, among the ropes, and it was suggested
might have done this in such a way as to prevent
the ropes untwisting. The parachute partially opened
and then closed again, and so remained until the
doomed woman reached the ground. There can be no
doubt whatever as to the twisting, as snapshots
had been taken at the time, and the man who did
it admitted what he had done, and thought he had
done right, as the twist in normal circumstances
would have come out when the weight of the parachutist
rested on the ropes.
Another suggestion was that the height attained
was not so great as it was on the previous day by
one thousand feet, there was not sufficient time
for the ropes to untwist practically and the parachute
to expand until the woman hit the ground. Another
point in the case was this, that the woman was advertised
as Miss Maude BROOKES, a sister of hers, who made
many ascents, whereas Edith only made two, the fatal
one and one the day before; but it does not appear
that such performers can really do much for themselves
except simply “trust in Providence.”
The father had written an indignant letter to the
coroner that the law should allow such performances,
and the jury also expressed the opinion that they
ought to be prohibited. In the House of Commons
a question was asked on the subject, and the Home
Secretary replied that these performances could
not be prohibited in the present state of law, and
that he did not think a law could be passed to that
effect.
It would be well to make the attempt. Dangerous
occupations are quite numerous enough without allowing
people to increase the number unnecessarily. Nor
is there the smallest need that people should witness
such performances. The Coroner said the “demand
created the supply,” but that statement will
hardly bear investigation. The public cannot be
regarded as the greatest sinner in the matter. Those
who tempt the public to go to such performances
have much greater responsibility on their shoulders,
and they ought not to be allowed to make money in
any such way.
WATERLOO AND BARDSLEY
BROKEN LEG.–
Fred SQUIRES, aged 11 years, residing at 100 Oldham-road,
Bardsley, was admitted as an inpatient at the Oldham
Infirmary, on Wednesday evening, suffering from
a broken leg.
OBSTRUCTING THE FOOTPATH.– At the Ashton
County Police Court, Harry GREENWOOD, Edward HAMER
and Joseph WRIGHT were each fined 5s for causing
an obstruction by standing on the footpath at Langham-street,
Waterloo.
DRUNK.– On Wednesday, at the Ashton
County Police Court, Thomas HARRISON pleaded guilty,
and was fined 2s 6d for being drunk at Waterloo,
on May 7th.– Wilhelmina KENNEDY was similarly
fined for a like offence at Bardsley, to which she
pleaded guilty.
ANOTHER RESIDENT OF BARDSLEY TAKEN AWAY.–
On Wednesday evening at his residence, Oldham-road,
one of the oldest residents in the person of Mr
Thomas ASHTON, succumbed to a short decisive illness,
which his advanced years could not support. He had
reached 77. The interment is for Monday afternoon
at Bardsley, where both he and his late partner
will rest in peace.
DEATH OF THE STEWARD OF THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB.–
On Tuesday, at the Conservative Club, Bardsley,
the death occurred of Mr John James DAVIES, their
caretaker and steward. The cause was cerebral congestion
and exhaustion following. He was only 39 years of
age. A well-known respected resident, was a minder,
until his health broke down. He was appointed steward
at the club about Christmas. For many years he has
been secretary of the Druids’ Lodge, held at
the Diamond Inn, Bardsley.
WHIT-FRIDAY PROCESSIONS.– There was
no small stir in Waterloo and Bardsley on Whit-Friday,
and the usual Sunday school processions passed off
successfully, and were the admiration of villagers
and townspeople alike. The scholars of the Bardsley
Parish Church School mustered to the number of about
450 at the schoolroom at nine o’clock, and
formed a procession, which, headed by the Bardsley
Old Band, proceeded along the main road to the boundary
at each end of the parish, singing their Whitsuntide
hymns at several houses en route, the conductor
being Mr T C MELLOR.
In the procession were the minister (Rev L ROBBS)
and the wardens, Messrs S MILLS and G LEES. The
procession returned to the school for the usual
refreshment, and in the afternoon the scholars enjoyed
themselves in a field obtained for the purpose.–
For the first time in their career, the Wesleyan
Sunday School scholars were headed by a band, the
Glossop Gospel Mission Band, and this in a measure
may have had something to do with the large procession,
there being a record attendance.
A pretty feature was the introduction of beautiful
innovations of sweet-smelling flowers arranged in
the form of garlands, bouquets, and long strings,
which were carried by girls charmingly attired in
white. The procession was marshalled by Messrs J
COPELAND, J JAQUES and G FLOWERS and the hymns appointed
for Whitsuntide were sung at Oaken Clough, Riversdale,
and other places en route.
There was a very neat and orderly procession in
connection with the Methodist New Connexion Sunday
School, a feature of which was a beautifully decorated
mail cart, reposing in which was a sweet looking
babe enwreathed in a mass of flowers. Cupolas of
evergreens and flowers were borne aloft by the little
girls, prettily dressed in white. The procession
halted at the house of Mrs J S EATON, Oldham-road,
and sang one the hymns appointed for Whitsuntide.
The Styal Home Boy’s Band led the procession.
VACCINATION EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
REFUSED AT STALYBRIDGE
Before Colonel SIDEBOTTOM and Mr James CARTER, at
Stalybridge Police Court on Monday, Abel BUCKLEY,
of Lord-street, came forward and asked for a vaccination
exemption certificate in respect to his child, Samuel.
Colonel SIDEBTOOM: Why do you want an exemption
order? – Applicant: Because I think it will
affect the child’s health. I conscientiously
object. I think the child will have better health
than it would have if vaccinated.– What does
you doctor say about it? He says nothing.–
He says nothing! Perhaps you are wiser than the
doctor? No, I don’t say I am.– Perhaps
you have a better knowledge of these things than
the doctor? I don’t say so.– Your application
does not satisfy me. It satisfies Mr CARTER, but
you will require two signatures, and I will not
sign the order under those conditions. I cannot
conscientiously sign a certificate after the statement
you have made.– But this child will be four
months old soon; what shall I do then? – You
must come another court day, on Wednesday.
BUCKLEY appeared at court on Wednesday, when the
justices present were Messrs CARTER, JACKSON, and
HOPWOOD. He repeated once again that he had a conscientious
objection to vaccination. In reply to Mr CARTER
he also said he other children unvaccinated, and
that they had never had smallpox in the family.–
The application was granted.
HURST
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.– Albert WARBURTON
was fined 5s at the Ashton County Police Court,
on Wednesday, for being drunk and disorderly at
Hurst.
ONLY LANDED FROM SOUTH AFRICA THAT DAY.–
Samuel NEWTON pleaded guilty at the Ashton County
Police Court, on Wednesday, to being drunk on licensed
premises at Hurst, on May 10th, also with being
drunk and disorderly on the same day, and in extenuation
said he only landed from South Africa that day,
and met a few friends. He was discharged in the
first case, and fined 5s 6d and costs, or 14 days
for the second case.
OUTING TO CHESTER.– A number of teachers
and scholars of St John’s Sunday School, Hurst,
had a delightful outing on Whit-Saturday to Chester,
whither they journeyed by the 6.23am train from
Oldham-road Station, accompanied by the Rev W A
PARRY, curate. At Chester the time was pleasantly
spent in visiting the antiquated rows, whilst a
pleasure trip was taken by steamer up the river
Dee to Eaton Hall, and a visit paid to the grounds.
The return journey was completed by 9.45pm, all
having thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
THE COLLIERS’ ARMS, HURST BROOK.–
The second annual picnic held in connection with
the above house took place on Whit-Thursday evening,
the members deciding to see the sights of London
town. Placing themselves in the capable hands of
MR L R STANTON the arrangements were throughout
were of a very satisfactory nature. Oldham-road
was left about 11.30pm in a reserved saloon and
the journey to the capital was made a pleasure.
Time very soon landed them at Euston where a char-a-banc
was in waiting to drive them to “The Bonnington
Hotel” which they made their headquarters during
their brief stay in London. After a hearty breakfast
and a brush up the char-a-banc was brought into
use again and the party were driven round all the
principal sights. Amongst other places shown were
the following St Paul’s, London Bridge, Tower
Bridge, London Tower, South Kensington Museum, British
Museum, Hyde Park, Rotten Row, Alhambra Theatre,
Albert Memorial, Madame Tussaud’s, Kingston,
Hampton Court, Kew Gardens, Dirty Dick’s, Petticoat
Lane &c. Home was reached on Sunday morning.
Great praise was given to the secretary, Mr Jack
ATHERTON.
DEATH OF AN ASHTON VOLUNTEER
SERGEANT-INSTRUCTOR
Sorrow and regret was expressed in military circles
in Ashton and district at the announcement of the
death at 2 o’clock on Tuesday morning of Sergeant-Instructor
Thomas MERTON, of the 3rd VBMR, and caretaker of
the new shooting regiment the Brushes. It is only
about two months since the deceased Sergeant-Instructor
took up his abode at the Brushes ranges, as the
newly appointed caretaker, prior to which time he
resided in Birch-street, Ashton.
He had been Sergeant-Instructor of the Ashton Volunteers
for about 12 years, and in addition had served 15
years in the army. Had he lived until July 9th next
he would have retired on a well-deserved pension.
He had been troubled for a long time with a pulmonary
complaint, and it was hoped that the change to the
more invigorating and health-giving air and surroundings
of the Brushes would have produced in him a change
for the better, but the disease had fastened its
firm hold upon him, and despite the best medical
skill and attention, and no lack of effort on his
own part to ward off the inevitable, death came
as aforestated.
Deceased was 51 years of age, and leaves a widow
and seven children. The second son, Frederick, is
in the South Wales Borderers, at present stationed
at Aldershot. The deceased Colour-sergeant enlisted
at the Ashton Barracks on July 6th, 1875, at the
age of 24. He belonged to the 2nd Battalion Manchester
Regiment, late the 96th. In 1881 he went out with
his regiment to Malta, and during the Egyptian Campaign
was at the base of operations at Alexandria, for
which he wore the medal and Khediva(?) Star. At
the conclusion of the war in 1882 he was drafted
to India, and was on foreign service until 1890,
when he returned to England and joined the 3rd VBMR
on March 16th, 1890, and has continued in the Ashton
district ever since.
MAN KNOCKED DOWN BY AN ELECTRIC
TRAMCAR AT ASHTON
A sad accident whereby an electrician named John
FRASER, of 37 Henrietta-street, Ashton, was injured,
occurred in Stockport-road, Ashton, at 12.07am on
Sunday. The electric tramcar which left the Ashton
terminus at 11.50pm on the 24th instant in charge
of Motorman RORKE, for the depot at Denton, had
got as far as the bridge near Guide Bridge Station,
and was then travelling at the rate of about four
miles an hour when the motorman saw FRASER step
from the footpath as if going across the road.
According to the statement of the motorman he rang
the gong immediately, and called out and applied
the brake and reversed the motors. FRASER did not
appear to hear or see the car, and before it could
be stopped the brake handle hit him on the head,
and he fell to the ground. The motorman stopped
the car and got off, and the conductor, Daniel PEAK,
lifted FRASER up, and helped him to Dr STEWART'’
surgery, Ashton-road, Denton, who examined him and
ordered his removal to the District Infirmary.
He was put back into the car and a telephonic message
at once despatched to the police station, and as
the car was proceeding through Trafalgar Square
the horse ambulance, in charge of Sergeant McFEELEY
and Constable CORBETT, appeared, and FRASER was
placed upon it and conveyed to the District Infirmary
in an unconscious state, suffering from serious
injuries to the head. Mr FRASER is the resident
engineer at the Oldham, Ashton, and Hyde Electric
Tramways. He still lies in a very precarious condition
in the Infirmary, and Dr JUDSON and Dr HAMILTON
both express slight hopes of his recovery
THE ASHTON, HYDE, AND STALYBRIDGE
HAIRDRESSERS’ ASSOCIATION
Sir,– I observe that in all the barbers’
shops in the town, the proprietors of which are
members of the above association, there are notices
hung up saying that on and after June 2nd the price
of an ordinary shave will be three halfpence, and
also that threepence will be charged for children’s
hair-cutting, and other matters in proportion. Now
I should like to know who gave these gentlemen of
the “great profession” power to make this
astounding statement.
I happen to be one of their employers, and have
not been consulted about this 50 per cent advance
in their already high rate of wages. I have an idea
that if I made such an overture to my employer he
would tell me that he could not and would not make
such a concession, and I think it is high time the
public, or those concerned, took up this important
matter. From conversation I have overheard in various
quarters, I am of opinion that the barbers in the
borough will be the losers in the end, as a great
number will shave themselves, and others will make
one shave instead of two shaves per week suffice.
I think the proper way to have gone about this matter
would have been for the barbers to have called a
meeting of those concerned, and have laid their
case – if they have one – before such
meeting, and have had the matter validated; but
instead of that, they say “We, the members
of the Hairdressers’ Association, on and after
2nd June, demand an advance of 50 per cent in our
wages.” The barbers should bear in mind they
are only the employed, and that their employers
ought to have a voice in the fixing of their rate
of wages, which are already high enough.– Yours,
ONE CONCERNED
HOOLEY HILL AND AUDENSHAW
THE JUNCTION INN. – At the Ashton County
Police Court on Wednesday, Mr J B POWNALL applied
on behalf of Mrs PREECE for permission to sell at
the Junction Inn, Guidebridge, in place of her father.–
Granted.
SINGULAR OBSTRUCTION.– Harold TINKER pleaded
guilty, at the Ashton County Police Court, on Wednesday,
to creating an obstruction at Audenshaw on May 13th
by leaving his horse tied to a garden gate whilst
he delivered meat, and was fined 5s 6d.
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.– At the Ashton
County Police Court, on Wednesday, Mary Ann HARTLEY
was fined 5s 6d and costs, or seven days, for being
drunk and disorderly at Audenshaw, and Samuel Edgar
BUCKLEY was fined 5s for a similar offence.
GAMING.– George Harry BAYLEY, William BAYLEY,
John GOODWIN, James CAMPBELL, James THORPE, Albert
TAYLOR, and James WRIGHT were charged, at the Ashton
County Police Court, on Wednesday, with gaming on
the footpath off Bridge-street, Audenshaw, on May
10th, the first two being fined 5s, and the others
1s.
SELLING BREAD WITHOUT WEIGHING.– Fred
GAMBLE was charged at the Ashton County Police Court,
on Wednesday, with selling bread otherwise than
by weight, at Audenshaw, on May 8th. Defendant admitted
the offence, and was fined 5s 6d and costs.–
Jos. BARBER was fined 5s 6d and costs for a similar
offence.
BROTHERS IN TROUBLE.– George and Charles
JARRATT were before the Ashton County justices,
on Wednesday, charged with committing a breach of
the peace at Audenshaw, on May 4th.– A constable
deposed that at 12.15 on Saturday midnight he saw
the two defendants creating a disturbance in Guide-lane,
Audenshaw.– George pleaded guilty and Charles
not guilty, adding that his brother was drunk and
struck him.– Both defendants were bound over
in 40s to keep the peace for six months.
BREACH OF THE PEACE.– Thomas REECE pleaded
guilty, at the Ashton County Police Court, on Wednesday,
to committing a breach of the peace at Audenshaw
on May 10th, and was bound over in 40s to keep the
peace for six months.– Elizabeth McDONALD pleaded
not guilty to a similar charge.– A constable
deposed that at 12.25 on the night of May 11th he
was called to the defendant’s house, and she
was lying on the floor, and broken glass all about.
She had broken the windows and acted as if she was
mad.– Defendant was bound over in 40s to keep
the peace for six months.
ALLEGED THEFTS BY SHOP ASSISTANTS
At Manchester City Police Court,
on Tuesday, Stewart Richard WLITON, Perch-street,
Cheetham; Frederick SPENCER, West Gorton; John EVANS,
Moss Side; John William TRAYNOR, Pendleton; Harry
WILLIAMS, Gorton; and Tom THOMPSON, Ardwick, were
charged with stealing goods from Messrs Lewis’s,
Market-street, Manchester, during the past twelve
months. Mrs Ada JONES, of Abbey-street, Greenheys,
was charged with stealing and receiving a quantity
of silk in conjunction with WILTON. Mr BECKTON prosecuted.
Mr W COBBETT appeared for WILTON, and Mr SYMONDS
for JONES.
Mr BECKTON stated that he understood the men would
admit their guilt, but that the woman would plead
not guilty. The men had all been in the employment
of the prosecutors in Market-street, and WILTON
seemed to have been the prime mover in the matter.
He had been with the firm for a number of years.
He was a salesman in the silk department, and the
other men had been employed in various other departments.
WILTON was arrested last Wednesday in Lower Mosley-street,
and at that time was in possession of a quantity
of goods.
On being taken into custody, he made a long statement,
and it was only fair to him to say that, as far
as could be gathered, he had since his arrest given
the police what information he could. The other
men were apprehended in consequence of WILTON’s
statement, and in their presence he repeated what
he had previously said implicating them. Goods to
the value of £50 had been found at WILTON’s
house, and that prisoner had pointed out in the
presence of the other men the various articles he
had alleged received from them. As WILTON did this
the other men said “Yes,” or “No”
as the case might be.
As to JONES, it was alleged she knew WILTON, and
on her house being searched silks and other goods
of the value of £13 or £14 were found.–
Chief Detective Inspector CORDEN and Detective Inspector
HOUGH gave evidence.– In reply to Mr SYMONDS,
HOUGH said JONES had told him that the goods were
parcels which travellers had given him because he
had placed orders with them, or something to that
effect, and they would be a pleasant surprise for
his wife, as they were about to open a shop. They
defendants were admitted to the sessions for trial.
They were all admitted to bail except WILTON, who
did not make application. |
