Tunnel trouble and vicar’s call for purity
HERE in this weekly feature we take a look back at the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago.. ●●MISHAP IN SUMMIT TUNNEL
It is believed that the mishap to the L. and Y. 6.30pm express in Summit Tunnel last Friday night, when much alarm was caused in Littleborough, was due to a passenger opening a carriage door in which his coat was fasted. The door was torn off, and crashing in succeeding carriages smashed several windows. Some passengers were cut by the flying glass and others complained of shock.
●●FOOD MATTERS
IT was originally intended that the local temporary meat rationing scheme should come to an end today (Saturday) but arrangements are being made for it to be extended for two weeks until the national system comes into operations. The existing cards will continue to be used. ●●THE PURITY OF THE COUNTRY – VICAR OF DEARNLEY AND TOLERATED HOUSES
A further address on the Divorce Law Reform Bill was delivered by the Rev G. R. Oakley, vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Dearnley, to a large male congregation on Sunday afternoon.
Mr Oakley said he thought it high time that a stand was made for the purity of the country. One felt thoroughly ashamed that such a disgraceful reply as that of Mr Macpherson on “tolerated houses” should be possible from a member of a British Government.
Mr Macpherson’s reply implied that sin was possible without physical danger - a statement found to be a lie by the highest medical opinion and by the experience of those countries which had “tolerated houses.”
“Divorced Reform” so called, was merely another phase of the general attack on purity.
Mr Oakley proceeded, in a very fair temperature criticism of his former address, “to condemn an ill-assorted couple to spend their lives in domestic conflict seems… a harsh proceeding.” But it was necessary to so condemn them. Separation was always possible and to live single lives was harder for them than for bachelors, spinsters, widowers, or widows.
As for the present inequality of the law, as regards rich and poor, let it be removed not by cheapening divorce poison but by prohibiting it all together. ●●WAR CASUALTIES
Sergeant Schofield (pictured), of the Lancashire Fusiliers, late of 8 Haugh, Newhey, died of wounds abroad on February 28.
Private H. Grinrod (pictured), of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who formerly resided at 152 Ramsden Road, Wardle, was reported as missing about ten months ago and is now presumed to have been killed.
●●THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The noblest part of our existence is based upon sentiment. Patriotism is sentiment. A nation which does not respect its past will have no future which will deserve respect. J. A. Froude.