IOO YEARS AGO THIS WEEK 26 MAY - 1 JUNE 1925
This week's many stories include the clean milk demo at the Fleece Hotel, how Empire Day was celebrated in the Town Hall, the Haydock furniture dispute, the drunken lodger of Ramford Street and the mock repentance of the defendant dubbed the most violent and wickedest woman.
Although the authorities regularly carried out spot checks on milk to see whether farmers and dairymen were adding water, the analysis would often also detect traces of dirt. Such things as rust, sand, animal dung and straw could be found, often through accidental contamination. And so during the afternoon of the 26th in the sales yard at the Fleece Hotel in Church Street, a demonstration was given of how clean milk could be produced on any farm or dairy.
Many farmers and dairymen were present, along with members of the council's Health Committee. The Chairman of the National Clean Milk Society demonstrated how clean milk could be economically produced and spoke of the dangerous effects of bacteria in dirty milk, especially on children.
I recently wrote how family disputes over the possessions of a loved one after their death seemed to have been much more common in the past. With working class folk tending to own very little and not write wills, dividing up the deceased's furniture and bits and bobs between family members could easily be a recipe for rows.
In St Helens County Court on the 27th, Ethel Harrison sued Thomas Mowbray for £50 for breaching an agreement that she claimed had been made between herself and Thomas' late brother, William Mowbray. Ethel had been adopted by William and his wife and had lived with them at their home in Church Road in Haydock.
She had been working as a nurse at Haydock Lodge but said William had persuaded her to return to his home to nurse his wife and keep house. In return he had promised Ethel that upon his death he would leave her all the furniture in the house. In January 1925 William was found drowned in a reservoir at Haydock and Thomas wasted no time in getting his hands on his brother's furniture.
He turned up at the house on the day after his brother's body was discovered to remove the furniture – but Ethel refused to let him in. But Thomas returned with a cart and a policeman and as he was the next of kin and acting as administrator of William's estate, she said she had to give it up.
In court all sorts of accusations were made, including Thomas Mowbray claiming that his brother had told him Ethel was driving him mad and staying out late at night. Thomas completely denied that any promise to give Ethel his furniture was ever made by his brother William before his death. However, the judge in the County Court hearing in East Street in St Helens said he had no doubt whatsoever that the deceased intended Ethel to have his furniture.
But he added that what he thought did not matter because there had been no legal document, will or bond made that had bequeathed the furniture to Ethel. In other words, she should have got the deal with her adopted father in writing. "As hard as it seems, you are without redress", the judge declared, telling Ethel that she would also have to pay all the court costs.
The Liverpool Echo wrote on the 28th: "A mock repentance and a sudden outburst of anger led to a sudden change of magisterial decision at St. Helens today, when a Liverpool woman, Catherine Kinell, was accused of assaulting a policeman." PC Shepherd, who had had prior experience of the woman, gave evidence that she had accused him of molesting her and created a great scene.
He said he was compelled to take Catherine into custody and she had attacked him with a hatpin and thrown a stone at him. The officer described her as "…the most violent and the wickedest woman I have ever had to deal with." Upon hearing this Catherine Kinell burst into tears and professed her sincere sorrow for what had taken place.
The magistrates liked to hear remorse and the Chairman, Alderman Reed, decided to let her off lightly with a small fine. However, upon leaving the dock the woman was heard to make a threat against PC Shepherd. This is how the Echo reported what happened next:
"Ald. Reed ordered her to be brought back, and she again assumed a meek and mild manner, denying that she had said anything. The Chairman: What did you say as you left the dock? Kinell (in a fury): Wait until I get out and stiffen you! P.C. Melbourne: She said she would get twelve months for the policeman when she came out. The Chairman: She will now go to gaol for 28 days instead of being fined. Kinell: And wait until my time is up."
In January 1924 the Conservative Party splinter group known as the St Helens Women's Unionist Association had formed a Children's Loyalty League. At the time the Reporter said: "Loyalty to King and country is a strong element in the Children's Loyalty League, and they are taught physical exercises, country dancing and singing and generally have a real good time under well-regulated conditions."
What might be seen as indoctrinating children to be patriotic citizens centred on the commemoration of St George's Day and Empire Day. The latter used to be celebrated in Britain and her colonies annually between 1904 and 1958, with bonfires often lit and fireworks set off.
On the 29th the Reporter described how the North and South Eccleston branch of the Loyalty League had celebrated Empire Day in "magnificent style". The event had taken place in the Town Hall and was called "Britannia and Her Daughters". By today’s standards depictions by children of subjugated colonies giving homage to Britannia would at the very least be seen as distasteful. But not so in the 1920s, with the Reporter writing:
"The children threw their whole hearts into the affair, and by their rendering of the various patriotic songs they made a fine impression on the large audience of parents and friends, who were unstinted in their praise. The platform had been converted into an excellent stage, and on it was depicted the Court of Britannia, to which came representatives of the various Colonies to do homage to their legion Queen.
"Around the throne of Britannia stood the choir, which was very pleasing both on account of the neat little white dresses and the rendering of the choruses. After the opening welcoming chorus, Britannia (A. Dutton) ascended the throne, resplendent in her majestic robes, her train being carried by two pretty little page-boys."
Many people in St Helens took in lodgers with the money they paid for room and board helping to pay their bills. But, of course, there was always a risk of the lodger being a difficult sort and Ewan Williams appears to have been that type of person.
In St Helens Police Court on the 29th, Williams brought a charge of assault against Gilbert Lewis of Ramford Street. Ewan Williams told the court that he'd been having a drink at a public house in Higher Parr Street when Lewis had put in an appearance and attacked him. He said he was hit in the eye, kicked and knocked about. "He was all over me", Williams complained.
But when Gilbert Lewis took the stand he explained that the man had been lodging with his family but was in the regular habit of getting drunk and knocking his children about. His wife had ordered Williams to leave her home but he had not gone. The magistrates were not impressed with Gilbert Lewis taking the law into his own hands and bound him over to keep the peace for 12 months but only required him to deposit two sureties of £1.
Those taking in lodgers were expected to keep a register of their names and nationalities. Elizabeth Rawlings of Parr Street was prosecuted for not keeping such a record of her three lodgers and told the court: "I don't know the law, and I only keep lodgers to earn an honest living. I never had a twopenny loaf from charity all my life." The case was dismissed upon payment of costs.
John Kay had been taken into custody by the police simply for walking up and down Duke Street in the early hours "without coat or vest and with shirt hanging out", as the Reporter put it. When a constable spoke to him, Kay had said: "I am fed up. I don't know where I am going."
In court he told the magistrates that he had been discharged from the mental ward of the Whiston Institution two days before and claimed he had no money and had been roaming about with nothing to eat since then. Upon being asked by the chairman if he was prepared to return to Whiston, Mr Kay replied: "Yes, if you'll give me a new jacket and waistcoat".
After being asked if he had been given one when discharged, Mr Kay replied: "Aye, an old jacket in rags and tatters", which he said he'd passed on to the ragman. It was decided that he would be returned to the Whiston Institution, which essentially was the new name for the workhouse.
And finally, June 1st was Whit Monday and a Whist Drive and Dance was held in the Town Hall in aid of the New Catholic Grammar School Building Fund. The Archbishop of Liverpool had laid the foundation stone for the new school at West Park in July 1924 and it was set to open later in 1925.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the man that threw a 17-year-old girl to the ground and molested her, the Whit weekend festivities, there's slow progress in providing playing fields for children and Stop Press – a rabbit is spotted in Victoria Park!
Many farmers and dairymen were present, along with members of the council's Health Committee. The Chairman of the National Clean Milk Society demonstrated how clean milk could be economically produced and spoke of the dangerous effects of bacteria in dirty milk, especially on children.
I recently wrote how family disputes over the possessions of a loved one after their death seemed to have been much more common in the past. With working class folk tending to own very little and not write wills, dividing up the deceased's furniture and bits and bobs between family members could easily be a recipe for rows.
In St Helens County Court on the 27th, Ethel Harrison sued Thomas Mowbray for £50 for breaching an agreement that she claimed had been made between herself and Thomas' late brother, William Mowbray. Ethel had been adopted by William and his wife and had lived with them at their home in Church Road in Haydock.
She had been working as a nurse at Haydock Lodge but said William had persuaded her to return to his home to nurse his wife and keep house. In return he had promised Ethel that upon his death he would leave her all the furniture in the house. In January 1925 William was found drowned in a reservoir at Haydock and Thomas wasted no time in getting his hands on his brother's furniture.
He turned up at the house on the day after his brother's body was discovered to remove the furniture – but Ethel refused to let him in. But Thomas returned with a cart and a policeman and as he was the next of kin and acting as administrator of William's estate, she said she had to give it up.
In court all sorts of accusations were made, including Thomas Mowbray claiming that his brother had told him Ethel was driving him mad and staying out late at night. Thomas completely denied that any promise to give Ethel his furniture was ever made by his brother William before his death. However, the judge in the County Court hearing in East Street in St Helens said he had no doubt whatsoever that the deceased intended Ethel to have his furniture.
But he added that what he thought did not matter because there had been no legal document, will or bond made that had bequeathed the furniture to Ethel. In other words, she should have got the deal with her adopted father in writing. "As hard as it seems, you are without redress", the judge declared, telling Ethel that she would also have to pay all the court costs.
The Liverpool Echo wrote on the 28th: "A mock repentance and a sudden outburst of anger led to a sudden change of magisterial decision at St. Helens today, when a Liverpool woman, Catherine Kinell, was accused of assaulting a policeman." PC Shepherd, who had had prior experience of the woman, gave evidence that she had accused him of molesting her and created a great scene.
He said he was compelled to take Catherine into custody and she had attacked him with a hatpin and thrown a stone at him. The officer described her as "…the most violent and the wickedest woman I have ever had to deal with." Upon hearing this Catherine Kinell burst into tears and professed her sincere sorrow for what had taken place.
The magistrates liked to hear remorse and the Chairman, Alderman Reed, decided to let her off lightly with a small fine. However, upon leaving the dock the woman was heard to make a threat against PC Shepherd. This is how the Echo reported what happened next:
"Ald. Reed ordered her to be brought back, and she again assumed a meek and mild manner, denying that she had said anything. The Chairman: What did you say as you left the dock? Kinell (in a fury): Wait until I get out and stiffen you! P.C. Melbourne: She said she would get twelve months for the policeman when she came out. The Chairman: She will now go to gaol for 28 days instead of being fined. Kinell: And wait until my time is up."
In January 1924 the Conservative Party splinter group known as the St Helens Women's Unionist Association had formed a Children's Loyalty League. At the time the Reporter said: "Loyalty to King and country is a strong element in the Children's Loyalty League, and they are taught physical exercises, country dancing and singing and generally have a real good time under well-regulated conditions."
What might be seen as indoctrinating children to be patriotic citizens centred on the commemoration of St George's Day and Empire Day. The latter used to be celebrated in Britain and her colonies annually between 1904 and 1958, with bonfires often lit and fireworks set off.
On the 29th the Reporter described how the North and South Eccleston branch of the Loyalty League had celebrated Empire Day in "magnificent style". The event had taken place in the Town Hall and was called "Britannia and Her Daughters". By today’s standards depictions by children of subjugated colonies giving homage to Britannia would at the very least be seen as distasteful. But not so in the 1920s, with the Reporter writing:
"The children threw their whole hearts into the affair, and by their rendering of the various patriotic songs they made a fine impression on the large audience of parents and friends, who were unstinted in their praise. The platform had been converted into an excellent stage, and on it was depicted the Court of Britannia, to which came representatives of the various Colonies to do homage to their legion Queen.
"Around the throne of Britannia stood the choir, which was very pleasing both on account of the neat little white dresses and the rendering of the choruses. After the opening welcoming chorus, Britannia (A. Dutton) ascended the throne, resplendent in her majestic robes, her train being carried by two pretty little page-boys."
Many people in St Helens took in lodgers with the money they paid for room and board helping to pay their bills. But, of course, there was always a risk of the lodger being a difficult sort and Ewan Williams appears to have been that type of person.
In St Helens Police Court on the 29th, Williams brought a charge of assault against Gilbert Lewis of Ramford Street. Ewan Williams told the court that he'd been having a drink at a public house in Higher Parr Street when Lewis had put in an appearance and attacked him. He said he was hit in the eye, kicked and knocked about. "He was all over me", Williams complained.
But when Gilbert Lewis took the stand he explained that the man had been lodging with his family but was in the regular habit of getting drunk and knocking his children about. His wife had ordered Williams to leave her home but he had not gone. The magistrates were not impressed with Gilbert Lewis taking the law into his own hands and bound him over to keep the peace for 12 months but only required him to deposit two sureties of £1.
Those taking in lodgers were expected to keep a register of their names and nationalities. Elizabeth Rawlings of Parr Street was prosecuted for not keeping such a record of her three lodgers and told the court: "I don't know the law, and I only keep lodgers to earn an honest living. I never had a twopenny loaf from charity all my life." The case was dismissed upon payment of costs.
John Kay had been taken into custody by the police simply for walking up and down Duke Street in the early hours "without coat or vest and with shirt hanging out", as the Reporter put it. When a constable spoke to him, Kay had said: "I am fed up. I don't know where I am going."
In court he told the magistrates that he had been discharged from the mental ward of the Whiston Institution two days before and claimed he had no money and had been roaming about with nothing to eat since then. Upon being asked by the chairman if he was prepared to return to Whiston, Mr Kay replied: "Yes, if you'll give me a new jacket and waistcoat".
After being asked if he had been given one when discharged, Mr Kay replied: "Aye, an old jacket in rags and tatters", which he said he'd passed on to the ragman. It was decided that he would be returned to the Whiston Institution, which essentially was the new name for the workhouse.
And finally, June 1st was Whit Monday and a Whist Drive and Dance was held in the Town Hall in aid of the New Catholic Grammar School Building Fund. The Archbishop of Liverpool had laid the foundation stone for the new school at West Park in July 1924 and it was set to open later in 1925.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the man that threw a 17-year-old girl to the ground and molested her, the Whit weekend festivities, there's slow progress in providing playing fields for children and Stop Press – a rabbit is spotted in Victoria Park!
This week's many stories include the clean milk demo at the Fleece Hotel, how Empire Day was celebrated in the Town Hall, the Haydock furniture dispute, the drunken lodger of Ramford Street and the mock repentance of the defendant dubbed the most violent and wickedest woman.
Although the authorities regularly carried out spot checks on milk to see whether farmers and dairymen were adding water, the analysis would often also detect traces of dirt.
Such things as rust, sand, animal dung and straw could be found, often through accidental contamination.
And so during the afternoon of the 26th in the sales yard at the Fleece Hotel in Church Street, a demonstration was given of how clean milk could be produced on any farm or dairy.
Many farmers and dairymen were present, along with members of the council's Health Committee.
The Chairman of the National Clean Milk Society demonstrated how clean milk could be economically produced and spoke of the dangerous effects of bacteria in dirty milk, especially on children.
I recently wrote how family disputes over the possessions of a loved one after their death seemed to have been much more common in the past.
With working class folk tending to own very little and not write wills, dividing up the deceased's furniture and bits and bobs between family members could easily be a recipe for rows.
In St Helens County Court on the 27th, Ethel Harrison sued Thomas Mowbray for £50 for breaching an agreement that she claimed had been made between herself and Thomas' late brother, William Mowbray.
Ethel had been adopted by William and his wife and had lived with them at their home in Church Road in Haydock.
She had been working as a nurse at Haydock Lodge but said William had persuaded her to return to his home to nurse his wife and keep house.
In return he had promised Ethel that upon his death he would leave her all the furniture in the house.
In January 1925 William was found drowned in a reservoir at Haydock and Thomas wasted no time in getting his hands on his brother's furniture.
He turned up at the house on the day after his brother's body was discovered to remove the furniture – but Ethel refused to let him in.
But Thomas returned with a cart and a policeman and as he was the next of kin and acting as administrator of William's estate, she said she had to give it up.
In court all sorts of accusations were made, including Thomas Mowbray claiming that his brother had told him Ethel was driving him mad and staying out late at night.
Thomas completely denied that any promise to give Ethel his furniture was ever made by his brother William before his death.
However, the judge in the County Court hearing in East Street in St Helens said he had no doubt whatsoever that the deceased intended Ethel to have his furniture.
But he added that what he thought did not matter because there had been no legal document, will or bond made that had bequeathed the furniture to Ethel. In other words, she should have got the deal with her adopted father in writing.
"As hard as it seems, you are without redress", the judge declared, telling Ethel that she would also have to pay all the court costs.
The Liverpool Echo wrote on the 28th: "A mock repentance and a sudden outburst of anger led to a sudden change of magisterial decision at St. Helens today, when a Liverpool woman, Catherine Kinell, was accused of assaulting a policeman."
PC Shepherd, who had had prior experience of the woman, gave evidence that she had accused him of molesting her and created a great scene.
He said he was compelled to take Catherine into custody and she had attacked him with a hatpin and thrown a stone at him.
The officer described her as "…the most violent and the wickedest woman I have ever had to deal with."
Upon hearing this Catherine Kinell burst into tears and professed her sincere sorrow for what had taken place.
The magistrates liked to hear remorse and the Chairman, Alderman Reed, decided to let her off lightly with a small fine.
However, upon leaving the dock the woman was heard to make a threat against PC Shepherd. This is how the Echo reported what happened next:
"Ald. Reed ordered her to be brought back, and she again assumed a meek and mild manner, denying that she had said anything.
"The Chairman: What did you say as you left the dock?
"Kinell (in a fury): Wait until I get out and stiffen you!
"P.C. Melbourne: She said she would get twelve months for the policeman when she came out.
"The Chairman: She will now go to gaol for 28 days instead of being fined.
"Kinell: And wait until my time is up."
In January 1924 the Conservative Party splinter group known as the St Helens Women's Unionist Association had formed a Children's Loyalty League.
At the time the Reporter said: "Loyalty to King and country is a strong element in the Children's Loyalty League, and they are taught physical exercises, country dancing and singing and generally have a real good time under well-regulated conditions."
What might be seen as indoctrinating children to be patriotic citizens centred on the commemoration of St George's Day and Empire Day.
The latter used to be celebrated in Britain and her colonies annually between 1904 and 1958, with bonfires often lit and fireworks set off.
On the 29th the Reporter described how the North and South Eccleston branch of the Loyalty League had celebrated Empire Day in "magnificent style".
The event had taken place in the Town Hall and was called "Britannia and Her Daughters".
By today’s standards depictions by children of subjugated colonies giving homage to Britannia would at the very least be seen as distasteful. But not so in the 1920s, with the Reporter writing:
"The children threw their whole hearts into the affair, and by their rendering of the various patriotic songs they made a fine impression on the large audience of parents and friends, who were unstinted in their praise.
"The platform had been converted into an excellent stage, and on it was depicted the Court of Britannia, to which came representatives of the various Colonies to do homage to their legion Queen.
"Around the throne of Britannia stood the choir, which was very pleasing both on account of the neat little white dresses and the rendering of the choruses.
"After the opening welcoming chorus, Britannia (A. Dutton) ascended the throne, resplendent in her majestic robes, her train being carried by two pretty little page-boys."
Many people in St Helens took in lodgers with the money they paid for room and board helping to pay their bills.
But, of course, there was always a risk of the lodger being a difficult sort and Ewan Williams appears to have been that type of person.
In St Helens Police Court on the 29th, Williams brought a charge of assault against Gilbert Lewis of Ramford Street.
Ewan Williams told the court that he'd been having a drink at a public house in Higher Parr Street when Lewis had put in an appearance and attacked him.
He said he was hit in the eye, kicked and knocked about. "He was all over me", Williams complained.
But when Gilbert Lewis took the stand he explained that the man had been lodging with his family but was in the regular habit of getting drunk and knocking his children about.
His wife had ordered Williams to leave her home but he had not gone.
The magistrates were not impressed with Gilbert Lewis taking the law into his own hands and bound him over to keep the peace for 12 months but only required him to deposit two sureties of £1.
Those taking in lodgers were expected to keep a register of their names and nationalities.
Elizabeth Rawlings of Parr Street was prosecuted for not keeping such a record of her three lodgers and told the court:
"I don't know the law, and I only keep lodgers to earn an honest living. I never had a twopenny loaf from charity all my life." The case was dismissed upon payment of costs.
John Kay had been taken into custody by the police simply for walking up and down Duke Street in the early hours "without coat or vest and with shirt hanging out", as the Reporter put it.
When a constable spoke to him, Kay had said: "I am fed up. I don't know where I am going."
In court he told the magistrates that he had been discharged from the mental ward of the Whiston Institution two days before and claimed he had no money and had been roaming about with nothing to eat since then.
Upon being asked by the chairman if he was prepared to return to Whiston, Mr Kay replied: "Yes, if you'll give me a new jacket and waistcoat".
After being asked if he had been given one when discharged, Mr Kay replied: "Aye, an old jacket in rags and tatters", which he said he'd passed on to the ragman.
It was decided that he would be returned to the Whiston Institution, which essentially was the new name for the workhouse.
And finally, June 1st was Whit Monday and a Whist Drive and Dance was held in the Town Hall in aid of the New Catholic Grammar School Building Fund.
The Archbishop of Liverpool had laid the foundation stone for the new school at West Park in July 1924 and it was set to open later in 1925.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the man that threw a 17-year-old girl to the ground and molested her, the Whit weekend festivities, there's slow progress in providing playing fields for children and Stop Press – a rabbit is spotted in Victoria Park!!!
Although the authorities regularly carried out spot checks on milk to see whether farmers and dairymen were adding water, the analysis would often also detect traces of dirt.
Such things as rust, sand, animal dung and straw could be found, often through accidental contamination.
Many farmers and dairymen were present, along with members of the council's Health Committee.
The Chairman of the National Clean Milk Society demonstrated how clean milk could be economically produced and spoke of the dangerous effects of bacteria in dirty milk, especially on children.
I recently wrote how family disputes over the possessions of a loved one after their death seemed to have been much more common in the past.
With working class folk tending to own very little and not write wills, dividing up the deceased's furniture and bits and bobs between family members could easily be a recipe for rows.
In St Helens County Court on the 27th, Ethel Harrison sued Thomas Mowbray for £50 for breaching an agreement that she claimed had been made between herself and Thomas' late brother, William Mowbray.
Ethel had been adopted by William and his wife and had lived with them at their home in Church Road in Haydock.
She had been working as a nurse at Haydock Lodge but said William had persuaded her to return to his home to nurse his wife and keep house.
In return he had promised Ethel that upon his death he would leave her all the furniture in the house.
In January 1925 William was found drowned in a reservoir at Haydock and Thomas wasted no time in getting his hands on his brother's furniture.
He turned up at the house on the day after his brother's body was discovered to remove the furniture – but Ethel refused to let him in.
But Thomas returned with a cart and a policeman and as he was the next of kin and acting as administrator of William's estate, she said she had to give it up.
In court all sorts of accusations were made, including Thomas Mowbray claiming that his brother had told him Ethel was driving him mad and staying out late at night.
Thomas completely denied that any promise to give Ethel his furniture was ever made by his brother William before his death.
However, the judge in the County Court hearing in East Street in St Helens said he had no doubt whatsoever that the deceased intended Ethel to have his furniture.
But he added that what he thought did not matter because there had been no legal document, will or bond made that had bequeathed the furniture to Ethel. In other words, she should have got the deal with her adopted father in writing.
"As hard as it seems, you are without redress", the judge declared, telling Ethel that she would also have to pay all the court costs.
The Liverpool Echo wrote on the 28th: "A mock repentance and a sudden outburst of anger led to a sudden change of magisterial decision at St. Helens today, when a Liverpool woman, Catherine Kinell, was accused of assaulting a policeman."
PC Shepherd, who had had prior experience of the woman, gave evidence that she had accused him of molesting her and created a great scene.
He said he was compelled to take Catherine into custody and she had attacked him with a hatpin and thrown a stone at him.
The officer described her as "…the most violent and the wickedest woman I have ever had to deal with."
Upon hearing this Catherine Kinell burst into tears and professed her sincere sorrow for what had taken place.
The magistrates liked to hear remorse and the Chairman, Alderman Reed, decided to let her off lightly with a small fine.
However, upon leaving the dock the woman was heard to make a threat against PC Shepherd. This is how the Echo reported what happened next:
"Ald. Reed ordered her to be brought back, and she again assumed a meek and mild manner, denying that she had said anything.
"The Chairman: What did you say as you left the dock?
"Kinell (in a fury): Wait until I get out and stiffen you!
"P.C. Melbourne: She said she would get twelve months for the policeman when she came out.
"The Chairman: She will now go to gaol for 28 days instead of being fined.
"Kinell: And wait until my time is up."
In January 1924 the Conservative Party splinter group known as the St Helens Women's Unionist Association had formed a Children's Loyalty League.
At the time the Reporter said: "Loyalty to King and country is a strong element in the Children's Loyalty League, and they are taught physical exercises, country dancing and singing and generally have a real good time under well-regulated conditions."
What might be seen as indoctrinating children to be patriotic citizens centred on the commemoration of St George's Day and Empire Day.
The latter used to be celebrated in Britain and her colonies annually between 1904 and 1958, with bonfires often lit and fireworks set off.
On the 29th the Reporter described how the North and South Eccleston branch of the Loyalty League had celebrated Empire Day in "magnificent style".
The event had taken place in the Town Hall and was called "Britannia and Her Daughters".
By today’s standards depictions by children of subjugated colonies giving homage to Britannia would at the very least be seen as distasteful. But not so in the 1920s, with the Reporter writing:
"The children threw their whole hearts into the affair, and by their rendering of the various patriotic songs they made a fine impression on the large audience of parents and friends, who were unstinted in their praise.
"The platform had been converted into an excellent stage, and on it was depicted the Court of Britannia, to which came representatives of the various Colonies to do homage to their legion Queen.
"Around the throne of Britannia stood the choir, which was very pleasing both on account of the neat little white dresses and the rendering of the choruses.
"After the opening welcoming chorus, Britannia (A. Dutton) ascended the throne, resplendent in her majestic robes, her train being carried by two pretty little page-boys."
Many people in St Helens took in lodgers with the money they paid for room and board helping to pay their bills.
But, of course, there was always a risk of the lodger being a difficult sort and Ewan Williams appears to have been that type of person.
In St Helens Police Court on the 29th, Williams brought a charge of assault against Gilbert Lewis of Ramford Street.
Ewan Williams told the court that he'd been having a drink at a public house in Higher Parr Street when Lewis had put in an appearance and attacked him.
He said he was hit in the eye, kicked and knocked about. "He was all over me", Williams complained.
But when Gilbert Lewis took the stand he explained that the man had been lodging with his family but was in the regular habit of getting drunk and knocking his children about.
His wife had ordered Williams to leave her home but he had not gone.
The magistrates were not impressed with Gilbert Lewis taking the law into his own hands and bound him over to keep the peace for 12 months but only required him to deposit two sureties of £1.
Those taking in lodgers were expected to keep a register of their names and nationalities.
Elizabeth Rawlings of Parr Street was prosecuted for not keeping such a record of her three lodgers and told the court:
"I don't know the law, and I only keep lodgers to earn an honest living. I never had a twopenny loaf from charity all my life." The case was dismissed upon payment of costs.
John Kay had been taken into custody by the police simply for walking up and down Duke Street in the early hours "without coat or vest and with shirt hanging out", as the Reporter put it.
When a constable spoke to him, Kay had said: "I am fed up. I don't know where I am going."
In court he told the magistrates that he had been discharged from the mental ward of the Whiston Institution two days before and claimed he had no money and had been roaming about with nothing to eat since then.
Upon being asked by the chairman if he was prepared to return to Whiston, Mr Kay replied: "Yes, if you'll give me a new jacket and waistcoat".
After being asked if he had been given one when discharged, Mr Kay replied: "Aye, an old jacket in rags and tatters", which he said he'd passed on to the ragman.
It was decided that he would be returned to the Whiston Institution, which essentially was the new name for the workhouse.
And finally, June 1st was Whit Monday and a Whist Drive and Dance was held in the Town Hall in aid of the New Catholic Grammar School Building Fund.
The Archbishop of Liverpool had laid the foundation stone for the new school at West Park in July 1924 and it was set to open later in 1925.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the man that threw a 17-year-old girl to the ground and molested her, the Whit weekend festivities, there's slow progress in providing playing fields for children and Stop Press – a rabbit is spotted in Victoria Park!!!