IOO YEARS AGO THIS WEEK 8 - 14 SEPTEMBER 1925
This week's many stories include the objectionable dust that was blowing off a dump heap near Parr Stocks Road, the quandary of what to do with a man accused of breaking an old man's leg, the fiery use of fists and tongues by women in Crispin Street, more on the proposed artificial silk factory in Sutton and the farmer who was killed by his own horse in Junction Lane.
We begin on the evening of the 8th when Thomas Maloney from Clock Face Road joined the long list of miners killed or fatally injured through an underground roof fall. The 41-year-old had been working at Sutton Manor Colliery (pictured above) and died from his injuries in St Helens Hospital.
On the 9th at a meeting of the St Helens Health Committee, it was revealed that a petition had been sent to the Corporation complaining about "objectionable" dust that was blowing from a dump heap near Parr Stocks Road and annoying residents. The Town Clerk had subsequently written to the first named person on the petition to say the matter would have their attention.
However, that individual had now written back to say they had not signed any petition and had no complaint to make. But as the petition had already been taken up, it was decided that the mystery of the disowned signature had no relevance to the matter.
The Health Committee also heard that The Hollies in Cowley Hill Lane had been offered to them as a maternity home. The committee chairman, Ald. Henry Bates, said their Medical Officer would be investigating where their proposed home should best be located.
Daniel Delaney returned to court this week after being accused of unlawfully wounding fellow lodger James Woodyer at their Brown Street home in Parr. It was claimed that Delaney had broken Woodyer's leg after coming home drunk on the previous Saturday night and starting a row in their shared kitchen.
As a result of the scuffle, Woodyer had fallen to the ground and the much younger Delaney was accused of then kicking him with such force that he broke his leg. Although the defendant had been granted bail, nobody could be found who was prepared to pay the required sureties and so he had been kept in custody.
These days somebody with a broken leg would likely be out of hospital within days – if not hours. But a century ago there was a much greater potential for shock, infections and other complications setting in and it was expected that James Woodyer – who at 61 was considered elderly – would be in Providence Hospital for months.
The victim's condition was described as "precarious" and it was expected that he would be unable to give evidence for some time – if at all. What to do with his alleged attacker was a quandary and the magistrates decided to remand Daniel Delaney in custody for a further week while they had a think about it.
In another case in St Helens Police Court this week, it was stated that two neighbours from Crispin Street, off Borough Road, had not been on speaking terms for five years. But in the space of a couple of minutes they made up for their lack of contact with a fiery use of their fists and tongues. That left Sarah Smith appearing in court with two black eyes and a bruised face when she and Norah Glennane summoned each other for assault.
Mrs Smith's story was that she had been passing along the entry at the rear of her house on her way to do some shopping when Mrs Glennane – who had been standing in the side entry – made a sudden rush at her and knocked her down. According to the St Helens Reporter's account of the case, Mrs Glennane "thrashed her unmercifully. She then knelt on her and battered her face with her fists."
As neighbours dashed to the assistance of Mrs Smith, Mrs Glennane said, "I haven't finished yet. Do you want some more?" Thomas Burns was a coal miner from Phythian Street who had also been a boxer and he told the court that he was flying pigeons in Crispin Street and had witnessed the assault, describing Mrs Smith's face as being in a terrible state and then said: "I have had several years experience with the gloves but I do not think it is possible for bare fingers to have put such marks on Mrs Smith's face."
And a Mary Cunliffe from Crispin Street also said she had witnessed the assault. Upon being asked what Mrs Glennane had done to Mrs Smith, she replied: "She gave her a face – by gum! I wouldn't like to have it. She made her face in a terrible state."
In stating her own side of the story, Norah Glennane handed to the Bench two pages, which she said contained the language that Mrs Smith had used to her that had annoyed her so much. A sceptical Chairman said: "There are two pages of it. How long did it take her to say this?" Mrs Glennane did not answer the question but claimed that when Mrs Smith had passed her on Saturday evening she had said to her, "You so-and-so monkey, I will kill you yet."
Mrs Smith's solicitor then said to Mrs Glennane: "I suggest you are far more capable than anyone in Crispin Street of raising a dirty tongue?" To that the woman replied, "That is a lie". The solicitor then asked the question, "And a fist?" To that Mrs Glennane retorted with, "Oh, I admit I can raise my hands."
The Bench decided to dismiss the case against Mrs Smith and fine Mrs Glennane £1 and order her to pay Mrs Smith's advocate's fee of a guinea. The Chairman said as a result of this incident, the police would be on the lookout for any more bother in Crispin Street and if either party came before the Bench again, they would be severely dealt with. Referring to her fine, Mrs Glennane said, "Well, I am sorry. I shall not pay it."
Restive horses caused many accidents, often triggered by some unexpected thing or sound. It was not uncommon for carters to fall out of their vehicle when their animal took fright and for a heavy cartwheel to subsequently pass over them. That's what happened to John Wright at St Helens Junction station, although he was walking along the road holding his horse's head when the accident occurred.
The 55-year-old farmer from Burtonwood had been an experienced horseman and had gone to the Junction to collect a drum of oil for his threshing machine. At Mr Wright's inquest, Catherine Fenney gave evidence of seeing the horse and its owner pass under a railway bridge and then the nag started to jump about, owing, she believed, to the rough state of the road.
The 14-year-old said she saw Mr Wright jammed between the wall and the cart shaft. She explained how he had been lifted off his feet and then had fallen down face-first with the result that the left-hand wheel of the cart had passed over him. Catherine said the farmer was badly injured and was bleeding profusely and she immediately called for assistance.
And Fred Heywood from Junction Lane said he had seen the horse galloping and it appeared to be overpowering Mr Wright and he added that he had witnessed the cartwheel pass over the man's head and body. The coroner thanked Catherine for the prompt way in which she had acted and said the accident was a very sad and unfortunate affair and a verdict of misadventure was returned.
The St Helens Reporter on the 11th described the strong hopes that an artificial silk factory could be established at Sutton in the near future and said the rumours had "aroused the keenest interest". That was because of the jobs that would be created, which potentially could be in the thousands, and adding: "Coming at such a time of severe trade depression and labour unsettlement, it would indeed be surprising if that were not the case."
But the paper warned against "premature rejoicings" because the negotiations for bringing the factory to St Helens were still incomplete. The Nuera Art Silk Company did move into Lancots Lane in 1926 occupying the old Sutton Glass Works but closed in 1930 blaming the depression and a slump in the market.
From the 14th the Hippodrome claimed to have an "enormous attraction" in Noni, which they billed as "The famous Anglo-French clown" and "The greatest laughing act in variety". Also on the bill were: The Nashville Golden Serenaders Jazz Band ("This band teaches you all the latest jazz dances"); Sam Wallace ("A little dance, a little song, a little smile"); Rosie Gaston ("Comedienne"); The Victoria Troupe ("The greatest comedy cycling act in the world") and Verne and Earle ("America’s arguing pair").
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the tram conductor who was assaulted over a halfpenny, the horse attached to a milk float that went walkies, the opening of West Park Grammar School and the magnificent revival of Rainford Sports.
On the 9th at a meeting of the St Helens Health Committee, it was revealed that a petition had been sent to the Corporation complaining about "objectionable" dust that was blowing from a dump heap near Parr Stocks Road and annoying residents. The Town Clerk had subsequently written to the first named person on the petition to say the matter would have their attention.
However, that individual had now written back to say they had not signed any petition and had no complaint to make. But as the petition had already been taken up, it was decided that the mystery of the disowned signature had no relevance to the matter.
The Health Committee also heard that The Hollies in Cowley Hill Lane had been offered to them as a maternity home. The committee chairman, Ald. Henry Bates, said their Medical Officer would be investigating where their proposed home should best be located.
Daniel Delaney returned to court this week after being accused of unlawfully wounding fellow lodger James Woodyer at their Brown Street home in Parr. It was claimed that Delaney had broken Woodyer's leg after coming home drunk on the previous Saturday night and starting a row in their shared kitchen.
As a result of the scuffle, Woodyer had fallen to the ground and the much younger Delaney was accused of then kicking him with such force that he broke his leg. Although the defendant had been granted bail, nobody could be found who was prepared to pay the required sureties and so he had been kept in custody.
These days somebody with a broken leg would likely be out of hospital within days – if not hours. But a century ago there was a much greater potential for shock, infections and other complications setting in and it was expected that James Woodyer – who at 61 was considered elderly – would be in Providence Hospital for months.
The victim's condition was described as "precarious" and it was expected that he would be unable to give evidence for some time – if at all. What to do with his alleged attacker was a quandary and the magistrates decided to remand Daniel Delaney in custody for a further week while they had a think about it.
In another case in St Helens Police Court this week, it was stated that two neighbours from Crispin Street, off Borough Road, had not been on speaking terms for five years. But in the space of a couple of minutes they made up for their lack of contact with a fiery use of their fists and tongues. That left Sarah Smith appearing in court with two black eyes and a bruised face when she and Norah Glennane summoned each other for assault.
Mrs Smith's story was that she had been passing along the entry at the rear of her house on her way to do some shopping when Mrs Glennane – who had been standing in the side entry – made a sudden rush at her and knocked her down. According to the St Helens Reporter's account of the case, Mrs Glennane "thrashed her unmercifully. She then knelt on her and battered her face with her fists."
As neighbours dashed to the assistance of Mrs Smith, Mrs Glennane said, "I haven't finished yet. Do you want some more?" Thomas Burns was a coal miner from Phythian Street who had also been a boxer and he told the court that he was flying pigeons in Crispin Street and had witnessed the assault, describing Mrs Smith's face as being in a terrible state and then said: "I have had several years experience with the gloves but I do not think it is possible for bare fingers to have put such marks on Mrs Smith's face."
And a Mary Cunliffe from Crispin Street also said she had witnessed the assault. Upon being asked what Mrs Glennane had done to Mrs Smith, she replied: "She gave her a face – by gum! I wouldn't like to have it. She made her face in a terrible state."
In stating her own side of the story, Norah Glennane handed to the Bench two pages, which she said contained the language that Mrs Smith had used to her that had annoyed her so much. A sceptical Chairman said: "There are two pages of it. How long did it take her to say this?" Mrs Glennane did not answer the question but claimed that when Mrs Smith had passed her on Saturday evening she had said to her, "You so-and-so monkey, I will kill you yet."
Mrs Smith's solicitor then said to Mrs Glennane: "I suggest you are far more capable than anyone in Crispin Street of raising a dirty tongue?" To that the woman replied, "That is a lie". The solicitor then asked the question, "And a fist?" To that Mrs Glennane retorted with, "Oh, I admit I can raise my hands."
The Bench decided to dismiss the case against Mrs Smith and fine Mrs Glennane £1 and order her to pay Mrs Smith's advocate's fee of a guinea. The Chairman said as a result of this incident, the police would be on the lookout for any more bother in Crispin Street and if either party came before the Bench again, they would be severely dealt with. Referring to her fine, Mrs Glennane said, "Well, I am sorry. I shall not pay it."
Restive horses caused many accidents, often triggered by some unexpected thing or sound. It was not uncommon for carters to fall out of their vehicle when their animal took fright and for a heavy cartwheel to subsequently pass over them. That's what happened to John Wright at St Helens Junction station, although he was walking along the road holding his horse's head when the accident occurred.
The 55-year-old farmer from Burtonwood had been an experienced horseman and had gone to the Junction to collect a drum of oil for his threshing machine. At Mr Wright's inquest, Catherine Fenney gave evidence of seeing the horse and its owner pass under a railway bridge and then the nag started to jump about, owing, she believed, to the rough state of the road.
The 14-year-old said she saw Mr Wright jammed between the wall and the cart shaft. She explained how he had been lifted off his feet and then had fallen down face-first with the result that the left-hand wheel of the cart had passed over him. Catherine said the farmer was badly injured and was bleeding profusely and she immediately called for assistance.
And Fred Heywood from Junction Lane said he had seen the horse galloping and it appeared to be overpowering Mr Wright and he added that he had witnessed the cartwheel pass over the man's head and body. The coroner thanked Catherine for the prompt way in which she had acted and said the accident was a very sad and unfortunate affair and a verdict of misadventure was returned.
The St Helens Reporter on the 11th described the strong hopes that an artificial silk factory could be established at Sutton in the near future and said the rumours had "aroused the keenest interest". That was because of the jobs that would be created, which potentially could be in the thousands, and adding: "Coming at such a time of severe trade depression and labour unsettlement, it would indeed be surprising if that were not the case."
But the paper warned against "premature rejoicings" because the negotiations for bringing the factory to St Helens were still incomplete. The Nuera Art Silk Company did move into Lancots Lane in 1926 occupying the old Sutton Glass Works but closed in 1930 blaming the depression and a slump in the market.
From the 14th the Hippodrome claimed to have an "enormous attraction" in Noni, which they billed as "The famous Anglo-French clown" and "The greatest laughing act in variety". Also on the bill were: The Nashville Golden Serenaders Jazz Band ("This band teaches you all the latest jazz dances"); Sam Wallace ("A little dance, a little song, a little smile"); Rosie Gaston ("Comedienne"); The Victoria Troupe ("The greatest comedy cycling act in the world") and Verne and Earle ("America’s arguing pair").
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the tram conductor who was assaulted over a halfpenny, the horse attached to a milk float that went walkies, the opening of West Park Grammar School and the magnificent revival of Rainford Sports.
This week's many stories include the objectionable dust that was blowing off a dump heap near Parr Stocks Road, the quandary of what to do with a man accused of breaking an old man's leg, the fiery use of fists and tongues by women in Crispin Street, more on the proposed artificial silk factory in Sutton and the farmer who was killed by his own horse in Junction Lane.
We begin on the evening of the 8th when Thomas Maloney from Clock Face Road joined the long list of miners killed or fatally injured through an underground roof fall.
The 41-year-old had been working at Sutton Manor Colliery (pictured above) and died from his injuries in St Helens Hospital.
On the 9th at a meeting of the St Helens Health Committee, it was revealed that a petition had been sent to the Corporation complaining about "objectionable" dust that was blowing from a dump heap near Parr Stocks Road and annoying residents.
The Town Clerk had subsequently written to the first named person on the petition to say the matter would have their attention.
However, that individual had now written back to say they had not signed any petition and had no complaint to make.
But as the petition had already been taken up, it was decided that the mystery of the disowned signature had no relevance to the matter.
The Health Committee also heard that The Hollies in Cowley Hill Lane had been offered to them as a maternity home.
The committee chairman, Ald. Henry Bates, said their Medical Officer would be investigating where their proposed home should best be located.
Daniel Delaney returned to court this week after being accused of unlawfully wounding fellow lodger James Woodyer at their Brown Street home in Parr.
It was claimed that Delaney had broken Woodyer's leg after coming home drunk on the previous Saturday night and starting a row in their shared kitchen.
As a result of the scuffle, Woodyer had fallen to the ground and the much younger Delaney was accused of then kicking him with such force that he broke his leg.
Although the defendant had been granted bail, nobody could be found who was prepared to pay the required sureties and so he had been kept in custody.
These days somebody with a broken leg would likely be out of hospital within days – if not hours.
But a century ago there was a much greater potential for shock, infections and other complications setting in and it was expected that James Woodyer – who at 61 was considered elderly – would be in Providence Hospital for months.
The victim's condition was described as "precarious" and it was expected that he would be unable to give evidence for some time – if at all.
What to do with his alleged attacker was a quandary and the magistrates decided to remand Daniel Delaney in custody for a further week while they had a think about it.
In another case in St Helens Police Court this week, it was stated that two neighbours from Crispin Street, off Borough Road, had not been on speaking terms for five years.
But in the space of a couple of minutes they made up for their lack of contact with a fiery use of their fists and tongues.
That left Sarah Smith appearing in court with two black eyes and a bruised face when she and Norah Glennane summoned each other for assault.
Mrs Smith's story was that she had been passing along the entry at the rear of her house on her way to do some shopping when Mrs Glennane – who had been standing in the side entry – made a sudden rush at her and knocked her down.
According to the St Helens Reporter's account of the case, Mrs Glennane "thrashed her unmercifully. She then knelt on her and battered her face with her fists."
As neighbours dashed to the assistance of Mrs Smith, Mrs Glennane said, "I haven't finished yet. Do you want some more?"
Thomas Burns was a coal miner from Phythian Street who had also been a boxer and he told the court that he was flying pigeons in Crispin Street and had witnessed the assault, describing Mrs Smith's face as being in a terrible state and then said:
"I have had several years experience with the gloves but I do not think it is possible for bare fingers to have put such marks on Mrs Smith's face."
And a Mary Cunliffe from Crispin Street also said she had witnessed the assault. Upon being asked what Mrs Glennane had done to Mrs Smith, she replied:
"She gave her a face – by gum! I wouldn't like to have it. She made her face in a terrible state."
In stating her own side of the story, Norah Glennane handed to the Bench two pages, which she said contained the language that Mrs Smith had used to her that had annoyed her so much.
A sceptical Chairman said: "There are two pages of it. How long did it take her to say this?"
Mrs Glennane did not answer the question but claimed that when Mrs Smith had passed her on Saturday evening she had said to her, "You so-and-so monkey, I will kill you yet."
Mrs Smith's solicitor then said to Mrs Glennane: "I suggest you are far more capable than anyone in Crispin Street of raising a dirty tongue?" To that the woman replied, "That is a lie".
The solicitor then asked the question, "And a fist?" To that Mrs Glennane retorted with, "Oh, I admit I can raise my hands."
The Bench decided to dismiss the case against Mrs Smith and fine Mrs Glennane £1 and order her to pay Mrs Smith's advocate's fee of a guinea.
The Chairman said as a result of this incident, the police would be on the lookout for any more bother in Crispin Street and if either party came before the Bench again, they would be severely dealt with.
Referring to her fine, Mrs Glennane said, "Well, I am sorry. I shall not pay it."
Restive horses caused many accidents, often triggered by some unexpected thing or sound.
It was not uncommon for carters to fall out of their vehicle when their animal took fright and for a heavy cartwheel to subsequently pass over them.
That's what happened to John Wright at St Helens Junction station, although he was walking along the road holding his horse's head when the accident occurred.
The 55-year-old farmer from Burtonwood had been an experienced horseman and had gone to the Junction to collect a drum of oil for his threshing machine.
At Mr Wright's inquest, Catherine Fenney gave evidence of seeing the horse and its owner pass under a railway bridge and then the nag started to jump about, owing, she believed, to the rough state of the road.
The 14-year-old said she saw Mr Wright jammed between the wall and the cart shaft. She explained how he had been lifted off his feet and then had fallen down face-first with the result that the left-hand wheel of the cart had passed over him.
Catherine said the farmer was badly injured and was bleeding profusely and she immediately called for assistance.
And Fred Heywood from Junction Lane said he had seen the horse galloping and it appeared to be overpowering Mr Wright and he added that he had witnessed the cartwheel pass over the man's head and body.
The coroner thanked Catherine for the prompt way in which she had acted and said the accident was a very sad and unfortunate affair and a verdict of misadventure was returned.
The St Helens Reporter on the 11th described the strong hopes that an artificial silk factory could be established at Sutton in the near future and said the rumours had "aroused the keenest interest".
That was because of the jobs that would be created, which potentially could be in the thousands, and adding:
"Coming at such a time of severe trade depression and labour unsettlement, it would indeed be surprising if that were not the case."
But the paper warned against "premature rejoicings" because the negotiations for bringing the factory to St Helens were still incomplete.
The Nuera Art Silk Company did move into Lancots Lane in 1926 occupying the old Sutton Glass Works but closed in 1930 blaming the depression and a slump in the market.
From the 14th the Hippodrome claimed to have an "enormous attraction" in Noni, which they billed as "The famous Anglo-French clown" and "The greatest laughing act in variety".
Also on the bill were: The Nashville Golden Serenaders Jazz Band ("This band teaches you all the latest jazz dances"); Sam Wallace ("A little dance, a little song, a little smile"); Rosie Gaston ("Comedienne"); The Victoria Troupe ("The greatest comedy cycling act in the world") and Verne and Earle ("America’s arguing pair").
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the tram conductor who was assaulted over a halfpenny, the horse attached to a milk float that went walkies, the opening of West Park Grammar School and the magnificent revival of Rainford Sports.
The 41-year-old had been working at Sutton Manor Colliery (pictured above) and died from his injuries in St Helens Hospital.
On the 9th at a meeting of the St Helens Health Committee, it was revealed that a petition had been sent to the Corporation complaining about "objectionable" dust that was blowing from a dump heap near Parr Stocks Road and annoying residents.
The Town Clerk had subsequently written to the first named person on the petition to say the matter would have their attention.
However, that individual had now written back to say they had not signed any petition and had no complaint to make.
But as the petition had already been taken up, it was decided that the mystery of the disowned signature had no relevance to the matter.
The Health Committee also heard that The Hollies in Cowley Hill Lane had been offered to them as a maternity home.
The committee chairman, Ald. Henry Bates, said their Medical Officer would be investigating where their proposed home should best be located.
Daniel Delaney returned to court this week after being accused of unlawfully wounding fellow lodger James Woodyer at their Brown Street home in Parr.
It was claimed that Delaney had broken Woodyer's leg after coming home drunk on the previous Saturday night and starting a row in their shared kitchen.
As a result of the scuffle, Woodyer had fallen to the ground and the much younger Delaney was accused of then kicking him with such force that he broke his leg.
Although the defendant had been granted bail, nobody could be found who was prepared to pay the required sureties and so he had been kept in custody.
These days somebody with a broken leg would likely be out of hospital within days – if not hours.
But a century ago there was a much greater potential for shock, infections and other complications setting in and it was expected that James Woodyer – who at 61 was considered elderly – would be in Providence Hospital for months.
The victim's condition was described as "precarious" and it was expected that he would be unable to give evidence for some time – if at all.
What to do with his alleged attacker was a quandary and the magistrates decided to remand Daniel Delaney in custody for a further week while they had a think about it.
In another case in St Helens Police Court this week, it was stated that two neighbours from Crispin Street, off Borough Road, had not been on speaking terms for five years.
But in the space of a couple of minutes they made up for their lack of contact with a fiery use of their fists and tongues.
That left Sarah Smith appearing in court with two black eyes and a bruised face when she and Norah Glennane summoned each other for assault.
Mrs Smith's story was that she had been passing along the entry at the rear of her house on her way to do some shopping when Mrs Glennane – who had been standing in the side entry – made a sudden rush at her and knocked her down.
According to the St Helens Reporter's account of the case, Mrs Glennane "thrashed her unmercifully. She then knelt on her and battered her face with her fists."
As neighbours dashed to the assistance of Mrs Smith, Mrs Glennane said, "I haven't finished yet. Do you want some more?"
Thomas Burns was a coal miner from Phythian Street who had also been a boxer and he told the court that he was flying pigeons in Crispin Street and had witnessed the assault, describing Mrs Smith's face as being in a terrible state and then said:
"I have had several years experience with the gloves but I do not think it is possible for bare fingers to have put such marks on Mrs Smith's face."
And a Mary Cunliffe from Crispin Street also said she had witnessed the assault. Upon being asked what Mrs Glennane had done to Mrs Smith, she replied:
"She gave her a face – by gum! I wouldn't like to have it. She made her face in a terrible state."
In stating her own side of the story, Norah Glennane handed to the Bench two pages, which she said contained the language that Mrs Smith had used to her that had annoyed her so much.
A sceptical Chairman said: "There are two pages of it. How long did it take her to say this?"
Mrs Glennane did not answer the question but claimed that when Mrs Smith had passed her on Saturday evening she had said to her, "You so-and-so monkey, I will kill you yet."
Mrs Smith's solicitor then said to Mrs Glennane: "I suggest you are far more capable than anyone in Crispin Street of raising a dirty tongue?" To that the woman replied, "That is a lie".
The solicitor then asked the question, "And a fist?" To that Mrs Glennane retorted with, "Oh, I admit I can raise my hands."
The Bench decided to dismiss the case against Mrs Smith and fine Mrs Glennane £1 and order her to pay Mrs Smith's advocate's fee of a guinea.
The Chairman said as a result of this incident, the police would be on the lookout for any more bother in Crispin Street and if either party came before the Bench again, they would be severely dealt with.
Referring to her fine, Mrs Glennane said, "Well, I am sorry. I shall not pay it."
Restive horses caused many accidents, often triggered by some unexpected thing or sound.
It was not uncommon for carters to fall out of their vehicle when their animal took fright and for a heavy cartwheel to subsequently pass over them.
That's what happened to John Wright at St Helens Junction station, although he was walking along the road holding his horse's head when the accident occurred.
The 55-year-old farmer from Burtonwood had been an experienced horseman and had gone to the Junction to collect a drum of oil for his threshing machine.
At Mr Wright's inquest, Catherine Fenney gave evidence of seeing the horse and its owner pass under a railway bridge and then the nag started to jump about, owing, she believed, to the rough state of the road.
The 14-year-old said she saw Mr Wright jammed between the wall and the cart shaft. She explained how he had been lifted off his feet and then had fallen down face-first with the result that the left-hand wheel of the cart had passed over him.
Catherine said the farmer was badly injured and was bleeding profusely and she immediately called for assistance.
And Fred Heywood from Junction Lane said he had seen the horse galloping and it appeared to be overpowering Mr Wright and he added that he had witnessed the cartwheel pass over the man's head and body.
The coroner thanked Catherine for the prompt way in which she had acted and said the accident was a very sad and unfortunate affair and a verdict of misadventure was returned.
The St Helens Reporter on the 11th described the strong hopes that an artificial silk factory could be established at Sutton in the near future and said the rumours had "aroused the keenest interest".
That was because of the jobs that would be created, which potentially could be in the thousands, and adding:
"Coming at such a time of severe trade depression and labour unsettlement, it would indeed be surprising if that were not the case."
But the paper warned against "premature rejoicings" because the negotiations for bringing the factory to St Helens were still incomplete.
The Nuera Art Silk Company did move into Lancots Lane in 1926 occupying the old Sutton Glass Works but closed in 1930 blaming the depression and a slump in the market.
From the 14th the Hippodrome claimed to have an "enormous attraction" in Noni, which they billed as "The famous Anglo-French clown" and "The greatest laughing act in variety".
Also on the bill were: The Nashville Golden Serenaders Jazz Band ("This band teaches you all the latest jazz dances"); Sam Wallace ("A little dance, a little song, a little smile"); Rosie Gaston ("Comedienne"); The Victoria Troupe ("The greatest comedy cycling act in the world") and Verne and Earle ("America’s arguing pair").
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the tram conductor who was assaulted over a halfpenny, the horse attached to a milk float that went walkies, the opening of West Park Grammar School and the magnificent revival of Rainford Sports.