Workers save mill from blaze as Tommy hits out
HERE in this regular feature we take a look back at items in the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago
●»THE EPIDEMIC: FEWER CASES IN TOWN AND DISTRICT
The influenza epidemic is rapidly declining both in town and district.
Attendances at the Rochdale schools have improved; mills, offices and workshops are gradually regaining their normal staffs, and on all hands a marked improvement is shown. There was a diminution in the number of interments at the Rochdale Cemetery during the week ended last night, the total being 58 compared with 67 in the preceding week. #
A better service has been maintained since Saturday by the Rochdale Tramways Committee, but some 45 employees are still off work.
●»A SHAWCLOUGH MILL FIRE
Noticing a strong smell of burning cotton in the vicinity of the Horse Carrs Mill, Shawclough, shortly before midnight on Friday, Police Constable Booth went into the mill and found a quantity of cotton smouldering there.
The fire brigade was informed, and Inspector Wilson turned out with the brigade wagon and a section of hose.
It appears that the outbreak - which originated in a breaking machine during the afternoon - had been dealt with by the mill employees, and the affected material removed into the mill yard, where the inspector found five bins of cotton burning.
The damage which is considerable, is covered by insurance.
●»JOINERS’ WAGES
The offer of the employees on the application of the South-East Lancashire Carpenters and Joiners’ Association for 1s 6d an hour was submitted to a meeting of joiners in Rochdale last night.
The offer was 1s 5d an hour and after some discussion it was accepted.
●»WAR CASUALTIES
Rifleman Fred G. Mountford, of the King’s Liverpool Rifles, who resided at 30 Marland Avenue, Rochdale, succumbed to wounds in a casualty clearing station abroad on June 28. He was 32 years of age.
Sergeant Norman Riddell (31) of the Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in action on June 15. His death will be much regretted by local Association football enthusiasts, for he rendered loyal service to the Rochdale Association Club about seven years ago. He came to Rochdale from Morpeth, but eventually joined the ranks of the Clapton Orient Club.
●»A TOMMY’S GRIEVANCE
To the editor of the Rochdale Observer.
Sir, I noticed in your last Saturday’s edition that a reader in France complains of the half-wages allowance to tramway employees on service.
Most people in Rochdale know these men have done their bit.
I doubt if there is a percentage from any other works as good, and I hope the people think the money is well earned and well spent. To me, it seems very hard to always be pounced upon by people who want to have a grumble or a moan as we call it in the army.
No money can compensate a man for what he goes through in France.
“A Reader in France” was unfortunate in not being employed by the tramway but perhaps he will consider a little before he leaps again.
Yours, WOUNDED ONCE.