Tragic canal death and wedding bells for choirmaster
HERE in this regular feature we take a look back at items in the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago
●●A HORSE DROWNED
A horse drowned on Sunday morning whilst driving a horse and trap on the road near the canal lock at Rock Nook Mill.
Mr J H Laycock of Rough Farm, Blackstone Edge Road, had an unpleasant experience.
Probably through taking fright, the horse backed straight into the lock and was drowned.
Fortunately, Mr Laycock managed to jump out of the trap before it reached the lock.
●●ADVANCED PRINTERS WAGES
Following upon an advance of wages of 8s 6d per week granted to the printers of Rochdale and district in the spring of this year, a further advance of the same amount has been conceded to commence as and from the second pay day in September.
This will bring the advances granted since the war to 29s 6d per week and another 1s 6d is to be given in January when the advances will represent 90 per cent over pre-war rates.
Linotype operators secured an additional 12 and a half per cent on those wages.
●●A CHOIRMASTER’S WEDDING
In the Hamer United Methodist Church, on Tuesday, Mr Jesse Whitworth, choirmaster of the church, was married to Miss Edith Fielden, who was also closely associated with the church.
The bride wore an elegant costume of navy blue material with a hat of delicate fawn velour and carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums.
Miss Sarah Hodgson (the bridesmaid) was accompanied by the Misses Millicent Whitworth and Norah Fielden.
Mr Edgar Fielden acted as groomsman.
The bride was given away by her father.
The Rev Luke Hicks officiated.
Mr S Standring presided at the organ, the service being choral.
There was a large congregation.
●●WAR CASUALTIES
Private Herbert Fallon, of the Warwickshire Regiment, the son of Mr and Mrs J. Fallon of 24 Smith Street, Rochdale, was killed in action on August 30.
Another son of Mr and Mrs Fallon was killed earlier in the year.
Previously reported missing on November 20, 1917, Private Albert Hanson, Lancashire Fusiliers, of 14 Clement Street, Rochdale, is now presumed to be dead.
He was 39 years of age.
●●FIFTY YEARS AGO
On Thursday morning, a new station was opened at Smithy Bridge Crossing on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.
The new station is about midway between Rochdale and Littleborough, and while it will afford accommodation to the inhabitants of that part of Butterworth abutting upon it, together with the larger part of Smallbridge and Wardle.
It will also afford a pleasanter and a more ready access to Hollingworth Lake for pleasure seekers.