Cost of dying rose as war took further toll
HERE in this regular feature we take a look back at the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
To the editor of the Rochdale Observer.
Sir, It seems almost impossible to pick up a newspaper without seeing some case of cruelty to animals.
My opinion is that if the punishment were made to fit the crime, there would be far less cruelty in our country.
Let the perpetrators have to endure some of the suffering of the animal in precisely the same way that suffering has been inflicted.
I firmly believe that it would have more lasting effect that some of the fines imposed, which are most inadequate. Surely something more drastic is necessary.
Yours, CAROLINE ROBINSON, King Street South, Rochdale.
INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC
The influenza epidemic has exacted a fairly heavy toll in Smallbridge.
The Halifax Road Council School was closed at noon on Monday, and at several of the mills and workshops, it was reported that there were many employees absent.
At one mill, the staff was so depleted that closing down was contemplated.
The rapid development of the disease is causing great anxiety, and most persons are endeavouring to take precautionary measures, so as to avert attack.
Private F. Hartley, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, whose home was at 174 Ramsay Street, Rochdale, was killed abroad on June 1. He was 21 years of age and before joining the army was employed by Turner Bros. Ltd., Spotland.
Official news has now been received that Rifleman Arthur Haugh of King’s Royal Rifles, who was reported as missing on September 21, 1917, is now presumed to have been killed.
He was 24 years of age and the son of Mr V. Haugh of Gordon Street, Newhey.
NEW CEMETERY CHARGES
The new scale of the Rochdale Cemetery charges has been revised.
The grave fee is increased from 5s to 6s; the minister’s (or registrar’s) fee from 2s 6d to 3s 6d and the burial fees are advanced by amounts ranging from 4s to 10s to residents and ratepayers and to nonresidents the increase goes up in some cases to 100 per cent.
Substantial additions are also made in the charges for headings etc.
The scale was agreed upon by the Cemetery Committee at a special meeting on Thursday.
THE PUBLIC HALL
The Cigarette Girl, one of the most charming cinema productions yet brought to Rochdale, is delighting large attendances at the Public Hall, Baillie Street, on Monday evening.
The story is that of a winsome young waitress in a cafe whose honest is the wonder of all the regular patrons of the house and whose adventures with a millionaire pestered by a couple of would-be blackmailers led to many extremely piquant situations.
This captivating drama is the chief item on the programme, which also includes The Triple Alliance, in which a clever dog and two remarkably well-trained elephants play important parts.